INTRODUCING THE 2025 NOMINEES, PRESENTERS, & JUDGES
Celebrating the Creativity, Innovation, and Passion found throughout the indie scene.
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Recognizing a standout title that delivers an impactful and engaging experience within a brief playtime.
CARIMARA - Beneath the Forlorn Limbs
Bastinus Rex, CRITICAL REFLEXFlyKnight
WabbaboyMany Nights a Whisper
Selkie Harbour, DeconstructeamThe Dark Queen of Mortholme
Mosu, Monster Theaterthis game will end in 205 clicks.
insertdisc5Time Flies
Playables, Panic -
Recognizing a studio or individual that excels in fostering a vibrant and inclusive community through exceptional engagement, support, and communication that enhances player experience and builds lasting connections.
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Recognizing the innovation, creativity, and impact of a studio that has set a high standard right from the start with its first commercial launch.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Sandfall Interactive, Kepler InteractiveDiscounty
Crinkle Cut Games, PQubeFretless - The Wrath of Riffson
Ritual Studios, Playdigious OriginalsILA: A Frosty Glide
Magic Rain Studios, First Break LabsSorry We're Closed
a la mode Games, Akupara GamesTyrant's Realm
Team Tyrant, Skystone Games -
Recognizing a game that profoundly resonates with players through personal, emotional, and thematic experiences, leaving a lasting impression and fostering deep connections with their audience.
In Stars and Time, insertdisc5
Kind Words 2, Popcannibal
Neva, Nomada Studio
Selfloss, Goodwin Games
Thirsty Suitors, Outerloop Games
Until Then, Polychroma Games
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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.
Balatro, LocalThunk
Grunn, Sokpop Collective
Minishoot Adventures, SoulGame Studio
Nine Sols, RedCandleGames
Tiny Glade, Pounce Light
Victory Heat Rally, Skydevilpalm
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Recognizing five independent developers just starting their journeys with bold debut projects, game jams, or demos.
The 2025 recipients are selected by the IGAs Curation Jury and will be announced during the ceremony.
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Recognizing an individual or organization that have made remarkable and positive contributions to the indie scene throughout the year.
The 2025 recipient is selected by the IGAs Curation Jury and will be announced during the ceremony.
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Recognizing a game that pushes boundaries with its unique premise or gameplay twist; an experience that captivates players and redefines expectations in the industry.
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
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Recognizing an exceptional storyteller whose profound narratives in games create lasting impressions, weaving unforgettable experiences that resonate deeply with players.
The 2025 recipient is selected by the IGAs Curation Jury and will be announced during the ceremony.
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Recognizing a game with captivating the musical compositions that enhance immersion, evoke emotions, and leave a memorable impact on players.
Core Keeper, Pugstorm
Flock, Hollow Ponds
Pacific Drive, Ironwood Studios
The Cub, Demagog Studio
Thrasher, Puddle Studio
Wild Bastards, Blue Manchu
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Recognizing a game that delivers a powerful narrative with compelling characters, immersive worlds, and/or thought-provoking themes.
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
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Recognizing a game that prioritizes inclusivity by offering extensive adjustments and thoughtful options, ensuring an equitable and enjoyable experience for all players regardless of their abilities.
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
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Recognizing a game 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.
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
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Recognizing 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.
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
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Recognizing a game that has made a significant impact in the industry through its unique storytelling, artistic vision, and gameplay mechanics.
1000xRESIST, sunset visitor 斜陽過客
Animal Well, Billy Basso
ARCO, Arco Team
Balatro, LocalThunk
Crypt Custodian, Kyle Thompson
Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, Simogo
Mouthwashing, Wrong Organ
Neva, Nomada Studio
Nine Sols, RedCandleGames
UFO 50, Mossmouth
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The Indie Game Awards is an annual awards-only event designed to honor excellence in indie gaming, featuring categories that highlight innovation, storytelling, artistry, and more.
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The nomination and award selection process is carefully curated by a diverse jury of judges, including media professionals, influencers, and industry experts who share a passion for INDIES.
