Day of the Devs, known for its annual showcases that highlight indie games and creators, has recently made a significant transformation. After over a decade of promoting independent game development, the organization has officially become a non-profit organization. This milestone comes with the launch of their first fundraising campaign and the announcement of multiple events scheduled for this year.
Originally conceived in 2012 as a collaboration between Double Fine, the studio behind the acclaimed game Psychonauts, and iam8bit, a merchandise company, Day of the Devs started as an in-person event in San Francisco. Its primary goal was to provide a platform for indie game developers to exhibit their creations to a wider audience. Over time, the showcase evolved into an online event, reaching even more people and expanding its impact on the indie gaming community.
The recent declaration of Day of the Devs as a fully independent 501c3 non-profit signifies a significant shift for the organization. This new status allows them to utilize different fundraising methods while being transparent about the allocation of funds received. By prioritizing platform-agnosticism, Day of the Devs ensures that their initiatives cater to all developers, irrespective of their preferred gaming platforms.
To support their future endeavors, Day of the Devs has launched their inaugural fundraising campaign on FundraiseUP. This campaign offers various rewards to donors, including game keys, event tickets, and merchandise. The funds generated will be allocated to cover essential expenses such as event venues, staffing, equipment, video production, and overall operational costs.
Day of the Devs has established a significant presence in the indie gaming community, successfully coordinating showcases alongside prominent events such as the Summer Game Fest and The Game Awards. Looking ahead, the organization has exciting plans for 2024, including events scheduled for June as part of the Summer Game Fest and December in conjunction with The Game Awards. Additionally, a special in-person Day of the Devs event is set to take place in San Francisco in March. March will also witness a series of exclusive events, including a GDC edition of the showcase during the developers’ conference and a ticketed event at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
Day of the Devs co-founder, Tim Schafer, expressed his enthusiasm about this new chapter, commenting, “It’s a whole new day for Day of the Devs. It’s extremely gratifying to see this show become as fully independent as the amazing indie games it has always centered around.” With a renewed focus on supporting indie developers and their creations, Day of the Devs is poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come.
Day of the Devs has come a long way since its inception. What began as a collaborative effort between gaming and merchandise entities has now evolved into a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting independent game development. With their new fundraising campaign and a series of upcoming events, Day of the Devs is reinforcing its commitment to the growth and recognition of indie games and their talented creators.
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