Ian Shephard

The Unsung Hero award is about recognizing those who have not been formally recognized but deserve to be for the extra effort they put into the industry or community that goes beyond a normal job. This award honors the work of an individual who has positively influenced the game development community or industry in New Zealand from behind the scenes.

Tim Ponting

This Industry Pillar award is about recognizing existing members of our community or industry who grow and support game development in NZ. They are central to our community and have been contributing to our industry for a significant amount of time.

Umurangi Generation by ORIGAME DIGITAL

Umurangi Generation is a first person photography game set in Tauranga during the shitty future.

PC Game | Photography

Trigger Witch by Rainbite

Trigger Witch is a 2D, twin-stick, action/adventure game set in an odd open world where magic is mundane, but firearms are the new unknown! You are Colette, and as you graduate from the Stock, a curious man invades your world...

PC, Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Physical | Twin-stick shooter, action/adventure

Best Friend Forever by Starcolt

Best Friend Forever is the world’s first simulation game to combine pet care and dating (just not necessarily at the same time). Train, pat and play with your very own dog to form a bond that will last the ages. With your four-legged companion by your side, meet, woo and cherish the many cuties of Rainbow Bay’s thriving singles scene.

PC, Nintendo Switch | Dating Sim

Trigger Witch by Rainbite

Trigger Witch is a 2D, twin-stick, action/adventure game set in an odd open world where magic is mundane, but firearms are the new unknown! You are Colette, and as you graduate from the Stock, a curious man invades your world...

PC, Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Physical | Twin-stick shooter, action/adventure

Umurangi Generation by ORIGAME DIGITAL

Umurangi Generation is a first person photography game set in Tauranga during the shitty future.

PC Game | Photography

Wonderland Nights: White Rabbit's Diary by Sky Bear Games

The four nations of Wonderland meet every year to agree on shared policies and enact their various schemes against each other. There are personal vendettas to resolve and enchantments hidden everywhere, and did someone mention the dreaded Alice? You play as the White Rabbit, and every decision you make affects the destiny of Wonderland!

PC Game | Ambient

Umurangi Generation by ORIGAME DIGITAL

Umurangi Generation is a first person photography game set in Tauranga during the shitty future.

PC Game | Visual novel/life simulation

Galilean Moons by Fantasy Workhouse

Set in an alternate history of 1895, You must voyage to the four largest moons of Jupiter in order to mine powerful crystals Left behind from a mysterious meteor shower.

Physical Game | Board Game - Area Control

Video World by Things For Humans

Video World is a synth-pop halloween musical about working at a video store. Sing and complete rhythmic challenges while you decorate a video store with the help of a punny pumpkin.

PC, Mac Game | Music / Rhythm, Narrative

Frame of Mind by [SAMPLE TEXT] Studios ltd

In Frame of Mind, you are placed in a world where logic is escaping you. Each area of the game defies reason, requiring you to think outside the box in order to solve the illogical and escape madness.

PC Game | Puzzle