Microsoft Game Studios is casting its net for the next Limbo or Castle Crashers. It's just sent out a casting call for indie developers keen to create titles for Xbox Live Arcade and Windows Phone 7.

If you reckon you've got what it takes, either head on over to Game Connection Lyon which takes over the French city from tomorrow until Thursday 18th November or drop them an email at mobilegames@microsoft.com or arcade@microsoft.com for an introduction to Microsoft Business Development.

"MGS is aggressively scouting talent worldwide among both established and new developers," explained a Microsoft spokesperson.

"Microsoft Game Studios is open to partnering with independent game developers on fun and innovative games for Xbox Live Arcade and Windows Phone 7."

"We have a great track record delivering independent games to players on Xbox LIVE Arcade, such as Limbo, Trials HD, Castle Crashers, and most recently Super Meat Boy," added Saxs Persson, senior director of Xbox Live Arcade at Microsoft Game Studios.

"We also have a great track record of enabling our developer partners to realize their creative visions and ship great games that achieve both critical and commercial success, thanks in part to the development services and support provided by MGS."

Got a brilliant game idea stuffed down the back of your sofa? It seems like now might be the time to fess up.

Be warned though, the standards are pretty high. Super Meat Boy, which began life as a humble Flash game, recently won a 9/10 from Eurogamer's Tom Bramwell.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-11-15-microsoft-scouting-new-indie-talent

Now this is what interests me and my gaming dollars. I'd long quit gaming if there wasn't for these trully excellent retro arcade titles.

Super Meat Boy is the best 2D platformer I've played on Xbox live. Better than Braid, better than Limbo...better than Splosion man. Just pure twitch based arcade gameplay fun. Anything in similar vain gets my full seal of approval.

Have you seen the trailer for Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet? It looks pretty awesome!

great. the more innovationthe better.

I have not...but thank you for bringing it to my attention. Looks amazing indeed... Did guys making this make anything before Twisted Shadow? The art style looks familiar...

I may be wrong, but from my understanding, Michel Gagne has a bunch of film credits and has written books, but I don't think he's made a game before.