The Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA) has revealed the finalists for the 2024 Australian Game Developer Awards (AGDAs), and it’s shaping up to be an epic year for Aussie gaming. Leading the charge is CONSCRIPT, a solo-developed survival horror by Jordan Mochi of Catchweight Studio, earning six nominations, including Game of the Year.
The rhythm-infused cooking adventure Diets & Deities by Larrikin Interactive and the intense, arcade-style isometric shooter KILL KNIGHT by PlaySide Studios both bagged four nominations each, including nods for Game of the Year. With competition this fierce, the AGDAs are set to showcase the best and brightest of Australia’s game development scene.
Set a reminder for the 9th of October 2024, when The Forum Melbourne will host this year’s AGDAs as part of Melbourne International Games Week. Whether you’re lucky enough to attend in person or plan to stream via the IGEA Twitch channel, this is something you’ll want to get involved in.
Ron Curry, CEO of IGEA, praised the finalists, highlighting their originality and creativity: “In spite of global industry trends, Australian game studios continue to produce excellent games that will continue to enhance their reputation worldwide.”
Government support across Australia has played a significant role in helping developers bring their visions to life. From Victoria to New South Wales, Queensland, and beyond, the 2024 AGDAs celebrate both seasoned pros and emerging talents pushing the boundaries of game design.
Returning to host the event are ABC Gamer’s dynamic duo, Gemma Driscoll and Harry Jun. If you’re keen to join the celebrations, tickets are available now. Plus, if you’re attending Games Connect Asia Pacific, your ticket includes entry to the AGDAs.
This year’s finalists span 12 categories, with CONSCRIPT vying for awards in categories like Excellence in Art, Gameplay, Narrative, and more. Meanwhile, Diets & Deities and KILL KNIGHT have secured nominations in categories such as Excellence in Music and Sound Design.
The AGDAs have long been a platform for recognising the incredible talent within Australia’s game development community, and 2024 is no exception.
If you’re curious about the judging process, you can get into the nitty-gritty here.
Check out the full list of finalists below, and get ready to cheer on your favourites on the 9th of October!
2024 AGDAs Finalists
Excellence in Art – Sponsored by Ultimate Studio
CONSCRIPT – Catchweight Studio (VIC)
KILL KNIGHT – PlaySide Studios (VIC)
Wild Bastards – Blue Manchu, Maximum Entertainment (ACT)
Excellence in Gameplay
Capes – Spitfire Interactive, Daedalic Entertainment (QLD)
Max Mustard – Toast Interactive (QLD)
Wild Bastards – Blue Manchu, Maximum Entertainment (ACT)
Excellence in Narrative
Capes – Spitfire Interactive, Daedalic Entertainment (QLD)
CONSCRIPT – Catchweight Studio (VIC)
The Ruby Court – Dana McKay (VIC)
Excellence in Sound Design – Sponsored by APRA AMCOS
CONSCRIPT – Catchweight Studio (VIC)
Cozy Caravan – 5 Lives Studios, Supertonic (QLD)
KILL KNIGHT – PlaySide Studios (VIC)
Excellence in Music – Sponsored by APRA AMCOS
Crab God – Chaos Theory Games, Firesquid (NSW)
Diets & Deities – Larrikin Interactive (NT)
KILL KNIGHT – PlaySide Studios (VIC)
Excellence in Accessibility – Presented by VicScreen
Bears In Space – Broadside Games, Ravenscourt (QLD)
CONSCRIPT – Catchweight Studio (VIC)
Diets & Deities – Larrikin Interactive (NT)
Excellence in Mobile
Dumb Ways to Survive – PlaySide Studio, Netflix Games (VIC)
Earn to Die Rogue – Not Doppler (NSW)
Tingus Goose – Weird Idle Game – Sweaty Chair (NSW)
Excellence in Mixed Reality
Max Mustard – Toast Interactive (QLD)
Neon Squad Tactics – Tin Man Games (VIC)
Umurangi Generation VR – ORIGAME DIGITAL (VIC)
Excellence in Impact
Beyond Blue VR – Chaos Theory Games, E-line Media (NSW)
Crab God – Chaos Theory Games, Firesquid (NSW)
Diets & Deities – Larrikin Interactive (NT)
Excellence in Emerging – Sponsored by Screen Queensland
Catto’s Post Office – In Shambles Studio (QLD)
CONSCRIPT – Catchweight Studio (VIC)
Pond Scum – Universal Weebs Unlimited PTY LTD (VIC)
Excellence in Live Service – Sponsored by Sledgehammer Games
Crossy Road – Hipster Whale (VIC)
RISK: Global Domination – SMG Studio (NSW)
The Sims FreePlay – EA Firemonkeys Studio (VIC)
Game of the Year
CONSCRIPT – Catchweight Studio (VIC)
Diets & Deities – Larrikin Interactive (NT)
KILL KNIGHT – PlaySide Studios (VIC)
