Hold on to your hats, Nintendo fans! The nominations for the Indie Game Awards 2025 Game of the Year are here, and they’re absolutely bursting with titles you can already play – or should be playing – on your Nintendo Switch. But here’s where it gets controversial… are these the right games? Are there hidden gems that got unfairly overlooked?
Yes, it’s that magical time of year again. While the AAA giants are keeping their GOTY cards close to their chests for now (we’re looking at you, Mr. Keighley!), the Indie Game Awards are bravely stepping into the spotlight. This developer-focused show, dedicated entirely to the vibrant world of indie games, has just unveiled its nominees across a whopping 18 categories. Think of it as the Oscars, but for the little guys… the really creative little guys.
These categories aren’t just your standard ‘Best Graphics’ fare. They delve deep, recognizing achievements in everything from ‘Achievement in Accessibility’ (making games enjoyable for everyone) to ‘Bite-Sized Game’ (perfect for that commute!), ‘Community Management’ (because a good community can make or break a game), and the emotionally resonant ‘Emotional Impact’. And, of course, the big one: ‘Game of the Year’.
Now, about that GOTY nominee list… prepare to be impressed. We’re talking heavy hitters like Hollow Knight: Silksong and Hades II. But the beauty of the indie scene is its diversity. Alongside the big names, you’ll find smaller, equally brilliant releases like Citizen Sleeper 2, Roger, Absolum, and Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo. Seriously, if you haven’t checked these out on your Switch, you’re missing out.
And this is the part most people miss… it’s not just about what’s on Switch right now. There are also some incredibly promising indie titles that we’re desperately hoping to see on the rumored Switch 2. Imagine playing Consume Me, Keep Driving, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, or Blue Prince with the next-gen power of the Switch 2! The possibilities are mind-blowing. These games, currently available elsewhere, represent the kind of visual and gameplay experiences that could truly shine on Nintendo’s next console.
But the Switch love doesn’t stop there! Switch titles are scattered throughout the other award categories. We’re talking BALL x PIT nominated for ‘Gameplay Design’, Herdling for ‘Music’, Antonblast for ‘Solo Development’ (a testament to the power of one!), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown for the ‘Black Voice in Gaming Award’ (highlighting important representation), and Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping for the ‘Women-Led Indie Game Award’ (celebrating female creators!).
The Indie Game Awards 2025 will be broadcast live on December 18th at 11:30pm GMT / 3:30pm PT / 6:30pm ET. You can catch all the action on the Six One Indie YouTube and Twitch channels. For the complete list of nominees and award presenters, head over to the Indie Game Awards website. One thing is for sure: the Indie Game Awards are not afraid to reward smaller, less known titles. But are they rewarding the right ones?
So, here’s the big question: Which indie game do you think deserves to win the Game of the Year award? Are you rooting for a well-known darling, or a hidden gem? And, perhaps more controversially, do you think the Indie Game Awards adequately represent the diversity and innovation within the indie scene? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! We’re eager to hear your predictions and opinions.