Independent Games Festival Announces Finalists; Winners Set to Be Revealed at GDC in March

The Independent Games Festival (IGF) finalists for 2025 have been officially announced, highlighting the incredible creativity of independent game developers worldwide. Notably, one title has distinguished itself as a frontrunner, securing five nominations across various categories. This annual event celebrates the innovative work of independent and solo developers who often go unnoticed in a landscape dominated by high-profile games. The IGF is scheduled to take place during the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in March, but fans can preview the nominated titles now.

As detailed on the IGF website, the finalists were selected from a pool of over 500 entries. Experts evaluated the games thoroughly, discussing and deliberating to determine the standout titles. The winners will be revealed at the IGF awards presentation during GDC on Wednesday, March 19 at 6:30 PM PT.

2025 Independent Games Festival Finalists

Noteworthy Titles with Multiple Nominations

This year, Consume Me, developed by Jenny Jiao Hsia, is making waves with its impressive five nominations across seven categories. The game creatively explores themes such as food, dieting, and disordered eating through dark humor. Another notable title, Despelote, created by Julián Cordero, has garnered four nominations, marking its significance within the indie game community.

Complete List of Finalists

Best Student Game	Excellence in Audio	Excellence in Design	Excellence in Narrative
A Dual Ascent (Mountain Toad Entertainment / Rubika Supinfogame) DisplaceMen (Eversea Club / leafaleaves) Growth Spurt (Games for my Computer) Slot Waste (Vinny Roca / pickpanpuck productions) The WereCleaner (Howlin’ Hugs / USC Games) Year Unknown (Julian Heuser)	Anger Foot (Free Lives / Devolver Digital) Panic (Julian Cordero, Sebastian Valbuena / Panic) INDIKA (Odd Meter / 11 bit studios) ODDADA (Sven Ahlgrimm, Mathilde Hoffmann, Bastian Clausdorff) Thank Goodness You’re Here! (Coal Supper / Panic) Utopia Must Fall (Pixeljam)	Balatro (LocalThunk / Playstack) Blue Prince (Dogubomb / Raw Fury) Caves of Qud (Freehold Games / Kitfox Games) Consume Me (Jenny Jiao Hsia, AP Thomson, Jie En Lee, Violet WP, Ken “coda”Snyder) Pacific Drive (Ironwood Studios / Kepler Interactive) Tactical Breach Wizards (Suspicious Developments)	Caves of Qud (Freehold Games / Kitfox Games) Closer the Distance (Osmotic Studios / Skybound Games) Consume Me (Jenny Jiao Hsia, AP Thomson, Jie En Lee, Violet WP, Ken “coda”Snyder) Panic (Julian Cordero, Sebastian Valbuena / Panic) INDIKA (Odd Meter / 11 bit studios) No Case Should Remain Unsolved (Somi)

Excellence in Visual Arts	New Award	Seumas McNally Grand Prize
Children of the Sun (René Rother / Devolver Digital) Consume Me (Jenny Jiao Hsia, AP Thomson, Jie En Lee, Violet WP, Ken “coda”Snyder) Hauntii (Moonloop Games / Firestoke) Judero (Talha and Jack Co, J. King-Spooner, Talha Kaya) Nine Sols (RedCandleGames) Thank Goodness You’re Here! (Coal Supper / Panic)	Consume Me (Jenny Jiao Hsia, AP Thomson, Jie En Lee, Violet WP, Ken “coda”Snyder) Panic (Julian Cordero, Sebastian Valbuena / Panic) Extreme Evolution: Drive to Divinity (Sam Atlas) Ginger (Kevin Du / lizu ktap) individualism in the dead-internet age (alienmelon) Starship Home (Creature) tapeçaria (tapestry) (mut/moochi) The Exit 8 (KOTAKE CREATE / Active Gaming Media Inc)	Caves of Qud (Freehold Games / Kitfox Games) Consume Me (Jenny Jiao Hsia, AP Thomson, Jie En Lee, Violet WP, Ken “coda”Snyder) Panic (Julian Cordero, Sebastian Valbuena / Panic) INDIKA (Odd Meter / 11 bit studios) Thank Goodness You’re Here! (Coal Supper / Panic) UFO 50 (Mossmouth)

Our Perspective: The IGF Shines a Light on Underrated Games

A Celebration of Indie Gems Beyond the Mainstream

Notably, several acclaimed titles did not make the finalist list, reflecting the diverse landscape of indie gaming. Honorable mentions include Animal Well, Mouthwashing, and Tiny Glade, among others, indicating a competitive year for indie games. The finalists largely consist of lesser-known games, each deserving of recognition and support.

As social media continues to propel certain indie games to fame, it’s refreshing to see an emphasis on those that may have slipped under the radar. Personally, I’m thrilled to see some of my favorites like The WereCleaner, Children of the Sun, INDIKA, and Despelote featured prominently on this prestigious list.

The Independent Games Festival is an integral part of GDC 2025, set to take place in San Francisco from March 17-21. For those unable to attend in person, a livestream will be available on GDC’s Twitch channel, allowing fans to participate in the celebration virtually.

Source: IGF

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