Joystick Labs Seeks Entrepreneurial Game Developers for 2011 Summer Underground

It’s Game Developer’s Conference week so expect several announcements like this:

Joystick Labs (www.joysticklabs.com),   an innovative accelerator program focused exclusively on video game developers, announced today that it has opened the application process for its 2011 Summer Underground program.  It will be hosting a free web information session on Tuesday March 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EST.

Joystick Labs seeks innovative games with intriguing distribution models and cutting-edge approaches to monetization.  Gamification, virtual goods, mobile, web-based, and social games are of particular interest.

Joystick Labs provides seed capital, mentoring, support, and introductions to each company selected.  The shared experience with other entrepreneurs in the Summer Underground environment removes uncertainty and risk from the often intimidating process of launching a company, allowing the developer to focus on building a great game. The 12 week program takes place in Joystick Labs at the American Underground in Durham, NC.

The web information session will give game developers an overview of Joystick Labs’ application process and criteria.  Joystick Labs will highlight the advantages of participating in their accelerator program, how to apply, and what they look for in an application.   Developers from the inaugural Fall 2010 program will be present to discuss the benefits that were brought to their companies.

The application process opens February 24 and there are two pre-proposal deadlines – an early deadline on April 1 and a final deadline on April 15.   Due to the competitive nature of the screening process, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by the first deadline, giving them the benefit of an extended review period and the potential opportunity to be selected to move to the final proposal round under early decision.

Interested developers can learn more, apply for 2011 Summer Underground, and confirm their attendance at the information session by visiting www.joysticklabs.com.