The Indie Game Awards are set to make a comeback this December, promising a bigger stage for independent developers worldwide. Launched in 2024 by Six One Indie, the annual awards spotlight creativity, innovation, and storytelling across the indie gaming community. After drawing over 100,000 viewers during its debut edition, the event aims to raise the bar in 2025 with fresh categories, global representation, and a stronger role for community voices.
Submissions and Eligibility
Developers can now submit their games for consideration until September 30, 2025. Titles released between November 1, 2024, and October 31, 2025, are eligible, with the exception of projects built using generative AI. Nominations will cover a wide range of categories, from Narrative and Music to Visual Design, Accessibility, and Game of the Year. Returning honors such as the Industry Impact Award and the Mohammad Fahmi Storyteller Award remain at the heart of the showcase.
New Additions
Among the fresh inclusions is the Indie Trendsetters Award, designed to spotlight emerging developers launching debut projects, demos, or game jam entries. In addition, several region-specific and culture-focused awards debut this year, curated by partner organizations. These include the African Indie Game Award (Playtopia Festival), ANZ Indie Game Award (Frosty Games Fest), Latin American Indie Game Award, Black Voices in Gaming Award, Southeast Asian Indie Game Award, and Women-Led Indie Game Award.
Fan Involvement
For the first time, players themselves will help decide winners in the Community Picks. Beginning November, fans can cast votes across genre-specific categories including Action, RPG, Puzzle, Simulation, Horror, and more, as well as select their own Community Game of the Year.
Ceremony Details
The official date for the 2025 Indie Game Awards will be revealed during the Six One Indie Showcase on September 18. The full list of nominees, presenters, and judges will follow in November, leading up to December’s ceremony.
By combining partner-curated awards, fan voting, and a broad set of core categories, the Indie Game Awards 2025 aim to celebrate not only standout titles but also the developers shaping the future of independent gaming on a global scale.