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The Indie Game Awards shine a spotlight on the creativity and passion that drive the indie game scene. The developers are at the forefront of every stage—from presenters, nominees, and of course, IGA Recipients.
PRESENTERS
Ben Rausch
Team Lazerbeam
Celia Schilling
Yacht Club Games
Charmaine Duff
Women-Led Games
Davionne Gooden
Studio Zevere
Drag Her! Team
Greg Lobanov
Wishes Unlimited Games
Jarvs Tasker
Raw Fury
Krysti Pryde
Playcrafting
Madison Karrh
Okumura
Richard Beare
Nice Dream
Son M.
Perfect Garbage
Victoria Tran
InnerSloth
JUDGES
Six One Indie
Women-Led Games
Latin American Games Showcase
Wholesome Games
Dames-4-Games
The Indie Informer
International Game Developers Association
IGN
Spawn On Me
Giant Bomb
MinnMax
But Why Tho
Jake Steinberg
AshSaidHi
Steve Saylor
Wanderbots
Stumpt Gamers
Knoebel
Pass The Controller
Nerdershewrote
Playcrafting
CGDannyB
Qweerty Gamers
Slashie
LV1 Gaming
No Small Games
Point In Progress
Crossplay Conversations
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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The Indie Games Awards (The IGAs) is an annual awards-only ceremony dedicated to honoring excellence in indie gaming. Featuring categories that celebrate innovation, storytelling, artistry, and more, The IGAs spotlight compelling and groundbreaking titles from around the world. The ceremony is developer-focused, with game creators taking center stage to present awards, recognize their peers, and openly speak without the pressure of time constraints.
The IGAs is a free, awards-only event organized by indie professionals for developers who are often overlooked by the wider games industry. There are no paid opportunities for developers to receive a nomination or award.
From the initial planning phase through to the premiere and beyond, The IGAs bring together a diverse range of professionals from all aspects of the games industry, creating the definitive celebration of indie games and the developers who tirelessly craft the titles we all love.
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The IGAs will air on December 19th at 4PM PT / 7PM ET. You can watch the inaugural ceremony live on IGN.com, YouTube.com/IGN, and YouTube.com/SixOneIndie. The inaugural ceremony will be held exclusively as a digital event, with an official viewing party taking place in New York.
Content creators, streamers, and influencers are encouraged to co-stream The IGAs with their communities!
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For those in the New York area, Playcrafting and BrookLAN are teaming up to host an official viewing party for The Indie Game Awards. The event will be free to attend, with developers, members of the NYC games industry, and some of The IGAs organizers in attendance.
Stay tuned for more details as the ceremony approaches!
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For the inaugural IGAs, nominations are being carefully curated by a panel of indie-focused games industry professionals and media outlets. This approach is due to the event being organized by a small indie team with limited bandwidth, serving as a proof-of-concept. Open submissions will begin next year with The IGAs 2025.
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Indie games eligible for The IGAs must have launched into version 1.0 between November 1st, 2023, and November 1st, 2024. Definitive Editions, Director’s Cuts, and ports are not eligible. We will be expanding eligibility to include Early Access launches next year with The IGAs 2025.
To ensure a diverse selection of indie games across all categories, each game can be nominated for only one general category. This rule does not apply to the Community Management, Industry Impact, and Game of the Year categories. -
IGA recipients are selected by a diverse jury of judges, including games media professionals, showcase organizers, influencers, and industry experts who share a passion for the indie scene. The IGAs aim to bring together a wide range of industry professionals each year, creating the definitive ceremony to celebrate indie games and the developers who tirelessly craft the titles we all love.
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The team behind the IGAs is led by Six One Indie, a collective with extensive experience in event production and a deep understanding of the indie gaming scene. The IGAs aim to unite industry professionals who uplift the indie community on a daily basis. The IGAs are possible with the additional support from a diverse group of partners, including Women-Led Games, Latin American Games Showcase, Wholesome Games, Dames-4-Games, The Indie Informer, MinnMax, and Vicarious PR.
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To get involved, email showcase@sixoneindie.com to learn more about The IGAs and our vision for a united indie game awards ceremony, as well as available sponsorship opportunities.