4 Exhibitor Options

This year’s Expo is very different for CGDC attendees than previous years. For starters, we combined forces with Realm Makers to host a joint Expo using the same space, specifically, Exhibit Hall C at the Devos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan (This is the same building where the CGDC conference is being held). The new location is larger, more professional, and fan friendly. Our desire is to grow public attendance at the Expo and create an environment amenable to selling Christian products.

Be aware that the conference and the Expo are two distinct events, each having their own registration process and fees. Unlike previous years, the ability to Exhibit is not free, nor included with CGDC conference registration. That said, those who register for the CGDC conference will be allowed free entry into the Expo as a fan/guest with their badge (non-registered fans/guests are charged a nominal entrance fee).

This webpage is specifically designed to explain the options open to those wishing to Exhibit at this year’s Expo. The four options are:

• Professional Booth / Table through Realm Makers
• Sell your polished game through the CGDC Game Store
• Apply to the CGDC Showcase
• Submit a video to the CGDC Show Reel

For details on each, scroll down to each section.

Option 1: Professional Booth / Table through Realm Makers

This is for professional Game Studios focused on selling products. You can register online here

As a Vendor, you are responsible for the logistics associated with merchandising (e.g. making change, providing receipts, tracking/confirming orders, and applicable sales tax). Vendors assume all liability and agree, by participating in the Expo, to hold the Realm Makers and CGDC organizations harmless in matters related to their sales.

Spatially, there are two alternatives:

Option 2: Sell your polished game through the CGDC Game Store

[NOTE: This is an option we hope to offer, At this point, we are still working on putting it together. Details will be announced and added here as they emerge.]

This is a less expensive option ($125 + 10% of your sales + sales tax) that still allows you to sell your game, but doesn’t provide exclusive promotional space (e.g. other games will also be sold and displayed in this space as well). And while a professional Booth/Table with Realm Makers requires you to man your booth/table the entire time, this option does not (a salesperson will be present to collect/track purchases and sales tax).

The organization strongly advocates that developers aspire to excellence, infuse quality in all their works, and be true to the artistry God has placed in their hearts. We expect that you apply that same standard to your Expo presentation as well. Feel free to create an elaborate booth, distribute handouts/swag, display stunning visuals, or bring/apply the latest technologies to what you present. 

Option 3: Apply to the CGDC Showcase

Traditionally, exhibiting has been a free opportunity for developers to share their creative ventures with others and a chance to receive constructive feedback and support from those who have faced similar difficulties. We greatly desire for that to continue, but realize in this new professional venue that not everyone has polished games ready to sell nor can afford the costs of exhibiting. To that end we’ve created the CGDC Showcase. Think of it as comparable to the Indie MegaBooth. This option is focused on growing your audience and receiving feedback (not selling).

 The goal of the CGDC Showcase is to guide, encourage, and recognize Christian developers that create games glorifying God. The hope is that this results in better/curated games for Expo while also giving developers feedback/guidance.

Acceptance into showcase is for those games that reflect CGDC’s Ideal of Excellence in:

Submissions will first be reviewed for eligibility, as follows:

• Application must be complete, submitted before deadline, and be accompanied by the Application Fee ($75)
• Entries must be the work of the applicant(s) to which they legally have rights / ownership over
• There is no time limit on when the game was initially created
• Entry must be family friendly (no gore, no overt sexuality, clean language) or contain working Parental/Content controls
• Application must include a specific (not general or vague) target audience – show us you’ve done your market research
• Finalists must commit to in-person attendance to the 2025 CGDC at the DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan on July 18-20th
• CGDC is not responsible for travel/transportation costs 
• Finalist agree to be present at their Showcase location on the dates/times assigned by CGDC to present their Submission
• Finalists must agree to and sign: 1) Liability Waiver,  2) Code of Conduct Agreement, and 3) Publicity/Photo Release
• Finalists must bring at least 100 business cards or QR code with them to the CGDC Showcase

PC / MOBILE SUBMISSIONS:

• Entry must be playable / interactive using keyboard, mouse, or controller
• Entry must be able to be restarted (played by next person)
• On screen text needs to primarily be English or contain translations for English readers
• Entry must contain credits detailing who worked on game and products used (e.g. game engine, artwork, sound)
• Entry must contain instructions on how to play or in-game tutorial
• Name of Entry must be displayed on-screen (at least during the beginning) so Players know what they’re playing
• Entries that have sound must be able to mute and/or control the volume level of their game

Once eligibility has been verified, submissions will be reviewed by Mentors. If submissions do not meet eligibility requirements, then the applicant will be informed and given a chance to resubmit. Submissions are scored based on evaluation criteria, not as compared to other submissions (e.g. not a competition). All those submissions that meet 75 points or more (out of a possible 100) will be deemed Finalists and invited to participate/attend the CGDC Showcase. Applicants will be made aware of their scores/feedback and given an opportunity to resubmit if they score less than 75 points. Scoring is based on the following:

PRESENTATION 

• Intuitive / clear game goals (up to 10 pts)
• Game Polish (up to 10 pts)
• Art / UI Appeal (up to 10 pts)

DESIGN 

• Appropriate / Appealing for submitted target audience (up to 10 pts)
• Good UX – easy to understand and play (up to 10 pts)
• Sufficient Retention Elements (e.g. Discovery, Challenge, Achievement, Competition, Social) that make game fun (up to 10 pts)
• Clear Theme (up to 10 pts)

INNOVATION & UNIQUENESS 

• Interesting new elements (up to 10 pts)
• Uniqueness / hook (up to 10 pts)

SALES POTENTIAL 

• Marketing considered in description / art (up to 5pts)
• Replay value (up to 5pts)

Total Possible Points: 100

[NOTE: further details will be announced and placed here, including where/how/what to submit as well as submission dates / deadlines]

Option 4: Submit a video to the CGDC Show Reel

The least expensive option ($30 each submission) that gives exposure to your game. Attendance at the Expo is not required. Individuals/studios submitting a video can do so either as their only means of participation OR paired with another option above. Video submissions should be no longer than 3 minutes and use the MP4 file format. Videos that show actual game play are preferred. The last 10 seconds of each submission should contain some CTA (Call to Action) for viewers to follow-up on (e.g. landing page or shop/Steam website, QR code, or event date/time/place). All submissions must contain intellectual property owned by the person submitting (no copyright violations, please).

[NOTE: further details will be announced and placed here, including where/how to submit as well as submission dates / deadlines]