INDIE GAME AWARDS

ABOUT THE
CEREMONY

An IRL awards show dedicated to indie games and the people who make them, spotlighting the best and the brightest globally

NOMINATIONS
PROCESS

Some categories see studios nominating themselves, while others are nominated by the public*

Submissions for all categories are open until 17 December 2024, and shortlisted nominees will be announced on 21 January 2025

Get Tickets

AWARD CATEGORIES

Award for Mental Health

Award for Accessibility

Best Soundtrack

Best Sound Design

Best Art Direction

Best Gameplay

Best Narrative

Best VR Game

Best UK Indie

Innovation & Creativity Award

Physical Release of the Year

Free Play Award

Retro World Award

Best New Studio

Subscribers’ Choice Award *

Debug Game of the Year

Most Anticipated Award *

ICYMI Award *

Best PR Campaign

Best Influencer Marketing

Most Influential Person

TICKETS

The Indie Game Awards are now accessible to all!

The Indie Game Awards 2025 take place on 21 February 2025

Location: Metronome, Nottingham, UK

Get Tickets

SUBMIT A GAME

It’s time to submit your game for consideration! Follow the instructions on the form below, and if you have any queries please reach out to us on awards@teamdebug.com

Final nominees for all categories will be announced on 21 January 2025

Please select the option which describes you best...

For the avoidance of doubt, please only proceed with this submission if you are an official representative (developer, publisher, PR) of the game.

Please select the awards category you wish to submit your game to. To submit your game to multiple categories, this form must be filled in multiple times.

The mental health of gamers, and the people who make games, is an important cause for Debug, which is why we have teamed up with the charity Safe in our World to celebrate games from 2024 that feature positive representations of mental health, or are useful to help gamers overcome things such as stress or anxiety. The category winner will ultimately be decided by Safe in our World ambassadors.

Was the game released between 6 Dec 2023 and 31 Dec 2024?

What is the name of the game you are submitting?

What's the name of your studio?

Please provide a link to a site where your game can be purchased.

Please provide a link to a video showing footage that showcases and/or explains the positive mental health representation that you believe deserves consideration.

Do we have permission to use the above video provided to support your submission, at the event and for any promotional material related to the Debug Game Awards?

Why do you think your game deserves to be nominated for this category?

Should your game be nominated, we will require 10 keys, or the ability to download a free version, to allow our panel to play the game. Will this be possible?

To check your eligibility to be shortlisted, we require one key up front, or access to a free download of the game. Please add this key (and platform) or download link below.

Only one representative for each game can receive the trophy for this award, should the game win. They will also be added to the Debug Game Awards Panelist list for future years.
Please provide the name of this person.
* Additional trophies are available for a small cost.

Please enter the contact email for the above named representative.

Should the game be shortlisted, will the above named representative be free on the 21 February 2025 to attend the award ceremony in Nottingham, UK? You will have to cover your own travel and accommodation expenses.

Making gaming accessible for all is an important cause for Debug, which is why we have teamed up with the charity Everyone Can to celebrate how indie companies and studios have made video games more accessible to more people in 2024. The category winner will ultimately be decided by Everyone Can.

Was the game released between 6 Dec 2023 and 31 Dec 2024?

What is the name of the game/accessibility innovation you are submitting?

What's the name of your studio?

Please provide a link to a site where your game/hardware can be purchased.

Please provide a link to a video showing footage that showcases and/or explains the accessibility that you believe deserves consideration.

Do we have permission to use the above video provided to support your submission, at the event and for any promotional material related to the Debug Game Awards?

Why do you think your game/hardware deserves to be nominated for this category?

Should your game/hardware be nominated, we will require 10 keys, or the ability to download a free version, to allow our panel to play the game. Will this be possible?

To check your eligibility to be shortlisted, we require one key up front, or access to a free download of the game. Please add this key (and platform) or download link below. (If you cannot provide a key/download, see next question)

If your game is not available on a mainstream platform, or if it is in fact a peripheral, would you be able to provide a demonstration for us and the panel on separate days, either via an online platform like Zoom, or in person?

Please enter the contact email for the above named representative.

This one is pretty self explanatory! We want to find the very best soundtrack to an indie game in 2024!

Was the game released between 6 Dec 2023 and 31 Dec 2024?

