The Indie Game Award 2025, Asia’s premier indie game competition hosted by the Taipei Game Show (TGS), has unveiled its winners, and the excitement is palpable. Among the standout titles, Taiwan-based studio Bearbone’s “Minds Beneath Us” emerged as a double crown winner, securing both the “Grand Prix” and “Best Narrative” awards. The game’s thought-provoking storyline, well-developed characters, and stunning blend of futuristic technology with local street scenes captivated both domestic and international judges. The visual style, paired with an oppressive yet fitting soundtrack, created an exceptional atmosphere, earning the game high scores across multiple categories and the title of a “perfect all-rounder.”
This year’s Indie Game Award marked a significant milestone with its first collaboration with Xbox. The ceremony, held a day before the Taipei Game Show 2025, featured notable figures such as Jun Shen Chia, Xbox’s Strategic Markets Lead for Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, and Shuhei Yoshida, former Head of the Indies Initiative at Sony Interactive Entertainment. Daniel Robson, editor-in-chief of IGN JAPAN and a long-time award judge, also joined in presenting the awards. The event brought together winners, finalists, and exhibitors, providing a platform for professional discussions and valuable insights into game development. Throughout the four-day TGS event, all winning titles will be showcased and available for demo at the Indie Game Award 2025 Winner Pavilion within the Indie House of the B2C Zone.
The competition was fierce, with 340 indie game developers from 52 countries and regions participating, setting a record in the award’s 11-year history. The quality of entries continues to improve, with many games undergoing years of development, early access, and refinements before submission. Developers are now aiming for greater global stages, pushing the boundaries of what indie games can achieve.
Among the winners, Canadian developer LocalThunk’s solo project “Balatro” won “Best Mobile Game” and “Best Innovation.” Judges humorously described the game as “highly addictive,” bringing fresh possibilities to the simple card game format. Harvey, CEO of publisher Playstack, expressed gratitude for the award and the support from the player community.
Taiwan’s Psychoflow Studio won “Best Design” with “Bionic Bay,” a groundbreaking 2D platformer that combines various mechanics for a seamless gameplay experience and carefully designed levels. South Korean student BBB’s “MONOWAVE” took home the “Best Student Game” award, praised for its high level of completion, scratch art-style graphics, and emotional music that feels like stepping into a beautifully crafted fairy tale.
Spain’s Omaet Games earned the “Best Audio” honor with “The Midnight Barber,” a unique rhythm game combining haircutting and music. The judges lauded its artistic and musical creativity, resonating with rhythm game enthusiasts. Meanwhile, China’s Cotton Game received the “Best Visual Art” for “Sunset Hills,” a heartwarming dog-themed train journey featuring relaxing storybook visuals and music. The judges commented on its soothing nature, making players want to linger on the scenery a little longer.
The Indie Game Award 2025 has once again highlighted the incredible talent and creativity within the indie game development community, setting the stage for even greater achievements in the future.
