As many had expected, The Game Awards’ coveted Game of the Year title was claimed by Astro Bot. It’s a AAA game that offers universal appeal, so it was both a predictable and well-earned choice. Yet, in the cards, a roguelike deck-builder called Balatro, crafted by the one-person powerhouse LocalThunk, was threatening to shake up the scene. With momentum from a surge of positive critiques, it went on to dominate the indie categories at TGAs. However, it truly shone at the 2024 Indie Game Awards, securing a well-deserved Game of the Year accolade in that forum.
The 2024 Indie Game Awards, with votes cast by a wide array of gaming publications, indie influencers, and experts, provided a broad platform for other noteworthy titles that didn’t get their due at The Game Awards. Titles like 1000xResist, Animal Well, and Thank Goodness You’re Here got their rightful recognition. (Though the exclusion of UFO 50 still raises eyebrows!)
For those feeling let down by the TGA’s mainstream-leaning winners, the Indie Game Awards list offers a refreshing change. Here’s who took home honors:
Game of the Year: Balatro by Playstack
Best Debut Game: Little Kitty, Big City from Double Dagger Studio
Accessibility Award: Another Crab’s Treasure by Aggro Crab
Visual Design: Harold Halibut by Slow Bros.
Best Music: Pacific Drive from Ironwood Studios
Bite-sized Game: Thank Goodness You’re Here by Coal Supper
Solo Development: Animal Well by Billy Basso
Innovation in Game Design: Cryptmaster by Akupara Games
Emotional Impact: Neva from Nomada Studio
Gameplay Design: Once again, Balatro by LocalThunk
Community Management: Aggro Crab
Women-led Game: Mexico, 1921: a Deep Slumber by Mácula Interactive
Narrative Award: 1000xResist from Sunset Visitor
For anyone disenchanted with the blockbuster favorites of TGA, these indie winners serve as a reminder that creativity thrives across all ventures in the gaming industry.