What is the name of the game you are submitting?

What's the name of your studio?

Please provide a link to a site where your game can be purchased.

Please provide a link to where the soundtrack can be listened to (ideally in full). If any passwords are required, please also provide those here.

Please provide a link to a video showing gameplay footage with the music in situ.

Do we have permission to use the above video and any music submitted to support your submission, at the event and for any promotional material related to the Debug Game Awards?

Why do you think this soundtrack deserves to be nominated?

To check your eligibility to be shortlisted, we require one key up front, or access to a free download of the game. Please add this key (and platform) or download link below.

Only one representative from a soundtrack team/one composer can receive the trophy should your soundtrack win. They will also be added to the Debug Game Awards Panelist list for future years.
Please provide the name of this person.
* Additional trophies are available for a small cost.

Please enter the contact email for the above named representative.

Should the soundtrack be nominated, will the above named representative be free on the 21 February 2025 to attend the award ceremony in Nottingham, UK? You will have to cover your own travel and accommodation expenses.

This category is all about the sound design - we have a separate category for soundtrack. Does your game (released in 2024) have fantastic sound effects, voice acting and/or atmospherics? Then we want to hear from you!

Was the game released between 6 Dec 2023 and 31 Dec 2024?

What is the name of the game you are submitting?

What's the name of your studio?

Please provide a link to a site where your game can be purchased.

Please provide a link to a video showing gameplay footage that highlights the sound design.

Do we have permission to use the above video provided to support your submission, at the event and for any promotional material related to the Debug Game Awards?

Why do you think your game deserves to be nominated for this category?

Should your game be nominated, we will require 10 keys, or the ability to download a free version, to allow our panel to play the game. Will this be possible?

To check your eligibility to be shortlisted, we require one key up front, or access to a free download of the game. Please add this key (and platform) or download link below.

Please enter the contact email for the above named representative.

Does your game have amazing graphics? There's much more to a great looking game than high polygon counts. If your game looks photo realistic, is cel shaded, low-poly, pixel art, or even 1-bit, so long as the art direction is great (and it was released in 2024) we want to see it!

Was the game released between 6 Dec 2023 and 31 Dec 2024?

What is the name of the game you are submitting?

What's the name of your studio?

Please provide a link to a site where your game can be purchased.

Please provide a link to a video showing gameplay footage that highlights the art direction? And/or, please provide a link to a folder containing art assets.

Do we have permission to use the above video and/or assets provided to support your submission, at the event and for any promotional material related to the Debug Game Awards?

Why do you think your game deserves to be nominated for this category?

Should your game be nominated, we will require 10 keys, or the ability to download a free version, to allow our panel to play the game. Will this be possible?

To check your eligibility to be shortlisted, we require one key up front, or access to a free download of the game. Please add this key (and platform) or download link below.

Please enter the contact email for the above named representative.

Does your game have a fun gameplay loop? Are you proud of the systems you put in place to engage the player? Did your game release in 2024? Then submit your game!

Was the game released between 6 Dec 2023 and 31 Dec 2024?

What is the name of the game you are submitting?

What's the name of your studio?

Please provide a link to a site where your game can be purchased.

Please provide a link to a video showing gameplay footage that highlights your gameplay mechanics.

Do we have permission to use the above video provided to support your submission, at the event and for any promotional material related to the Debug Game Awards?

Why do you think your game deserves to be nominated for this category?

Should your game be nominated, we will require 10 keys, or the ability to download a free version, to allow our panel to play the game. Will this be possible?

To check your eligibility to be shortlisted, we require one key up front, or access to a free download of the game. Please add this key (and platform) or download link below.

Please enter the contact email for the above named representative.

As Debug itself is based in the UK, it felt only right to introduce a category celebrating the incredible wealth of indie talent right here at home. Whether it was created by student, a solo dev, or a development team, any game created predominantly in the UK, and released within the eligibility period, will be considered!

Was the game released between 6 Dec 2023 and 31 Dec 2024?

What is the name of the game you are submitting?

What's the name of your studio?

Please provide a link to a site where your game can be purchased.

Please provide a link to a video showing footage that highlights your gameplay.

Do we have permission to use the above video provided to support your submission, at the event and for any promotional material related to the Debug Game Awards?

