Eligibility

The Indie Mountain West Showcase is open to independent game developers, hobbyists and students across the Intermountain West and surrounding regions. We define an “indie” developer as 10 core developers or fewer (students exempt)/ Indie-developed projects only. No dealers, agents or representatives are permitted.

Preference will be given to applicants whose work, program or project is invented or created by the individual applicant or organization. Any prospective exhibitors who have applied and are found to not meet requirements as listed on the application will have their application forfeited. Please note that the application fee is non-refundable.

Original Work Regulation

All creations must be original, handcrafted work made by the exhibitor. Commercial, mass-produced or mass-manufactured items that are not made by the exhibitor are not eligible to participate in Craft Lake City events.

Upon submission of images, the applicant guarantees the accuracy of the description of the products presented and the authenticity of the product as original and created by their own hands. All games included must align with the quality and category represented in the prospective exhibitor’s application.

AI Policy

Craft Lake City welcomes the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in exhibits as a tool for education, innovation, inspiration and engagement. STEM exhibitors may use or demonstrate AI technologies openly to teach the public about topics such as coding, data science, artificial intelligence, robotics, design or other creative and scientific applications.

All AI use must be transparent. STEM exhibitors must clearly explain how AI contributes to their projects or demonstrations through signage, descriptions and conversation with attendees. If AI is used at any stage, applicants must clearly disclose the specific use (and the programs thereof) in their application and, if accepted, disclose their usage of AI with signage displayed clearly at their exhibitor space. Exhibits using AI must follow Craft Lake City’s Code of Conduct, follow the Original Work Regulation (above), respect data privacy and ensure human oversight at all times.

Craft Lake City supports the responsible exploration of new technologies that inspire curiosity and learning while celebrating the creativity and expertise of human innovators. This policy will be reviewed quarterly to stay current with evolving technology and community expectations.

Craft Lake City reserves the right to deny any exhibitor application if it does not meet the Craft Lake City exhibitor criteria.

What to Submit

• Project + team info
• Playable build/demo (required for main stage)
• Brief game description and experience
• Space and exhibition preferences
• 2-4 screnshots of your game with descriptions
• Gameplay Footage Video

Submission Fee

The non-refundable submission fee is $25, and is paid online after completing the application in full. Applications for the Indie Mountain West Showcase are not considered complete until this small fee is paid. This application fee goes towards the cost of administrative processing and jurying for the event.

Students are exempt from the submission fee. To get a fee waiver, email stem@craftlakecity.com before the deadline (June 10, 2026). 

Selected Exhibitor Fees and Setup Details: 

• No additional fees incurred if selected.
• Standard setup includes table and chairs provided
• Developers should bring their own hardware, devices, and display materials
• Space assignments are based on project needs and overall layout
• Final placement based on fit, spacing needs and showcase balance

Main Showcase Area

• Featured games presented as part of the Indie Mountain West main showcase
• For projects with a strong playable build
• Designed for projects seeking competitive recognition
• All selected main showcase exhibitors are automatically eligible for inclusion in the Demo + Playtest Area

Demo + Playtest Area

• A space for in-progress work and early concepts.
• Ideal for prototypes and experimental builds
• Focused on feedback and iteration
• No polished build required
• Gameplay footage and screenshots required, but no playable build necessary to apply.

Additional Opportunities

Awards Participation (Optional)

• Opt in for Indie Mountain West Awards consideration.
• Open to all stages of development
• Select projects may receive additional recognition or honorarium support

Game Jam (Optional Interest)

• Express interest in a pre-festival game jam.
• Opportunity for collaboration and early exposure

How Selection Works

Indie Mountain West is a juried showcase designed to highlight a wide range of creators

Jury Process

After applications close, entries will be reviewed and panel of non-biased, third party jurors of local Utah game developers and community figured. Accepted exhibitors will be notified by email at the end of June.

Submissions are reviewed based on:

• Creativity and originality
• Gameplay or concept strength
• Design, art direction and overall experience
• Potential for audience engagement
• Representation of diverse voices and perspectives

Projects at all stages of development are encouraged to apply, from early prototypes to polished builds.

Indie Mountain West Awards (Optional Participation)
Applicants may opt into the Indie Mountain West Awards, a featured recognition within the showcase. Participation is optional and not required for selection.

• New Voices — Underrepresented, student, or novice developers
• Changemakers — Social impact and meaningful themes
• Radical Play — Innovative inputs, emotions or experiences
• DIY Darling — Audience choice; best embodies the DIY spirit
• Master of Craft — Best in show

Honorarium + Recognition
Selected competition finalists will receive a small participation honorarium, free booth placement and a chance at a grand prize. Minimal travel support may also be available to teams participating from outside of Utah.

Entries will be judged by local Utah game developers and community figures, and finalists will be announced in late June.