As VR becomes an ever greater part of our industry, so does the development talent being dedicated to it.

Whether it’s triple-A or Indie development, virtual reality and the talent behind it can no longer be ignored.

As such, whilst we have previously included VR as a part of the Big Indie Pitch, the time is now right for indie VR development to receive it’s own dedicated competition.

Therefore, this September Steel Media is proud to launch the inaugural VR Indie Pitch, which will take place as a part of Pocket Gamer Connects Helsinki 2016.

Much like The Very Big Indie Pitch which will be happening at the same time, the VR Indie Pitch will be a developer pitching competition open to all types of independent developers working on virtual reality games for any platform, and will take place at the Wanha Satama in Helsinki, Finland on September 5th and 6th.

Virtual pitching

What’s more, despite creating a separate event dedicated to VR, the setup remains very simple.

On September 6th, VR developers will get ten minutes to pitch their game to leading VR journalists and industry experts. This will ensure that every developer has enough time with each judge before the next developer pitches.

Three finalists will then be chosen to spend day two (September 6th) showcasing their game, with PG Connects Helsinki delegates then voting for their favourite VR title from the three remaining.

Finally, winners will then be announced on stage at the end of the day.

Dive In

The VR Indie Pitch is a unique chance to get your game in the hands of major players in the industry, as well as getting immediate feedback from them while you're at it. Judges will include a mix of industry experts, VR developers, and leading journalists such as VR Focus Editor-In-Chief Kevin Joyce.

This will also reward the top developers with a share of a promotional prize which is yet to be announced.

On top of this though, developers will also come away with expert insights on your game, something past BIP participants have assured us is invaluable.

Top Tips for the VR Indie Pitch

Not sure if your game's eligible? Well:

• You can pitch games for any type of VR, whether it be mobile, PC or console.
• You can pitch your game even if you've pitched it at a previous BIP.
• We prefer to see unreleased games, though we're happy to see games that are out too.
• Your game doesn’t have to be completed, as we welcome games in development.
• Deadline for entries is midnight on August 25th 2016 (entry details below).

Sound good? Then head over to the event page to find out more about how to submit your game.

In order to pitch your game at the inaugural VR Indie Pitch, simply head over to the Pocket Gamer Business Network and register your game with us. We’ll then get in touch closer to the event and confirm whether you have received a place on the pitch.

NOTE: Shorlisted entries receive two free passes to PGC Helsinki 2016. Non-shortlisted entries still qualify for a discounted PGC ticket.

What’s more, regardless of whether you’re pitching or simply just spectating, don't forget your business cards as they’ll more than enough chance to get in some valuable networking.