Getting a game idea published

Over at the IGDA, there's some advice for a hobbyist game developer looking to pitch (and protect) a game design. Pitching a random idea for a game to a developer or publisher isn't easy, but there are some solid hints on how to get an idea towards reality:

• Come up with a demo
  
• Attend game industry events to make contacts
• Read up on the pitching process
• Pay attention to NDAs

Indie game development competitions and pitching opportunities offer a lot of scope for an idea to become an actual game; accessible platforms like Flash and the Xbox Live Arcade add further ways it can happen. One thing's for sure, though -- you have to be serious and committed to make this process work.

See also:
Advice for wannabe game developers
The life of a lapsed game developer