The Australian Game Developer Awards will again occur during Melbourne International Games Week. The event will be held on October 2024 at 6:30 PM AEDT at The Forum Melbourne and will be live-streamed on the IGEA Twitch channel. Gemma Driscoll and Harry Jun, presenters and producers at ABC Gamer, will again host the show.

This year’s leading nominees are CONSCRIPT with six, Diets & Deities with four, and KILL KNIGHT with four. Twelve awards will be given out over the night, with the ‘Game of the Year’ award leading the way.

Ron Curry, CEO of IGEA, said the following:

“This year’s The AGDAs finalists demonstrate the continued originality and creativity of Australian game developers. In spite of global industry trends, Australian game studios continue to produce excellent games that will continue to enhance their reputation worldwide. State and federal government funding across Australia has helped many of this year’s finalists develop their games. Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory and the North Territory are all represented, with some great projects in development in other jurisdictions. We are thrilled to see a great mix of experienced and emerging developers in Australia producing successful, original IP and the Australian games ecosystem expanding. The AGDAs continue to be a wonderful celebration of the world-class talent in this country.”

Here is the complete list of this year’s final nominees:

Excellence in Art – Sponsored by Ultimate Studio

For outstanding achievement in the field of art through taking the medium to a new and interesting style, unique creations, and/or through breath-taking visuals.

Excellence in Gameplay

For outstanding achievement in the field of gameplay through high quality design, engaging and innovative gameplay.

  • Capes by Spitfire Interactive, Daedalic Entertainment (QLD)
  • Max Mustard by Toast Interactive (QLD)
  • Wild Bastards by Blue Manchu, Maximum Entertainment (ACT)

Excellence in Narrative

For outstanding achievement in the field of narrative design, innovation, and creative intrigue with the game narrative.

Excellence in Sound Design – Sponsored by APRA AMCOS

For outstanding achievement in the field of sound design, audio engineering and voice acting.

Excellence in Music – Sponsored by APRA AMCOS

For outstanding achievement in the field of music, composition, and musical tone.

Excellence in Accessibility – Presented by VicScreen

For outstanding achievement in the field of accessibility, in impact, inclusion and a reminder that gaming is for all.

Excellence in Mobile

For outstanding achievement in the field of mobile games for engaging, innovative and immersive use of the technology and genre.

Excellence in Mixed Reality

For outstanding achievement in the field of AR, VR and XR for engaging, innovative and immersive use of the technology and genre.

Excellence in Impact

For outstanding achievement in the creation of games that are designed to educate and promote behaviour and/or attitude change.

Excellence in Emerging– Sponsored by Screen Queensland

For outstanding achievement in the field of Games as a Service, recognising the importance of maintaining high quality design whilst working with your community and welcoming new players onboard to a living product.

Excellence in Live Service – Sponsored by Sledgehammer Games

For outstanding achievement from emerging teams new to the industry who have created a game outstanding with a clear concept, that exceeded expectations for an emerging team.

Game of the Year

For an outstanding game that exceeds expectations across multiple categories and innovates in a way that makes for an unforgettable experience.