Nexon Announces New $1 Million Indie Dev Program

Nexon America is offering a total of $1 million in rewards to developers who submit "original, unique and promising" independent projects to a new program it calls "The Nexon iNitiative." Nexon is looking to sponsor, co-develop, and publish game concepts submitted to the new program, and with today's announcement, the global publisher -- whose distribution network services games in more than 71 countries -- is accepting submissions through its official website. Developers selected through the program win a share of the $1 million and a chance at a publishing contract with Nexon. "Nexon is all about great games, and The Nexon iNitiative is about finding the next generation of great game developers," said Nexon America's businses development VP Won Il Sue in a statement. "It doesn’t matter who you are, if you’ve got a great idea, we want to hear from you. We’re ready to fund, develop and publish the best of the best through our massive worldwide network." Sue explained, "We know that there are a lot of developers out there, both professional and amateur, who feel frustrated at the barriers to getting a truly unique and innovative game developed and published. The Nexon iNitiative is the place they can turn to with those great ideas that will sweep those barriers aside." Specifically, Nexon says it seeks "potential PC-based games that have broad appeal and encourage community and social interaction." It also welcomes Flash, client-based games or ports from other platforms are welcome. According to the company, "games with strong online elements will get serious consideration, but no good idea will be turned away."