Why do you think your game deserves to be nominated for this category?

Should your game be nominated, we will require 10 keys, or the ability to download a free version, to allow our panel to play the game. Will this be possible?

To check your eligibility to be shortlisted, we require one key up front, or access to a free download of the game. Please add this key (and platform) or download link below.

Please enter the contact email for the above named representative.

Narrative can mean a lot in a game. An indie doesn't have to be story-driven to weave a good narrative, so if you think your game fits this category, submit it!

Was the game released between 6 Dec 2023 and 31 Dec 2024?

What is the name of the game you are submitting?

What's the name of your studio?

Please provide a link to a site where your game can be purchased.

Please provide a link to a video showing gameplay footage that highlights the narrative of your game.

Do we have permission to use the above video provided to support your submission, at the event and for any promotional material related to the Debug Game Awards?

Why do you think your game deserves to be nominated for this category?

Should your game be nominated, we will require 10 keys, or the ability to download a free version, to allow our panel to play the game. Will this be possible?

To check your eligibility to be shortlisted, we require one key up front, or access to a free download of the game. Please add this key (and platform) or download link below.

Please enter the contact email for the above named representative.

Virtual reality is growing year on year, with the release of new headsets and the introduction of mixed reality. VR gives us brand new ways to enjoy existing games, but also a whole new language with which to create new ones. Indies, as ever, are at the forefront of writing this language, and we want to celebrate the best examples of indie VR titles here!

Was the game released between 6 Dec 2023 and 31 Dec 2024?

What is the name of the game you are submitting?

What's the name of your studio?

Please provide a link to a site where your game can be purchased.

Please provide a link to a video showing gameplay footage that highlights the use of Virtual Reality within your game.

Do we have permission to use the above video provided to support your submission, at the event and for any promotional material related to the Debug Game Awards?

Why do you think your game deserves to be nominated for this category?

Should your game be nominated, we will require 10 keys, or the ability to download a free version, to allow our panel to play the game. Will this be possible?

To check your eligibility to be shortlisted, we require one key up front, or access to a free download of the game. Please add this key (and platform) or download link below.

Please enter the contact email for the above named representative.

As Debug itself is based in the UK, it felt only right to introduce a category celebrating the incredible wealth of indie talent right here at home. Whether it was created by students, a solo dev, or a development team, any game created predominantly in the UK, and released in the eligibility period, will be considered!

Was the game released between 6 Dec 2023 and 31 Dec 2024?

What is the name of the game you are submitting?

What's the name of your studio?

Please provide a link to a site where your game can be purchased.

Please provide a link to a video showing gameplay footage that highlights the gameplay experience of your game.

Do we have permission to use the above video provided to support your submission, at the event and for any promotional material related to the Debug Game Awards?

Why do you think your game deserves to be nominated for this category?

Should your game be nominated, we will require 10 keys, or the ability to download a free version, to allow our panel to play the game. Will this be possible?

To check your eligibility to be shortlisted, we require one key up front, or access to a free download of the game. Please add this key (and platform) or download link below.

Please enter the contact email for the above named representative.

What makes something innovative or creative? Have you created a new way to play games? Have you made a game that doesn't play on a mainstream device? Have you crafted a game that has cutting edge mechanics, told a story in a creative new way, or done something way out the box with its graphics? Then we want to hear from you!

Was the game released between 6 Dec 2023 and 31 Dec 2024?

What is the name of the game you are submitting?

What's the name of your studio?

Please provide a link to a site where your game can be purchased.

Please provide a link to a video showing footage that showcases and/or explains the innovation/creativity that you believe deserves consideration.

Do we have permission to use the above video provided to support your submission, at the event and for any promotional material related to the Debug Game Awards?

Why do you think your game deserves to be nominated for this category?

Should your game be nominated, we will require 10 keys, or the ability to download a free version, to allow our panel to play the game. Will this be possible?

To check your eligibility to be shortlisted, we require one key up front, or access to a free download of the game. Please add this key (and platform) or download link below.

If your game is not available on a mainstream platform, or if it's a peripheral, would you be able to provide a demonstration for us and the panel on separate days, either via an online platform like Zoom, or in person?

Please enter the contact email for the above named representative.

