Powerhoof’s The Drifter emerged as the standout winner at the Australian Game Developer Awards 2025, clinching the coveted Game of the Year title. The point-and-click adventure game also secured accolades in Excellence in Art, Excellence in Narrative, and Excellence in Sound Design. Judges praised the game for its polish and innovation, with one describing it as “a title that oozes polish from every pore, it expands the possibilities of the genre while delivering an experience that captures the essence of Australian-made excellence.”
Meanwhile, Witch Beam’s puzzle game Tempopo was recognized with awards for Excellence in Music and Excellence in Accessibility. The developer of Cult of the Lamb, Massive Monster, took home the Studio of the Year award, further highlighting the diversity and creativity within the Australian gaming industry.
Industry Recognition and Rising Stars
Epic Games’ director for the ANZ & SEA regions, Antony Reed, was honored with the Adam Lancman Award for his significant contributions and advocacy within the Australian games development sector. This prestigious award underscores the importance of leadership and vision in driving the industry forward.
Adelaide-based developer Aiden Gyory received the Rising Star Award for his dedication to nurturing growth in the local game development community. Gyory, the founder of Catalyst Games and former community manager for Game Plus, has been instrumental in running game development training courses in schools and universities, fostering the next generation of developers.
Diversity and Creativity in Australian Gaming
Other notable winners included Luke Muscat’s Feed the Deep, Spoonful of Wonder’s Copycat, and Cain Maddox’s Proximate. These awards reflect the broad range of talent and innovation present in the Australian gaming scene.
According to Ron Curry, CEO of the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA), “This year’s winners and finalists demonstrate the creativity and diversity radiating from Australia’s games industry.” He added, “With unique submissions across every category, our panel of judges had the difficult task of narrowing the field down to three finalists and ultimately selecting winners.”
“Australian studios continue to develop games that exceed expectations. The AGDAs celebrate this creativity and determination, whilst highlighting the unique stories that our community brings to gaming,” said Curry. “Support from federal and state governments is providing opportunities for Australian developers to produce innovative experiences enjoyed by gamers worldwide.”
Looking Ahead
The Australian Game Developer Awards 2025 not only celebrated current achievements but also set the stage for future innovation. As the industry continues to grow, the support from both government and community initiatives will be crucial in maintaining the momentum. The recognition of diverse talents and creative projects underscores the potential for Australian developers to make a significant impact on the global gaming stage.
The full list of winners for the Australian Game Developer Awards 2025 reflects a vibrant and dynamic industry, poised for further success and recognition. As the gaming landscape evolves, these awards highlight the importance of creativity, diversity, and excellence in shaping the future of gaming.
