By Sagar V. Mankar 
The very first Indie Game Awards ceremony took place on December 19, bringing together the best independent video games of 2024. Six One Indie and Vicarious PR organized this special event as a pre-recorded show, making sure smaller but amazing games got their moment in the spotlight.
The 90-minute ceremony wasn’t just about handing out awards. The show took time to remember important people in the gaming world, including a touching tribute to Daniel Wilkins presented by Aerial_Knight. They also honored Mohammad Fahmi‘s memory by presenting a special storytelling award to his parents.
The big winner of the night was “Balatro,” which walked away with two major awards: Game of the Year and Best Gameplay Design. This achievement shows how a clever card game can capture both critics’ and players’ hearts.
Other standout winners included “Little Kitty, Big City” for Best Debut Game, showing that charming games can make a big impact. “Harold Halibut” impressed everyone with its stunning visuals, while “Pacific Drive” got recognition for its amazing music. “1000xRESIST” told the best story, winning the Narrative award.
Here’s the complete list of winners by category:
- Game of the Year: Balatro
- Debut Game: Little Kitty, Big City
- Achievement in Accessibility: Another Crab’s Treasure
- Visual Design: Harold Halibut
- Music: Pacific Drive
- Bite-Sized Game: Thank Goodness You’re Here
- Solo Development: Animal Well
- Innovation: Cryptmaster
- Emotional Impact: Neva
- Gameplay Design: Balatro
- Community Management: Aggro Crab
- Women-Led Game: Mexico, 1921. A Deep Slumber
- Narrative: 1000xRESIST
- Able To Play Introduction: Good Trouble
Industry Impact Awards were given to:
- Strange Scaffold
- New Blood Interactive
- Outersloth
- Day of the Devs
This first edition of The Indie Game Awards sets a promising foundation for celebrating independent games in the years to come, giving much-deserved recognition to the creative spirits who make gaming more diverse and exciting.