The organizers of Indie Game Awards have announced and revealed the nominees, presenters, and judges for it’s inaugural event set to take place on December 19. The IGAs is an awards-only event dedicated to recognizing excellence in indie gaming with 15 categories that highlight innovation, storytelling, and artistry from groundbreaking indies worldwide.
The IGAs will feature presenters from Black Salt Games, Raw Fury, Wishes Unlimited, Yacht Club Games, Toge Productions, InnerSloth, and more. The nominees were selected from a curation jury consisting of Six One Indie, Women-Led Games, Latin American Games Showcase, Wholesome Games, Dames-4-Games, The Indie Informer, and MinnMax. The judging committee also includes Giant Bomb, Spawn on Me, Wanderbots, AshSaidHi, Playcrafting, IGDA, and other prominent voices from the indie space.
The 15 categories include Debut Game which recognizes the innovation, creativity, and impact of a studio that has set a high standard right from the start with its first commercial launch.
Notable Achievement in Accessibility recognizes a game that proritizes inclusivity by offering extensive adjustments and thoughtful options, ensuring an equitable and enjoyable experience for all players regardless of their abilities.
The Music category recognizes a game captivating the musical compositions that enhance immersion, evoke emotions, and leave a memorable impact on players.
Visual Design recognizes a game that exemplifies a unique, powerful, and captivating art style, honoring the creativity and artistry that elevate the visual experience and leave a lasting impression on players.
Bite-Sized Game highlights a standout title that delivers an impactful and engaging experience within a brief playtime.
Innovation refers to a game that pushes boundaries with its unique premise or gameplay twist; an experience that captivates players and redefines expectations in the industry.
Emotional Impact is all about a game that profoundly resonates with players through personal, emotional, and thematic experiences, leaving a lasting impression and fostering deep connections with their audience.
The Gameplay Design category is about recognizing a game with exceptional gameplay mechanics that contribute to the overall flow, challenge, and enjoyment of the game, encouraging players to immerse themselves fully in the experience.
Community Management is an award that recognizes an individual or studio that excels in fostering a vibrant and inclusive community through exceptional engagement, support, and communication that enhances player experience and builds lasting connections.
The Narrative refers to a game that delivers a powerful narrative with compelling characters, immersive worlds, and/or thought-provoking themes.
The Storyteller award recognizes an exceptional storyteller whose profound narratives in games create lasting impressions, weaving unforgettable experiences that resonate deeply with players.
Women-Led Game highlights the outstanding achievements of a game developed by a women-led indie studio, celebrating innovation, creativity, and the unique perspectives brought to life through diverse storytelling and gameplay.
Solo Development focuses on games crafted by a single full-time developer, as well as the dedication, creativity, and passion that goes into bringing a vision to life from concept to completion.
Industry Impact honors the individuals and/or organizations that have made remarkable and positive contributions to the indie scene throughout the year.
Game of the Year highlights the games that have made a significant impact in the industry through its unique storytelling, artistic vision, and gameplay mechanics.
The IGAs are built on the foundation of genuine collaboration, bringing together voices from games media, content creators, showcases, and game development within the indie scene,” Six One Indie said. “At the heart of the ceremony are the developers themselves, who remain the focal point as we celebrate their creativity and contributions to the gaming world.”
The debut of the Indie Game Awards will take place on December 19 at 4 pm PT | 7pm ET and will be available to view on IGN and the Six One Indie YouTube channel.
The full list of nominees can be found below.
Debut Game
- Arranger, Furniture & Mattress LLC
- Lil’ Guardsman, Hilltop Games
- Little Kitty, Big City, Double Dagger Studio
- Loddlenaut, Moon Lagoon
- MULLET MADJACK, HAMMER95
- Worldless,Noname Studios
Notable Achievement in Accessibility
- Another Crab’s Treasure, Aggro Crab
- Elsie, Knight Shift Games
- Periphery Synthetic, shiftBacktick
- Pine Hearts,Hyper Luminal Games
- SteamWorld Heist II, Thunderful Development
- Surmount: A Mountain Climbing Adventure, Jasper Oprel and Indiana-Jonas
Music
- Core Keeper, Pugstorm
- Flock, Hollow Ponds
- Pacific Drive, Ironwood Studios
- The Cub, Demagog Studio
- Thrasher, Puddle Studio
- Wild Bastards, Blue Manchu
Visual Design
- Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus, Squid Shock Studios
- Crow Country, SFB Games
- Harold Halibut, Slow Bros.
- Hauntii, Moonloop Games
- The Plucky Squire, All Possible Futures
- Ultros, Hadoque
Bite-Sized Game
- Buckshot Roulette, Mike Klubnika
- Clickholding, Strange Scaffold
- Duck Detective: The Secret Salami, Happy Broccoli Games
- Minami Lane, Doot & Blipbloop
- Please Touch the Artwork 2, Thomas Waterzooi
- Thank Goodness You’re Here, Coal Supper
Innovation
- Cryptmaster, Paul Hart, Lee Williams, & Akupara Games
- KarmaZoo, Pastagames
- Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, Simogo
- ODDADA, Sven Ahlgrimm, Mathilde Hoffman, & Bastian Clausdorff
- Rusty’s Retirement, Mister Morris Games
- UFO 50, Mossmouth
Emotional Impact
- In Stars and Time, insertdisc5
- Kind Words 2, Popcannibal
- Neva, Nomada Studio
- Selfloss, Goodwin Games
- Thirsty Suitors, Outerloop Games
- Until Then, Polychroma Games
Gameplay Design
- Balatro, LocalThunk
- Grunn, Sokpop Collective
- Minishoot Adventures, SoulGame Studio
- Nine Sols, RedCandleGames
- Tiny Glade, Pounce Light
- Victory Heat Rally, Skydevilpalm
Community Management
Narrative
- 1000xRESIST, sunset visitor 斜陽過客
- ARCO, Arco Team
- Caravan SandWitch, Studio Plane Toast
- Fear The Spotlight, Cozy Game Pals
- Last Time I Saw You, Maboroshi Artworks
- Mouthwashing, Wrong Organ
Storyteller
Recipient will be announced during The IGAs
Women-Led Game
- Gourdlets, AuntyGames
- Keylocker, Moonana
- Love, Ghostie, Janbeh Games
- Mexico, 1921. A Deep Slumber, Macula Interactive
- Nightmare Kart, LWMedia
- The Crimson Diamond, Julia Minamata
Solo Development
- Aerial_Knight’s We Never Yield, Aerial_Knight
- Animal Well, Billy Basso
- Children of the Sun, René Rother
- Crypt Custodian, Kyle Thompson
- Knuckle Sandwich, Andy Brophy
- Magical Delicacy, Skaule
Industry Impact
Recipients will be announced during The IGAs
Game of the Year
- 1000xRESIST, sunset visitor 斜陽過客
- Animal Well, Billy Basso
- ARCO, Arco Team
- Balatro, LocalThunk
- Crypt Custodian, Kyle Thompson
- Lorlei and the Laser Eyes, Simogo
- Mouthwashing, Wrong Organ
- Neva, Nomada Studio
- Nine Sols, RedCandleGames
- UFO 50, Mossmouth