Perforce Software today announced it selected Lunchtime Studios, creators of the game Lords of New York, as the winner of its 20/20 Game Innovators Contest. The contest recognizes innovative game development among game developers using Perforce 20/20, the free 20-user edition of Perforce’s popular version management system. .

“It’s widely known that all of the AAA gaming companies are run on Perforce, so I was ecstatic when I learned that Perforce is free for indie companies and other small shops,” said Dan Higgins, founder and lead programmer of Lunchtime Studios. “We wanted to build our game right from the start so we’re grateful that Perforce gives back to the community in this way. The fact that they’re now helping us promote our game as well is icing on the cake.”

Perforce is popular with game developers due to its speed, ease of use and ability to manage any type of file—including large binaries, such as the artwork used in games. The Perforce 20/20 Program allows startups and small companies to take advantage of Perforce’s versioning and collaboration solutions. All Perforce products are available free of charge for up to 20 users or 20 workspaces, and an unlimited number of files. The thousands of companies using Perforce free of charge have access to the same award-winning technical support as paid customers, which include an impressive roster of Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders from around the world.

Additionally, Perforce is available at no cost for use in open source projects and to educational institutions.

"Perforce was launched in my garage, so I know what it’s like to be passionate about an idea and give it your all to bring it to fruition. That’s why I’m passionate about our 20/20 Program and helping companies get off the ground,” said Christopher Seiwald, founder and CEO of Perforce. "We looked at a lot of great new games built on Perforce and Lords of New York truly impressed us.”