Games Industry Africa Awards (GIAA) is an initiative to recognise, celebrate as well as promote the diverse portfolio of video games from the continent annually. The industry in Africa is largely, but still relatively nascent compared to its geographical contemporaries. An acknowledgement of the pool of talent is a way to aid continuous growth as well as inspire the next generation of creators and developers.
Amidst an age of chaos, uncertainty and unparalleled success, African developers have continued to break new ground and gain a foothold on a global scale. Making games is hard. It’s an adage well worn, but when framed against an African backdrop, all developers should be celebrated for continuing to push the medium forward across the continent. Every nominee is a testament to persistence and passion. Keep on keeping on!
Industry Initiative of the Year
This initiative went against the grain in an industry that is still largely male dominated and chose to highlight the skills and talents of female gamers across the continent. For that, the industry initiative is:
Carry 1st announces Africa’s biggest all female esports tournament.
Event of the year
The winner of this award has established itself as more than simply a gathering place for industry professionals, but a breeding ground for though provoking reflections, strategic alignments and a launch pad for creative enterprises. The winner of this award is:
Africa Games Week (South Africa)
News Highlight of the year
New of this project not only highlighted the creative talents across the continent, but went a long way to kickstarting lively discourse on the continent’s colonial past and the future homes of our artistic heritage. The recipient of this ward is:
Debut of the Year
The winner of this award has crafted a game balancing heart, creativity and a world rife with intriguing puzzles. A mean feat for a team still in its relative infancy but showcasing all the talent, intent and credentials to be a creative force across the continent and beyond.
Flibbius McDoogle and the Mysterious Flying Machine (South Africa)
Most Impactful Mobile Game
Developed by a team dedicated to innovating the mobile gaming landscape throughout the continent, this game demonstrates modular progression through the integration of design and building gameplay elements. Players navigate distinct architectural styles inspired by renowned African landmarks. The recipient of this award is:
Safari City: Renovate & Design (Nigeria)
PC Game of the Year
By all metrics, this title stands as the most successful game developed on the continent, produced by a team renowned for consistently demonstrating exceptional creativity. Featuring physics-based mechanics alongside user-generated level design capabilities, this game is poised to remain influential in the industry for the foreseeable future. The recipient of this award is:
Stick it to the Stickman (South Africa)
Team of the Year
This team continues to reach new heights every year, whether through the games they develop and release, their support for local creative talent, successful funding rounds, industry-shaping events, or their influence on the perception of games developed in Africa. Their reputation is well established, and their standards remain unparalleled. The recipient of this award is:
Game of the Year
This game has distinguished itself over the past year in terms of critical acclaim, commercial success, and creative innovation. Developed in partnership with a leading boutique publisher, it demonstrates that exceptional gameplay, rather than visual fidelity alone, is often the defining element of an outstanding title. The winner is:
Stick it to the Stickman (South Africa)
Persons of the Year
In another year marred by financial and funding constraints, two of these recipients bucked the funding trend whilst the third remains the driving force for a creative powerhouse across the continent. The persons of the year are:
Teddy Kossoko (CAR)
Dominique Gawlowski (South Africa)
Rojeh Maher (Egypt)
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