A whopping 31 digital games created in Victoria are finalists for the 2022 Australian Game Developer Awards (AGDAs).

Now in its 20th year, the AGDAs celebrate the contributions of Australian video game developers and highlight Australia's thriving digital games industry.  

The Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA) announced the finalists for the 2022  (AGDAs). Now in its 20th year, the AGDAs highlight the contributions of Australian video game developers across 13 game categories and four personal and studio awards.

An unprecedented number of high quality games were set before the judges this year, with over 40 being submitted for consideration. The Judging Committee comprises 70 Australian games industry professionals, including journalists and developers. 

“The AGDAs is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of talent and projects here in Australia. These awards highlight the creativity amongst Australian game developers as we see new, creative IP and Australian-told stories having significant success on the international stage.”

CEO of IGEA, Ron Curry

Victoria set to win Game of the Year

Victoria has seen significant success in this year’s AGDAs, with the three finalists for Australian Game of the Year heralding from the state. 

Notable mentions include Heavenly Bodies by 2pt Interactive which has been nominated for six awards across art, gameplay, music and technical design as well as Cult of the Lamb by Massive Monster and Wylde Flowers by Studio Drydock with five and four nominations respectively.

Game of The Year: For outstanding achievement in a game that revolutionises the genre, shows exceeding excellence across categories and stands as a testament to what incredible games the Australian Games Industry can produce.

A complete list of finalists can be found on the AGDA website here. 

This year the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) in Melbourne, will be offering playable demos of the top 10 games submitted to the AGDAs.

Patrons can get hands-on with each game and vote on their favourite as part of the inaugural ACMI Audience Choice Award.

This year the AGDAs will be held on 5 October, 7:00pm AEDT at The Forum Melbournepart of Melbourne International Games Week (MIGW), the biggest games event in Asia Pacific, further cementing Australia’s place within the global games industry. celebrations and will also be streamed live via the IGEA Twitch channel for those who can’t attend in person.