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Published on October 8th, 2025 | by Adrian Gunning

IGEA announces the 2025 Australian Game Developer Awards Winners

Melbourne-based studio Powerhoof has won Game of the Year for its narrative-driven adventure game The Drifter at the 2025 Australian Game Developer Awards (AGDAs). Presented by the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA) at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre, the AGDAs celebrated the best of Australia’s video game development industry. The Drifter was also recognised with awards for Excellence in Narrative, Visual Art, and Sound Design.

“It’s such an honour to see our game recognised as Game of the Year at the AGDAs,” said Powerhoof co-founder Dave Lloyd. “It’s been a long journey, but we’re thrilled that a game we started making in 2019 has resonated with so many players.”

The Drifter is an innovative take on the classic 2D point-and-click adventure, focused on fast-paced storytelling, gorgeous pixel art, and captivating voice acting. When asked why The Drifter was the Game of the Year, one judge commented that it’s “a title that oozes polish from every pore, it expands the possibilities of the genre while delivering an experience that captures the essence of Australian-made excellence.”

Other winners at the AGDAs include Mars rover builder Mars First Logistics (Shape Shop), musical puzzle game Tempopo (Witch Beam), a haunting debut called PROXIMATE by solo-developer Cain Maddox, and more.

“This year’s winners and finalists demonstrate the creativity and diversity radiating from Australia’s games industry. With unique submissions across every category, our panel of judges had the difficult task of narrowing the field down to three finalists and ultimately selecting winners. On behalf of IGEA, I extend my congratulations to all the 2025 AGDAs winners and thank the judges for their invaluable input,” said Ron Curry, CEO of IGEA.

The awards also recognise studios and individuals who contribute to the growth of the industry. Studio of the Year was awarded to Massive Monster, the Melbourne-based team behind the 2022 hit Cult of the Lamb. They have been celebrated for their ongoing global success and strong contribution supporting the Australian game developer community, especially marginalised creators.

Aiden Gyory, Adelaide based game developer was awarded the 2025 Rising Star Award for his dedication to supporting growth in the local game development community, but also running game development training courses with schools and universities.

This year’s Adam Lancman Award was awarded to Antony Reed, director of ANZ & SEA at Epic Games. Tony has been an incredibly strong advocate for the Australian game development sector with numerous studios and individuals still working in the sector today thanks to the foundations and support provided by Tony.

“Australian studios continue to develop games that exceed expectations. The AGDAs celebrate this creativity and determination, whilst highlighting the unique stories that our community brings to gaming. Support from federal and state governments is providing opportunities for Australian developers to produce innovative experiences enjoyed by gamers worldwide,” said Curry.

Please see the full list of the AGDAs 2025 winners below:

 


About the Author

Adrian lives in Melbourne Australia and has a huge passion for gaming, technology and pop culture. He recently finished his a Bachelor of Journalism and is currently focusing on games journalism. When not writing and playing video games, Adrian can be found in Comics 'R' Us debating the pros of the DC Universe and cons of the Marvel Universe.


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