The Games for Change Awards 2025 were a resounding success – both for the cause and for German teams, who impressed in three categories. Game of the Year went to Indika, developed by Odd Meter and published by 11 Bit Studios.

The game Indika also won the Narrative category, beating out Closer the Distance by Osmotic Studios, which was also nominated. Since Closer the Distance also had to give way to Neva by Nomada in the Gameplay category, the Hamburg-based Osmotic team came away empty-handed, even though they were the only German team to receive two nominations. Slow Bros., who were nominated in the Innovation category with Harold Halibut, also failed to win a Games For Change Award.

Instead, Berlin-based studios Little Bat Games and Torpor Games, as well as RheinMain University of Applied Sciences, impressed the jury. Little Bat Games won the Health & Wellness category with Vampire Therapist. Torpor Games received a Games for Change Award for Kindom of Rizia in the Civics category. And RheinMain University of Applied Sciences won the Impact category with its title Umfeld.

"These award winners represent a breakthrough moment for impact gaming, showcasing the extraordinary breadth of human experiences that games can address – from mental health and accessibility to environmental action and personal resilience," said G4C President Susanna Pollack. "We're seeing creators push the boundaries of what's possible across every platform and medium, using cutting-edge technology, innovative storytelling, and thoughtful design to tackle deeply personal challenges while reaching global audiences. With submissions from 6 continents, it's clear that the future of impact gaming is global, diverse, and deeply human."

2025 Games for Change Award Winners
  • Game of the Year: Indika by Odd Meter
  • Best Narrative: Indika by Odd Meter
  • Best in Enviromental Impact: Crab God by Chaos Theory Games
  • Best in Health & Wellness: Vampire Therapist by Little Bat Games
  • Best in Impact: Umfeld [social environment] by Hochschule RheinMain)
  • Best in Civics: Kingdom of Rizia by Torpor Games
  • Best in Innovation: In the Current of Being by Cameron Kostopoulos
  • Best in Learning: Tablecraft by Not Suspicious
  • Best in XR: Impulse: Playing with Reality by Anagram
  • Best Gameplay: Neva by Nomada Studio
  • Best Plattform-based Project: Seattle Children's Hospital Minecraft Server by Hive Games & Mojang Studio
  • Best Student Project: Prší by Herdek Kolektiv
  • Best Board or Tabletop Game for Impact: Legless in London by Focus Games
  • Accessibility Award: Botany Manor by Balloon Studios
  • Indie Breakout Award: 1000xRESIST by sunset visitor 斜陽遊客
2025 Games for Change Special Awards

G4C Vanguard Award: Dr. Rachel Kowert for her pioneering work at the intersection of psychology, gaming, and mental health. Industr Leadership Award: Preloaded for 25 years of creating meaningful interactive experiences that blend education, culture, and social good.

G4C Giving Award: Amir Satvat for his transformative leadership in supporting gaming professionals affected by industry layoffs.

C4C Hall of Change: Asi Burak for two decades of dedication to advancing impact games, from his pioneering work on PeaceMaker to his leadership in transforming G4C into an internationally recognized movement.

International Leadership Award: Gilson Schwartz, President of the G4C Latin America chapter, for 15 years of supporting the global Games for Change movement and transforming São Paulo into a hub for socially impactful games.

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Written by

Stephan Steininger
Stephan Steininger
Stephan is Editor in Chief