Game Awards 2023: Best Indie Game Debut nominees and predictions

Who will win Indie Game Debut 2023?

Game Awards 2023: Best Indie Game Debut nominees and predictions

Image via: The Game Awards

Indie games are an essential genre in video gaming. They give opportunities to small-scale developers to get their creators out there. Indie games allow for creativity and innovation in gaming, as developers often find it hard to get permission to experiment with huge AAA titles. Thus, the game awards try to promote the genre with their Indie Game Debut Nominees and awards.

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The Game Awards have announced their nominees for the year 2023. The list is filled with diverse game genres that all try to bring something new to the table. While there is always some controversy regarding the nominations, all games on the list are worthy of being nominated and stand a chance of winning.

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Indie Game Debut Nominees for The Game Awards 2023

Cocoon

Cocoon
Image via: Annapurna Interactive

Cocoon is a puzzle game developed by Annapurna Interactive, the creators of Thirsty Suitors, The Artful Escape, and Solar Ash. The studio is known for its innovative and gorgeous art style, and Cocoon is a visual feast. The game is a unique take on puzzle games. It is a masterclass in environmental puzzle design and a must-play for fans of the genre.

Dredge

Dredge
Image via: Team17

Dredge is a unique fishing game that blends horror into relaxing and meditative gameplay. While the core gameplay revolves around fishing, it is far from your average fishing simulator. The game was created by the studio that gave us The Escapists series and many established video games. Thanks to its haunting visuals, eerie atmosphere, and intriguing story, it will stay with you long after you have completed it.

Pizza Tower

Pizza Tower
Image via: Tour de Pizza

Pizza Tower is a fast-paced platformer exclusive to Windows 11. The game’s environments constantly bring something new to the table. It avoids the problem of repetitive levels that most platformers face. The game is filled with offbeat and memorable characters that bring Wario-styled humour. Whether you are a casual or hardcore gamer, Pizza Tower will have you hooked from beginning to end.

Venba

Venba
Image via: Visai Games

Venba is a heartfelt and thought-provoking narrative about an Indian woman who immigrated to Canada with her husband in the 1980s. The gameplay mainly revolves around cooking. However, the game’s story is where it shines. The charming characters, the well-written story, and the pleasing visuals will stay with you long after you have played the game.

Viewfinder

Viewfinder
Image via: Thunderful Publishing

The second puzzle game on this list comes from Sad Owl Studios, the creators of Black Room. The game is a journey through paradoxical physics and optical illusions. The game is stunning, and you will not complain about the visuals. Something that separates this game from the others is its sound design. The ambient sound effects to the background music perfectly complement the game’s tones, adding wonder and melancholy to your experience.

Predictions

The competition for Indie Game Debut Nominees is as stiff as ever. However, many factors suggest that Pizza Tower is perhaps the strongest contender for this year. The game has incredible reviews, scoring 95% on Metacritic. It has also been a huge commercial success, selling over 1 million copies within two weeks of release. Lastly, the unique and engaging gameplay has been praised by gamers and critics alike.

While Cocoon is probably a close second, Pizza Tower’s critical and commercial success suggests the game has a great chance of winning Indie Game Debut at The Game Awards 2023.

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