Video game awards are often criticized for being popularity contests, but the Independent Games Festival awards – the IGFs – stand out as an exception. The IGF Celebration Days Steam sale highlights this, offering discounts on past winners and finalists until July 20th. These awards are not decided by mere popularity, but rather by a combination of journalists and developers who advocate for unique and innovative games.
A Platform for Unknown Gems
One of the key strengths of the IGF awards is their ability to elevate unknown games to the spotlight. For example, Outer Wilds, which won the Grand Prize in 2015, was initially just an alpha build created by a team of students. The IGF awards provided a platform for this game to gain recognition years before its full commercial release. This shows how the IGFs have successfully promoted creativity and originality in the gaming industry.
Unlike traditional awards that may prioritize commercial success, the IGF awards focus on design and innovation. By having a diverse group of judges, consisting mostly of game developers, the IGFs ensure that the nominees and winners are selected based on their creative merit. This approach has led to the recognition of a wide range of games, from indie darlings like Fez and Spelunky to more recent hits like Rhythm Doctor and Venba.
Through the different award categories and judges’ discussions, the IGF awards have created a culture that values design and originality above all else. This has not only pushed the boundaries of the medium but has also provided players with a curated list of great games to discover. The IGFs have established themselves as a beacon for indie developers looking to showcase their unique visions and push the industry forward.
The Independent Games Festival Awards play a vital role in recognizing and celebrating innovation in the video game industry. By promoting creativity and originality, the IGFs have become a valuable platform for indie developers to showcase their work and for gamers to discover new and exciting experiences. The discounts offered during the IGF Celebration Days Steam sale are just a small part of the impact these awards have in shaping the future of gaming.
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