We love physical games! We want to celebrate Indies getting physical releases, so if you have committed an indie game to disc or cart in 2024, we want to hear from you! This doesn't have to be a crazy special edition featuring a working lightsaber - even standard releases are eligible!

Was the game released between 6 Dec 2023 and 31 Dec 2024?

What is the name of the game you are submitting?

What's the name of the studio who created the game?

What is the name of the publisher of the physical release? (If this is different per platform/region, please provide a list below detailing these differences)

Please provide a link to a site where your game can be purchased.

Please provide a link to a video and/or photographs showing the physical game, including packaging and all extras included.

Is the game complete on disc/cart?

Why do you think your physical release deserves to be nominated for this category?

Should your game be nominated, we would require two copies of the physical release to evaluate. We would require you to cover any postage fees/duty. Would this be possible? If the game was released on more than one platform, we would require the two copies provided to be for different platforms.

Please enter the contact email for the above named representative.

This category is exclusively for free-to-play games. To be more specific, no money should change hands to play any part of this game, therefore titles with in-app purchases, loot boxes, micro-transactions, cosmetics, subscriptions etc will not be eligible. If you have a game that is absolutely free to play though, on any platform and any length, we want to hear from you!

Was the game released between 6 Dec 2023 and 31 Dec 2024?

What is the name of the game you are submitting?

What's the name of your studio?

Please provide a link to a site where your game can be played or downloaded.

Does your game offer in-app purchases, loot boxes, subscriptions, etc?

Does the game require any kind of sign-up to download/play?

Please provide a link to a video showing gameplay footage that highlights the best aspects of your game.

Do we have permission to use the above video provided to support your submission, at the event and for any promotional material related to the Debug Game Awards?

Why do you think your game deserves to be nominated for this category?

Please enter the contact email for the above named representative.

The Retro World Award celebrates a new game that released in 2024 for an older, unsupported platform. The game could have been ported from another system, or subsequently to another modern device, but if it's playable on a legacy system we want to know about it!

Was the game released between 6 Dec 2023 and 31 Dec 2024?

What is the name of the game you are submitting?

What's the name of your studio?

Please provide a link to a site where your game can be purchased.

What platform(s) is your game available for? Hold CTRL to select multiple.

Please provide a link to a video showing gameplay footage that highlights your game.

Do we have permission to use the above video provided to support your submission, at the event and for any promotional material related to the Debug Game Awards?

Why do you think your game deserves to be nominated for this category?

To check your eligibility to be shortlisted, we require one key up front, or access to a free download of the game. Please add this key (and platform) or download link below.

Please enter the contact email for the above named representative.

Are you a studio that has released their very first game in 2024? Then you're eligible to submit yourself for our Best New Studio award! It doesn't matter if your studio was set up prior to 2024, you just have to have released your first game in this year.

Did you release your first game in 2024?

What's the name of your studio?

Please provide a link to your studio website, or main social media account.

Please provide a link to a store page where your first game can be purchased.

Please provide a link to a video showing footage from your first release.

Do we have permission to use the above video provided to support your submission, at the event and for any promotional material related to the Debug Game Awards?

Why do you think your studio deserves to be nominated for this category?

To check your eligibility to be shortlisted, we require one key up front, or access to a free download of the game. Please add this key (and platform) or download link below.

Please enter the contact email for the above named representative.

From social media to traditional advertising, digital and physical press kits, liaising with influencers and outlets, and more besides, a lot of work goes into getting a game seen. Whether by or in collaboration with the developer, it feels right to celebrate campaigns that have been particularly effective.

What is the name of the person or team you are nominating for this award?

Why do you think this person or team deserves to be nominated for this category?

Do you have a link to any evidence that supports your nomination (article, social media post, etc)? If so, add the link(s) below. If not, type NA.

Does the person or team you are nominating have a publicly accessible website/social media page? If so, enter it here. If not, type NA.

Similar to last year’s Unsung Hero Award, the most influential person must have done something incredible in the indie scene. Whether that’s a mentor who has helped up and coming devs, an influencer who has helped spread the word, or a journalist shining a light on the scene, this person will have put a lot of hard work into the indie gaming space, and deserves recognition! If that’s you, or someone you know, get to nominating!

What is the name of the person or team you are nominating for this award?

