Winners of the Games for Change 2025 Awards Announced

The Games for Change organization recently revealed the recipients of its 2025 awards.

Among the honorees were Odd Meter's Indika, recognized for both Best Narrative and Game of the Year, Nomada Studios' Neva for Best Gameplay, and the Indie Breakout Award went to 1000xResist by Sunset Visitor.

Tilting Point's Asi Burak received the Hall of Change Award, while Gilson Schwartz, leader of the Games for Change Latin America chapter, was awarded the International Leadership Award.

This year, the Games for Change Awards attracted 800 entries from 55 nations.

The 2025 Games for Change Festival, held at Parsons School of Design at The New School in New York, featured a live ceremony where the winners were announced.

Games for Change president, Susanna Pollack, commented on the event, stating, "These award winners signify a pivotal moment for impactful gaming, illustrating the wide range of human experiences games can explore, from mental health and accessibility to environmental advocacy and personal strength."

Pollack further noted the innovative storytelling and design approaches employed by creators across platforms, using technology to address personal and global challenges.

She concluded by emphasizing the global and diverse nature of impact gaming's future.

Below is a list of the Games for Change Award winners:

Industry Leader Award: Preloaded
Hall of Change Award: Asi Burak
Best Narrative & Game of the Year: Indika (Odd Meter)
Indie Breakout Award: 1000xResist (Sunset Visitor)
Best in Innovation: In the Current of Being (Cameron Kostopoulos)
Best Student Project: Prší (Herdek Kolektiv)
Best in Learning: Tablecraft (Not Suspicious)
Best in Health & Wellness: Vampire Therapist (Little Bat Games)
Best in Civics: Kingdom of Rizia (Torpor Games)
Best Gameplay: Neva (Nomada Studio)
Best Board or Tabletop Game for Impact: Legless in London (Focus Games)
Vanguard Award: Rachel Kowert
Giving Award: Amir Satvat
International Leadership Award: Gilson Schwartz
Accessibility Award: Botany Manor (Balloon Studios)
Best in Environmental Impact: Crab God (Chaos Theory Games)
Best in Impact: Umfeld [social environment] (Hochschule RheinMain)
Best in XR: Impulse: Playing with Reality (Anagram)
Best Platform-based project: Seattle Children's Hospital Minecraft Server (Hive Games & Mojang Studios)