The annual Game Developer’s Conference (GDC) Awards took place last night, recognizing excellence in game development. The most coveted award, Game of the Year, went to Balatro, a 3D platformer developed by a single game developer over two-and-a-half years. This achievement marks a notable milestone in independent game development.
Here are some other notable winners and honorable mentions across various categories:
– Best Audio: Animal Well, Astro Bot, Black Myth: Wukong, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
– Best Debut: 1000xRESIST, Animal Well, Balatro, Pacific Drive, Tiny Glade
– Best Design: Animal Well, Astro Bot, Balatro, Black Myth: Wukong, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes
– Innovation Award: Animal Well, Astro Bot, Balatro, Black Myth: Wukong, UFO 50
– Best Narrative: 1000xRESIST, Black Myth: Wukong, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Metaphor: ReFantazio, Mouthwashing
– Best Technology: Astro Bot, Black Myth: Wukong, Helldivers 2, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, Tiny Glade
– Best Visual Art: Animal Well, Astro Bot, Black Myth: Wukong, Metaphor: ReFantazio, Neva
– Social Impact: 1000xRESIST, Astro Bot, Frostpunk 2, Life is Strange: Double Exposure, Neva
Source: https://mynintendonews.com/2025/03/20/gdc-awards-2025-winners