This is a press release posted alongside our usual editorial content.

Indie game developers from around the world with unpublished games are being invited to enter a competition to secure one of up to ten spots in a special Indie Stars expo at Game Republic New Horizons in October. The entries will be selected by an expert panel of games media and the Indie Stars showcase itself will take place at the Riverside Stadium on 15th October, host venue for the main conference and expo event in Middlesbrough.

Attendees of Game Republic New Horizons will be invited to vote for their favourite game during the conference, with the winning title getting a cash prize plus free membership of Game Republic for 12 months. Up to ten indie games will be selected and will also be in line to have exhibitor and other opportunities in 2026/2027 as well as free tickets to the event.

Entries are now open

MD of Game Republic Jamie Sefton said: “Indie Stars will provide fantastic exposure for developers with unpublished games which we hope will lead to future investment and support. The games must be playable and can be in any format or for any platform – PC, console, mobile, internet, VR and more. I am really excited to see the line-up and play some exciting new games!”

The showcase will be attended by global publishers and investors, and all winning indies will be given 2 FREE spots at the event, a table and tech kit to showcase their game. The game developers will be able to attend the whole conference including the pre- and after parties at the event.

The competition launches today 3^rd September and closes in 10 days at midnight on 13^th September, with selected game developers being notified on 21^st September.

Game Republic New Horizons will take place 14 – 16 October and will be setting the stage for a legendary selection of speakers including Ken Kutaragi – “The Father of PlayStation”, Hakan Abrak – CEO and Co-Owner of IO Interactive and Game Director of smash hit spy game 007 First Light, Rebecca Lautner – Chief Business Office for Landfall, Teddy Keefe – Tencent Games, plus funding bodies, investors, publishers and platform-holders with over 300 senior leaders from games and the creative industries attending. There’ll also be parties, masterclasses, business workshops, tech deep-dives, an expo and an Investor Zone in collaboration with Games London. More information is available via the conference website as well as discounted accommodation: grnewhorizons.gamerepublic.net