The realm of video game awards is often filled with popularity-driven contests that fail to truly highlight innovation and creativity. However, the Independent Games Festival awards, known as the IGFs, stand out as a beacon of excellence in this regard. These awards prioritize unique and groundbreaking games, making them a refreshing change from the typical borefest that is prevalent in the industry.
IGF Celebration Days Steam Sale
To further celebrate the spirit of innovation, the IGF hosts the Celebration Days Steam sale, offering discounts on past winners and finalists from the awards’ history. Running until July 20th, this sale showcases some of the most remarkable games that have been recognized by the IGF over the years. From recent award winners like Rhythm Doctor to classics like Spelunky, the sale features a diverse range of titles that have left a lasting impact on the gaming world.
One of the key reasons why the IGF awards are so prestigious is the meticulous selection process that goes into choosing the winners. A large panel of journalists and developers meticulously sift through hundreds of submissions to identify the most innovative and deserving games. This initial filtering process helps to narrow down the pool of contenders, leading to a shortlist of nominees that showcase the best of indie game development.
Unlike other awards that focus on popularity and commercial success, the IGF awards prioritize design and innovation above all else. The judges’ discussions and the award categories are designed to highlight games that push boundaries and challenge the status quo. This emphasis on creativity has led to the recognition of groundbreaking titles like Outer Wilds, which was a relatively unknown game until it won the Grand Prize in 2015.
The Legacy of IGF Awards
Overall, the Independent Games Festival awards have played a crucial role in advancing the medium of video games. By championing innovative and unique titles, the IGFs have helped to shape the gaming landscape and encourage developers to think outside the box. Moreover, the awards have created a culture that values creativity and originality, ultimately leading to a vibrant and diverse gaming ecosystem.
The Independent Games Festival awards stand out as a shining example of excellence in the video game industry. Through their commitment to innovation and creativity, the IGFs have not only recognized outstanding games but also inspired a new generation of developers to push boundaries and explore new ideas. As we celebrate the IGF awards and the remarkable games they have honored, we are reminded of the power of innovation to shape the future of gaming.
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