Why do you think this person or team deserves to be nominated for this category?

Do you have a link to any evidence that supports your nomination (article, social media post, etc)? If so, add the link(s) below. If not, type NA.

Does the person or team you are nominating have a publicly accessible website/social media page? If so, enter it here. If not, type NA.

One of the best ways to get the word out about your game is to work with influencers, and we want to celebrate this growing area of the industry! If you coordinated an influencer campaign for an indie game, this is the category to nominate your company for!

What is the name of the person or team you are nominating for this award?

Why do you think this person or team deserves to be nominated for this category?

Do you have a link to any evidence that supports your nomination (article, social media post, etc)? If so, add the link(s) below. If not, type NA.

Does the person or team you are nominating have a publicly accessible website/social media page? If so, enter it here. If not, type NA.

Please select the awards category you wish to submit your choice to. To submit to multiple categories, this form must be filled in multiple times.

We want to celebrate indie games that released prior to 2024, since there are so many amazing ones out there! You can nominate ANY indie game, so long as it was first released prior to 2024. This could be a hidden gem, or a well-regarded title, so long as you think it is worth peoples while to go and play. We don't want anyone to miss out on incredible indies!

What is the name of the game you are nominating? (This must have been initially released at any time prior to 2024)

What's the name of the studio that created this game?

Why do you think this game deserves to be nominated for this category?

Can you provide a link to a place where this game can be purchased, or where it used to be sold should it no longer be available for sale? If not, type NA.

Does the game you are nominating have a publicly open website/social media page? If so, enter it here. If not, type NA.

Can you provide a link to a video that shows gameplay footage of this title?

We want to celebrate indie games which aren't out yet, but have a lot of excitement surrounding them! You can nominate ANY indie game, so long as it hasn't been released yet... We don't want anyone to miss out on incredible indies!

What is the name of the game you are nominating? (This must not yet be released)

What's the name of the studio creating this game?

Why do you think this game deserves to be nominated for this category?

Can you provide a link to a place where this game can be wishlisted? If not, type NA.

Does the game you are nominating have a publicly open website/social media page? If so, enter it here. If not, type NA.

Can you provide a link to a video that shows gameplay footage of this title?

If you're a subscriber to Debug magazine (thank you!) then this category is just for you. Here you can submit your personal indie game of the year for 2024! Following a shortlisting process, the six nominees will then be put back to you for a final vote, meaning the winner of this award is decided by YOU!

If you're not already a subscriber, there's still time! Only entries with a valid subscriber email will qualify, so subscribe to our awesome indie gaming magazine today and then submit your 2024 indie GOTY!

What is the name of the game you are nominating? (This must have been released during 2024)

What's the name of the studio that created this game?

Why do you think this game deserves to be nominated for the Subscribers Choice Award?

Please provide a link to a place where this game can be purchased.

Thank you for completing the submission form. Please enter your email address to receive updates on the Indie Game Awards.

INDIE GAME AWARDS

ABOUT THE CEREMONY

An IRL awards show dedicated to indie games and the people who make them, spotlighting the best and the brightest globally

NOMINATIONS PROCESS

Some categories see studios nominating themselves, while others are nominated by the public*

Submissions for all categories are open until 17 December 2024, and shortlisted nominees will be announced on 21 January 2025

AWARD CATEGORIES

Award for Mental Health

Award for Accessibility

Best Soundtrack

Best Sound Design

Best Art Direction

Best Gameplay

Best Narrative

Best VR Game

Best UK Indie

Innovation & Creativity Award

Physical Release of the Year

Free Play Award

Retro World Award

Best New Studio

Subscribers’ Choice Award *

Debug Game of the Year

Most Anticipated Award *

ICYMI Award *

Best PR Campaign

Best Influencer Marketing

Most Influential Person

TICKETS

The Indie Game Awards are now accessible to all!

The Indie Game Awards 2025 take place on 21 February 2025

Location: Metronome, Nottingham, UK

SUBMIT A GAME

It’s time to submit your game for consideration! Follow the instructions on the form below, and if you have any queries please reach out to us on awards@teamdebug.com

Final nominees for all categories will be announced on 21 January 2025

ABOUT THE
CEREMONY

NOMINATIONS
PROCESS