Six One Indie will host The Indie Game Awards 2024, an awards-only ceremony dedicated to celebrating independent games and developers, on December 19 at 4:00 p.m. PT / 7:00 p.m. ET. You will be able to watch it on YouTube.

The Indie Game Awards will feature presenters from Black Salt Games, Innersloth, Raw Fury, Toge Productions, Wishes Unlimited, and Yacht Club Games. Nominees across 15 categories were selected by a curation jury that includes 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, and other prominent voices from the independent games space.

The nominees are as follows:

Debut Game

Recognizing the innovation, creativity, and impact of a studio that has set a high standard right from the start with its first commercial launch.

• Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure (Furniture & Mattress)
• Lil’ Guardsman (Hilltop Games)
• Little Kitty, Big City (Double Dagger Studio)
• Loddlenaut (Moon Lagoon)
• MULLET MADJACK (HAMMER95)
• Worldless (Noname Studios)

Notable Achievement in Accessibility

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 (AggroCrab)
• Elsie (Knight Shift Games)
• Periphery Synthetic (shiftBacktick)
• Pine Hearts (Hyper Luminal Games)
• SteamWorld Heist II (Thunderful Development)
• Surmount (Jasper Oprel and Indiana-Jonas)

Music

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)
• Wild Bastards (Blue Manchu)

Visual Design

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, Christopher Stair, Trevor Youngquist)
• Crow Country (SFB Games)
• Harold Halibut (Slow Bros.)
• Hauntii (Moonloop Games)
• The Plucky Squire (All Possible Futures)
• ULTROS (Hadoque)

Bite-Sized Game

Recognizing a standout title that delivers an impactful and engaging experience within a brief playtime.

• 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

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, and 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

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 (lofi city pop) (Popcannibal)
• Neva (Nomada Studio)
• Selfloss (Goodwin Games)
• Thirsty Suitors (Outerloop Games)
• Until Then (Polychroma)

Gameplay Design

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)
• Nine Sols (Red Candle Games)
• Tiny Glade (Pounce Light)
• Victory Heat Rally (Skydevilpalm)

Community Management

Recognizing 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.

• Aggro Crab
• Black Tabby Games
• LocalThunk
• Massive Monster
• NPC Studio
• Pounce Light

Narrative

Recognizing a game that delivers a powerful narrative with compelling characters, immersive worlds, and/or thought-provoking themes.

• 1000xRESIST (sunset visitor)
• 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

Recognizing an exceptional storyteller whose profound narratives in games create lasting impressions, weaving unforgettable experiences that resonate deeply with players.

(Recipient will be announced during The Indie Game Awards 2024.)

Women-Led Game

Recognizing 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.

• Gourdlets (AuntyGames)
• Keylocker: Turn Based Cyberpunk Action (Moonana)
• Love, Ghostie (Janbeh Games, LLC)
• Mexico, 1921. A Deep Slumber. (Macula Interactive)
• Nightmare Kart (LWMedia)
• The Crimson Diamond (Julia Minamata)

Solo Development

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 (Rene Rother)
• Crypt Custodian (Kyle Thompson)
• Knuckle Sandwich (Andy Brophy)
• Magical Delicacy (Skaule)

Industry Impact

Recognizing individuals and/or organizations that have made remarkable and positive contributions to the indie scene throughout the year.

(Recipients will be announced during The Indie Game Awards 2024.)

Game of the Year

Recognizing a game that has made a significant impact in the industry through its unique storytelling, artistic vision, and gameplay mechanics.

• 1000xRESIST (sunset visitor)
• Animal Well (Billy Basso)
• ARCO (Franek, Max Cahill, Bibiki, Fayer)
• Balatro (LocalThunk)
• Crypt Custodian (Kyle Thompson)
• Lorlei and the Laser Eyes (Simogo)
• Mouthwashing (Wrong Organ)
• Neva (Nomada Studio)
• Nine Sols (RedCandleGames)
• UFO 50 (Mossmouth)