Now in its 7th year, MAGFest Indie Retro has become one of the cherished highlights of the MAGFest experience. Nestled near the MAGFest Indie Videogame Showcase, it’s easy to spot with its couches and classic CRT televisions buzzing with retro games.
This department offers a carefully curated collection of new retro homebrew titles and beloved fan-favorite classics, delivering a nostalgic and exciting experience for gamers of all ages. Whether you’re a long-time retro fan or a curious newcomer, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
Submissions for MAGFest Indie Retro are now open!
Are you ready to showcase your own homebrew creation? We want to see what you’ve got! Apply today and let your creation shine at one of the year's most exciting indie gaming events. Submit your game by October 31st, 11:59 PM, and secure your spot in the 2025 Indie Retro Homebrew Showcase at MAGFest!
If you have any questions not answered in the FAQ or need to contact the general Indie Retro department, please email indieretro@magfest.org.
INDIE RETRO FAQ
I'M INTERESTED IN SUBMITTING MY INDIE RETRO GAME. WHAT DO I NEED TO SUBMIT?
A "submission" consists of a build of the game, a handful of screenshots, and an indication of whether or not you'll be able to attend in person. Please note that this is not explicitly required thanks to our volunteers, but is always prioritized.
IF I'M ACCEPTED, WHAT IS REQUIRED FROM ME?
In an ideal world, everyone is able to come in person to share their games with the fans. For folks that can't attend, we'll want you to participate in the social media amplification that summons players. For folks who are attending, the core showcase hours are 11 AM - 7 PM EST.
WHAT ARE THE CONTENT GUIDELINES/POLICY FOR THE SHOWCASE?
Per the MAGFest Code of Conduct, all festival areas are considered "PG-15" at all times. In addition, all games should adhere to the ESRB Teen Rating guidelines.
I'M A PUBLISHER. CAN I SUBMIT A GAME I PUBLISH?
Maybe! In general, the game you're submitting to MAGFest must be the creation of your studio, self, or team. Games may not be submitted by any team, studio, or developer that did not majorly assist in the creation of the game. This includes publishers or outsourced entities assisting in the management or marketing of the game shown. The relationship of the indie to the publisher as perceived by MAGFest is at MAGFest's discretion.
WILL GAMES SUBMITTED TO THE SHOWCASE BE REQUIRED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE TIME OF THE SHOWCASE?
No, partially completed games are accepted, but the more you have completed, the more helpful it will be to the judges.
HOW DO YOU DETERMINE WHO IS IN THE SHOWCASE?
Our team of judges will evaluate your entry. Those evaluations will determine if the game is accepted to the showcase.
IS INDIE RETRO DIFFERENT FROM MIVS? IS INDIE RETRO DIFFERENT FROM INDIE ARCADE?
Yes! Several different indie departments exist at Super MAGFest, each catering to different needs, though we're all neighbors and frequent collaborators. Indie Retro caters to physical cartridges and throwback PC games from DOS and earlier. MIVS is dedicated to showcasing modern indie games that one might find on Steam or a console Indie Arcade caters to physical installations and experimental experiences. If your game meets the criteria for multiple departments, you are free to submit to all of them. Feel free to reach out to us if you need any clarification!
IF I'M ACCEPTED, CAN I UPDATE MY GAME'S INFORMATION, PICTURES, VIDEO, ETC?
Yes, if updated 30 days before MAGFest.
I REQUIRE A SPECIFIC MODIFIED OR CUSTOM MAPPER TO PLAY MY GAME. CAN YOU EMULATE IT?
The Indie Retro Showcase is hardware only. However, if you want to provide a physical copy, or showcase it in person, we can get to the fun part together!
I WANT TO SHOW MY GAME BUT I CAN'T AFFORD TO GET IT TO MAGFEST. HELP!
Never fear my retro friend, we can help get your game there. Submit for review, and if you're chosen, we'll handle the physical manifestation and shepherd your ROM safely to the masses with a sweet, physical cartridge.
CAN I SELL MY GAMES IN THE INDIE RETRO SHOWCASE?
Vending is not currently permitted without proper planning and permitting.
AM I REQUIRED TO PROVIDE CONSOLES AND TELEVISIONS IF MY GAME IS SELECTED?
Consoles and televisions are provided for the showcase and factored into the layout and footprint of the area. With advance notice, we can accommodate special requests or custom setups at least 30 days prior to Super MAGFest.
I HAVE SOME OTHER QUESTIONS...
Email us at indieretro@magfest.org, we're all happy to chat, answer any questions, and keep it physical for the pixel-loving attendees of MAGFest!