Though known for larger game developers such as Epic Games and a branch of Insomniac Games, the Raleigh-Durham area is also home to numerous indie game developers. These smaller companies, though making games on a much smaller scale and with less popularity, nevertheless work with much of the same intensity and long hours as the bigger studios.

Now, Raleigh locals will be able to see what these developers have accomplished in recent years. Raleigh Game On, holding its first event tonight, will showcase the games that have been developed in the Raleigh area.

Originating from a conversation between two of the ten developers showcased at the event, Raleigh Game On was conceived as a way for local developers to better network between one another, while also becoming a bigger presence in the community.

Alan Youngblood, Co-Founder of Mighty Rabbit Studios and one of the masterminds behind the event, described the reasoning behind the event.

“There’s a lot of indie developers in the area,” Youngblood said, “but we’re all kind of spread out. It’s easier to do stuff with more people, so we figured we’d get together to network.”

With ten developers coming out, and more who were unable to make it to this event, it’s understandable that networking would be a goal. However, another aspect of the event is reaching out to the public.

The structure, Youngblood describes, is a sort of Battle of the Bands for the games on display. Attendees are encouraged to try all the games on display at their own leisure, and then cast their vote on which game is best of show.

“This whole concept [of Raleigh Game On] is popular and really seems to be working,” Youngblood said. “It’s something people wanted, we just gave it a name, place and time. It’s exciting to be a part of that, and we’re hoping we can get good attendance.”

Overall, the involved companies hope that people will come out and be able to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. The developers also want to be able to enjoy the night, so they request no one come trying to solicit a job. Another incentive for locals to attend is the promise of a raffle for attendees to win prizes.

The main attraction of the event, the games on display, should be plenty for any gaming fan to enjoy, with numerous genres represented.

Mighty Rabbit Studios will be presenting their upcoming title Saturday Morning Hero. An episodic RPG set in a world of 80s pop culture, the game looks to provide a solid amount of quirky humor for people raised through the decade.

“Idea behind the game is to take the casual JRPG game style,” Youngblood said, “while also adding some modern elements to add to the fun and avoid grind-heavy gameplay.”

Also on display will be Nakai Entertainment’s Ninja Hamster Rescue, a side-scrolling platformer . The game stars Riku , a hamster ninja who must wage war against the enemy samurai cats.

Eight other titles will be available to attendees to try out, and the developers will all be trying to provide the best experience they can.

Though the focus currently remains on the first event, Raleigh Game On is a project the developers hope will become a regular event.

“We’re trying to do it monthly,” Youngblood said. “Our next one should be in three weeks. We’re partnering up with SparkCon . They’re excited to get us to come and show off our games, something we’re excited about as well.”

Of course, what the future holds remains dependent on how popular the first event proves. Interested gamers can visit the first Raleigh Game On event at The Hive downtown. The event will run from seven to ten tonight, August 29.