The Independent Games Festival held its award ceremony on March 20, giving honors to some of the best video games of 2018. The winners not only proved they had what it took to stand out from other independent games, but also the very biggest AAA games released last year.
Lucas Pope’s gorgeousReturn of the Obra Dinntook home the top prize. The 3D game used a unique pencil-point-like design is unlike anything we’ve seen before, and builds on the strong setting and storytelling approach that Pope brought toPapers, Please.
Though it was not nominated for any awards, the hit VR gameBeat Saberreceived honorable mention in three separate categories. It has sold over1 million copiesto date, and recently received a DLC pack that adds even more content. If the game isn’t on your headset of choice yet, it probably will be within the next few months.
Perhaps the most bizarre inclusion was in the “Excellence in Narrative” category. Lucas Pope once again took home the top prize, but also nominated wasGenital Jousting. If you’re interested in picking it up right now, it’savailable on Steamat a nice 69-percent discount.
Here are all the nominees and winners from the event. Winners are presented inboldand you may find a full list of the people and studios responsible at theofficial IGF website.
Seamus McNally Grand Prize
Return of the Obra Dinn
Do Not Feed the Monkeys
Hynospace Outlaw
Opus Magnum
Excellence in Visual Art
Mirror Drop
Alto’s Odyssey
Forgotten Anne
Just Shapes & Beats
Excellence in Audio
Hynpospace Outlaw
Excellence in Design
Dicey Dungeons
Excellence in Narrative
Genital Jousting
Seers Isle
Wandersong
Watch Me Jump
Nuovo Award (previously Innovation Award)
Black Room
eCheese Zone
Nth Dimensional Hiking
Best Student Game
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