Organizers from the Independent Games Festival have announced a multi-year partnership with Microsoft Studios and the Xbox LIVE Arcade publishing team.
A panel of indie games creators will, with Microsoft's help, draw up a shortlist for a new prize that will consist of a publishing deal for XBLA, Windows Phone and Windows, as well as full game funding (if required).
The 2012 festival will be the 14th annual event and will be held next year in San Francisco on March 7.
In past years Microsoft has teamed up with several IGF winners and nominees including the developers of games like Limbo, Super Meat Boy and Braid.