Megabonk Developer Pulls Game from The Game Awards, Citing Ineligibility for Debut Indie Category

Vedinad, the developer behind Megabonk, has withdrawn the game from The Game Awards 2025 following its nomination for Best Debut Indie Game, stating that it does not meet the criteria for the category.

In a public statement shared via the official Megabonk account on X, Vedinad explained that while the nomination was an honor, the game should not be considered a debut.

“It’s an honor and a dream for Megabonk to be nominated for The Game Awards,” the post read. “But 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.”

Vedinad added that while he appreciated the support and votes, remaining in the category did not feel right, encouraging players instead to support other debut titles.

Following the announcement, The Game Awards creator Geoff Keighley acknowledged the request, confirming that Megabonk would be removed from the Best Debut Indie category. At the time of the statement, the game was still listed as a nominee on the official website.

Keighley stated that the developer had clarified he was an established solo creator who had previously released games under other identities, and that the decision was made out of respect for other debut teams.

What Counts as a “Debut Indie”?

The situation highlights an ongoing issue with how award categories are defined. Best Debut Indie is intended to recognize the first game from a new independent studio, but in practice, the definition can become blurred.

Game studios frequently evolve, rebrand, or form from developers who have worked together previously. As a result, determining what qualifies as a true debut can be subjective.

While Megabonk was largely developed by Vedinad as a solo project, the game still involved contributions from others, including music composition, artwork, playtesting, and support. This raises broader questions about what constitutes a studio or a debut release in modern game development.

Similar debates have surfaced in previous years, with games nominated in categories that sparked confusion among players and developers alike. These recurring situations suggest that clearer definitions may be needed moving forward.

Regardless of where one lands on the debate, both the developer and The Game Awards have addressed the situation directly, bringing the nomination to a close.