T he annual Independent Games Festival (IGF) celebrates the achievements of independent game developers. Similar to the film industry's Sundance Film Festival, the IGF serves as a showcase for quality games that are created without the financial backing of a major publisher. The festival is hosted by the CMP Game Group, which is also well known for its production of Game Developer magazine, Gamasutra.com, and the Game Developers Conference (GDC), all of which are great resources serving the needs of game developers worldwide.

The 2007 IGF Main Competition received 141 entries. The field has been whittled down to 19 finalists. Seven awards, ranging from Excellence in Visual Art to the Audience Award, are bestowed upon games in this category.

The IGF's Student Showcase recognizes the talents of student developers. This noncompetitive event is open to full-time high school and college students. This year, 102 entries were received. GameSpot is proud to host the top 10 entries as nominated by an IGF-appointed jury.

In addition, GameSpot is proud to feature the IGF Mod Competition Finalists. This category recognizes the most outstanding, independently developed "total conversion" modifications.

In collaboration with the IGF, GameSpot is hosting the voting for the 2007 Audience Award. Check out the finalists in the Main Competition category, and cast your votes today!

You may vote only once for one game in the Main Competition category. In order to vote, you must be a GameSpot member. If you are not already a member, please take a moment to sign up for your free membership to GameSpot, or subscribe to GameSpot Total Access.

Winners will be announced at the IGF Awards Show at the GDC on March 7, 2007, and on GameSpot following the awards ceremony. The GDC is March 5-9 at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco.

• Toblo
• Everyday Shooter *
• Toribash
• Armadillo Run
• Aquaria *

• Castle Crashers
• Roboblitz
• Aquaria *
• Golf? *
• Samorost 2

• Racing Pitch
• Bone: The Great Cow Race
• Everyday Shooter *
• FizzBall
• Aquaria *

• Armada Online
• Blast Miner
• Bang! Howdy
• Arcane Legions *
• Band of Bugs *

* Games that did not provide a downloadable demo or were not playable in public are not eligible for the Audience Award.