INDIKA Wins Prestigious 'Game Designer's Award' at Japan Game Awards

[IBJamon]

INDIKA Wins Prestigious 'Game Designer's Award' at Japan Game Awards

Judged by the likes of Hideki Kamiya, Toby Fox, Yoko Taro, and more, INDIKA shines at Tokyo Game Show

Just before the Tokyo Game Show kicks off properly, we saw the 2025 Japan Game Awards take place at Toda Hall in Tokyo. Publisher, 11 bit studios, is thrilled to share that INDIKA, from indie developer Odd Meter, has won the very prestigious Game Designer's Award!

With the judging process presided over by some of the biggest names in the industry, and chaired by Super Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai, the win is a feather in the cap for the entire team at Odd Meter.



Presented by Sakurai himself, he stepped on stage to give a brief explanation of why INDIKA was chosen for such an honor, saying, "Usually, the Game Designer's Award is awarded for the originality of the game system, but the game system in INDIKA can be said to be a typical third-person action game. However, its story, world setting, and atmosphere, which are based on themes such as mental landscape, anti-establishment religious views, and virtue, are unlike any other work."

He continued, stating, "In fact, it is rare to see a work that puts religious views at the forefront. The votes were split during the judging process, but in the end, this work received the most support, which is why we chose it."

NOTE: This is an approximate translation from the original Japanese presentation ^

The award celebrates titles that push the boundaries of creativity and design, and the teams at both 11 bit studios and Odd Meter are humbled that INDIKA’s bold storytelling, unique mechanics, and surreal vision struck a chord with such a respected panel.

For the developers, this recognition is not only a milestone but also a testament to the risks taken in crafting something truly unconventional. Winning at the Japan Game Awards highlights how INDIKA resonates across cultures, proving that games with daring ideas and deeply human themes can find an audience worldwide. The team extends its gratitude to the judges, the fans who’ve supported the journey, and everyone who continues to believe in games that challenge expectations.

Get INDIKA on:
Steam | GOG | Epic | PlayStation | Xbox

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