The Independent Games Festival (IGF) awards stand out from the crowd of video game award shows by focusing on design and innovation rather than popularity. Unlike other awards that are often criticized as mere popularity contests, the IGF awards are highly respected for their commitment to showcasing outstanding independent games.
To celebrate the achievements of indie game developers, the IGF has launched the IGF Celebration Days Steam sale. Running until July 20th, the sale offers discounts on past winners and finalists from the IGF awards. This includes discounts on recent winners like Rhythm Doctor, Mediterranea Inferno, and Venba, as well as discounts on previous finalists and winners such as Cocoon, Cobalt Core, 80 Days, Spelunky, Fez, and Darwinia.
The IGF awards stand out for their unique selection process, involving a large pool of journalists and developers who sift through hundreds of submitted games to identify the most deserving candidates. Subsequently, a smaller group of hand-selected judges, primarily game developers themselves, narrow down the nominees and determine the winners. This meticulous process ensures that deserving games, even those created by lesser-known developers, receive recognition for their creativity and innovation.
One of the most significant impacts of the IGF awards is their ability to elevate unknown games and independent developers. For example, the game Outer Wilds, which won the Grand Prize in 2015, was initially created by a team of students years before its full commercial release. The IGF awards provide a platform for emerging talent to showcase their work and gain recognition within the gaming industry.
The culture fostered by the IGF awards prioritizes design and innovation over commercial success or popularity. By recognizing games that push the boundaries of creativity and challenge traditional norms, the IGF awards contribute to the advancement of the gaming medium as a whole. This focus on innovation not only benefits the industry but also offers gamers a diverse selection of unique and engaging titles to enjoy.
The Independent Games Festival awards, with their emphasis on design and innovation, play a crucial role in celebrating independent game developers and promoting creativity within the gaming industry. The IGF Celebration Days Steam sale serves as a reminder of the outstanding games that have been recognized by the awards and offers players the opportunity to discover and support innovative indie titles at discounted prices.
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