Turner Broadcasting's GameTap service is primarily known as a subscription service for playing legacy games, but it has been investing increasingly more into new game development as well. Through its GameTap Original program, it currently features Telltale Games' Sam & Max episodes and has kickstarted development of Cyan Worlds' previously cancelled Myst Online: Uru Live; it recently also announced a development deal with notorious designer Derek Smart.

Today, GameTap announced a new program intended to foster independent development: GameTap Indies. Under the label, games will be featured on the GameTap service and promoted along with its GameTap Original games. To start off the program, GameTap will be sponsoring an award to be presented during this year's Independent Games Festival, help annually during the Game Developers Conference. The GameTap Indie Award will be given to three developers, who will receive a GameTap Indie distribution offer. The primary winner will be offered $10,000 and a five-year contract, while the other two winners will each be offered $5,000 and a five-year contract.

The GameTap Indie Award will be presented during the Independent Game Festival, which precedes the Game Developers Choice Awards at this year's Game Developers Conference on March 7 in San Francisco.