Earlier this year, Activision awarded a total of $250,000 to the two winners of the inaugural Activision Independent Games Competition. While the publisher of blockbusters like Call of Duty is not often associated with indie gaming, Activision is sticking with its "commitment to fostering creativity in the independent development community," bringing the competition back for a second installment.

　　Activision is giving $250,000 to a pair of fortunate independent developers next year. Activision today posted an open call for submissions to the second Activision Independent Games Competition. The stakes are the same as last time, with a grand prize winner receiving a check for $175,000 and a first place entrant taking home $75,000. To be considered as a finalist in the competition, creators will need to sign agreements that "may include" giving Activision right of first refusal to publish the game, releasing the publisher from any claims, giving the company name and likeness publicity rights, and providing a splash screen in the game acknowledging it was in part funded by the competition.

　　Submissions will be accepted through December 31, 2011. Finalists will be notified on or around February 15, 2012. A jury to determine the winner will be provided by organizers of the annual IndieCade Festival and Conference. This year's IndieCade is set to take place this weekend in Culver City, California.