The indie games scene is getting its moment this year with the Indie Game Awards 2025, happening on Thursday, December 18. The live broadcast kicks off at 3:30 p.m. PT / 6:30 p.m. ET and will stream on Six One Indie’s YouTube and Twitch channels, as well as on partner outlets like IGN and GameSpot. Fans can look forward to a full showcase of the year’s most exciting independent titles.
Now in its second year, the Indie Game Awards is entirely focused on celebrating independent developers and the creativity they bring to the gaming world. This year’s event features 18 categories that cover everything from gameplay design, narrative, and music to accessibility and regional recognition. The nominees were chosen with input from a variety of gaming outlets and showcase organizers, including Six One Indie, Women-Led Games, Black Voices in Gaming, Frosty Games Fest, Latin American Games Showcase, and The Indie Informer.
Game of the Year Nominees
From small teams experimenting with storytelling to ambitious projects that push gameplay in new directions, each of these games shows why indie development continues to make such a strong impact on the industry.
The top honor, Game of the Year, includes ten standout titles that show off the diversity and creativity of indie development:
- Absolum – Dotemu / Guard Crush Games / Supamonks
- and Roger – TearyHand Studio
- Blue Prince – Dogubomb
- Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector – Jump Over the Age
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – Sandfall Interactive
- Consume Me – Jenny Jiao Hsia, AP Thomson, Jie En Lee, Violet W-P, Ken “coda” Snyder
- Hades II – Supergiant Games
- Hollow Knight: Silksong – Team Cherry
- Keep Driving – YCJY Games
- Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo – Pocket Trap
New Additions This Year
This year’s ceremony has a few new features that make the event feel even more inclusive and interactive:
- Indie Vanguard Class – Celebrating up-and-coming developers who are redefining what indie games can do.
- Expanded regional categories – Highlighting games from diverse communities, including Women-Led Games, Black Voices in Gaming, and Southeast Asian Games Showcase.
- Community Picks – A voting segment open until November 24, allowing players to select their favorite indie titles and engage directly with the awards.
A Stage for Independent Creators
For developers, the Indie Game Awards can open doors. Many of the nominated games have already earned praise for their design, narrative, or artistry, and the ceremony gives them a bigger stage to reach new players. It’s an opportunity to connect with fans, gain media attention, and encourage other creators to try bold new ideas.
For players, the show is a chance to discover hidden gems. Whether you enjoy inventive mechanics, intricate storytelling, or visually striking worlds, there’s a title here that will capture your attention. The Indie Game Awards celebrate the passion, dedication, and imagination that set independent games apart. Tune in on December 18, grab your controller or keyboard, and experience the creativity that keeps indie gaming alive and thriving.
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