In a surprising and unprecedented move, the developer of the popular roguelike survival game Megabonk, known as Vedinad, has officially withdrawn from The Game Awards 2025. The game was nominated in the Best Debut Indie Game category, but the developer clarified that this nomination was not appropriate as Megabonk is not his first game.
On social media, Vedinad posted: “I’m withdrawing from The Game Awards. It’s an honor and a dream for Megabonk to be nominated for TGA, but unfortunately, I don’t think it qualifies for the category ‘Debut Indie Game.’ I’ve made games in the past under different studio names, so Megabonk is not my debut game.” The developer expressed appreciation for the nomination and encouraged voters to support other deserving debut titles instead.
Official Response and Impact
Geoff Keighley, the host and creator of The Game Awards, confirmed the withdrawal and announced that Megabonk would be removed from the Best Debut Indie Game category. He praised Vedinad’s honesty and respected the decision to ensure recognition goes to actual debut teams, even while acknowledging Megabonk’s outstanding quality as a game.
This marks the first time a nomination has been revoked at The Game Awards, raising interesting discussions about the criteria for debut indie games and how experience under different studio names affects eligibility.
Community Reactions and Perspectives
The move was widely praised for its integrity, though it also sparked debate about the definition of an indie debut. Some noted similarities with past controversies, such as the nomination of Dave the Diver, a game developed by a studio owned by a large publisher but viewed as indie by the community.
The withdrawal shines a light on the complexities of eligibility and fair recognition in game awards, especially as indie development continues to evolve with experienced developers entering under new banners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Megabonk withdraw from The Game Awards?
The developer ran previous games under different studio names, so Megabonk isn’t their debut game, making the Best Debut Indie Game nomination ineligible.
Will Megabonk be replaced by another game in the category?
The Game Awards has not yet announced whether another game will fill the vacant nomination spot.
Is this the first time a nomination has been revoked?
Yes, this is the first known instance of a game voluntarily withdrawing its nomination at The Game Awards.
How did Geoff Keighley respond?
Keighley publicly supported the developer’s decision, emphasizing respect for honesty and fairness in the nomination process.
What impact does this have on indie recognition?
The incident has sparked wider conversations on defining “indie debut,” eligibility criteria, and ensuring fair recognition for new developers.
Conclusion
Megabonk’s withdrawal from The Game Awards 2025 highlights the importance of integrity and clear criteria in award nominations. While it means the game will no longer compete in the Best Debut Indie Game category, the developer’s honesty has earned respect and opened dialogue about how the industry recognizes creativity and new talent in the indie scene.