Last May saw the first edition of Indie Assemble, an international Steam promotion organized by Excaliber to celebrate indie video games, which recorded extraordinary numbers: 600 participating developers and publishers from 63 countries with over 1,200 games, more than 3.3 million impressions, and 100,000 unique views. After such success, Excaliber decided to further strengthen its commitment to supporting the independent video game industry and today launches a new promotion, an even more focused spin-off: The 123 Stars, available at this link.
This time, the spotlight is on “only” 123 indie video games – stars shining brighter than all the others in a firmament that counted a total of 1,234 submissions from every corner of the globe. The participants were selected by an international jury of experts composed of leading figures in the video game industry. Their names:
- Alex Beech, Head of Consumer PR & Marketing @ Big Games Machine
- Claire Barilla, Publishing Producer @ Not A Shark, 1TK Games, Yogscast Games
- Cristina Nava, Co-Founder, COO & Executive Producer @ Day 4 Night
- Gero Micciché, Development Director @ Electronic Arts
- Giordano B. Torgianni, Senior Brand Marketing Manager @ HoYoverse
- Giorgio Catania, Founder @ Excaliber, Creator of Indie Assemble
- Inês Ramalho, Business Development Manager @ Xsolla
- Victoria Hugo, Researcher @ Latin American Video Games and Director @ Cataxis
The 123 Stars officially kicks off today, September 1, at 7:00 PM CET / 10:00 AM PST, and will run until Sunday, September 7, at the same time. A week of celebrations with great discounts on already released titles and a showcase of upcoming indie games.
That is not all. During the selection, the Jury awarded the special Jury Choice, recognizing the video game that stood out the most for its ability to represent the importance of the medium and the artistic value video games can achieve. The award went to As Long As You’re Here, an intense narrative experience that explores the life of Annie, an elderly woman with Alzheimer’s. As Long As You’re Here addresses with great delicacy and depth a topic of pressing relevance, especially considering that the World Health Organization estimates that over 57 million people worldwide live with dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases each year. This work not only moved the Jury but also brings an important narrative to the forefront, demonstrating how video games can convey emotions and sensations that other media cannot.
At the same time, voting also opens today for the Brightest Star, the award conferred by the public. Anyone can support their favorite game by choosing from a shortlist identified by the Jury and thus help decide the most beloved title of the selection. Voting is open at the following link. The winner will be announced through Excaliber’s communication channels at the end of the promotion, by Friday, September 12. The winner will be announced through Excaliber’s communication channels at the end of the promotion, by September 12.
Indie Assemble: The 123 Stars represents a unique opportunity to discover and support the best independent productions from around the world, confirming Excaliber’s role as an international hub supporting developers and their stories.
If you are looking for new independent works to discover and support, do not miss the shining stars of The 123 Stars!
