Megabonk Withdraws from The Game Awards: “An Honor, But Not a Debut”
▼ Summary
– Vedinad withdrew Megabonk from Best Debut Indie Game consideration at The Game Awards 2025, stating it was not his first game.
– The developer explained that he had previously created games under different studio names, making Megabonk ineligible for the debut category.
– Geoff Keighley confirmed Vedinad’s honesty and announced that Megabonk would be removed from the category as a result.
– Vedinad encouraged voters to support other debut titles, expressing appreciation for the nomination and community support.
– Despite the withdrawal, Megabonk has achieved commercial success, selling over a million copies on Steam.
The developer of Megabonk has voluntarily withdrawn the game from the Best Debut Indie Game category at The Game Awards, citing ineligibility due to his prior experience in the industry. Vedinad, the creator behind the popular title, announced the decision on social media shortly after the 2025 nominees were revealed, which included Sandfall Interactive’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 earning ten nominations, among them Game of the Year.
In a straightforward post on X/Twitter, Vedinad explained his reasoning. He expressed deep gratitude for the nomination, calling it an honor and a dream, but clarified that Megabonk does not meet the criteria for a debut indie game. The developer noted he had previously released games under different studio identities, making Megabonk ineligible as his first published work.
In a follow-up message, Vedinad encouraged voters to support other deserving debut titles in the category, emphasizing that all the nominees represent amazing games. The post was signed off with the name “John Megabonk,” adding a personal touch to the announcement.
Geoff Keighley, host and producer of The Game Awards, confirmed the withdrawal publicly. He stated that Vedinad had proactively contacted the awards team to clarify his status as an established solo developer who had been presenting himself under a new identity. Keighley praised the developer’s integrity, acknowledging that while Megabonk is an outstanding game, the creator did not wish to detract recognition from first-time development teams.
Despite stepping back from the awards category, Megabonk continues to enjoy significant commercial success, having sold over one million copies on Steam. The game remains a notable indie hit, and Vedinad plans to share more about his background and journey when the time is right.
(Source: Games Industry)
