Stick It to the Stickman has been named Game of the Year at the Games Industry Africa Awards 2025

Image credit: Free Lives/Devolver Digital

The recipients of the Games Industry Africa Awards (GIAA) for this year have been announced, recognizing Free Lives' Stick It to the Stickman as both Game of the Year and PC Game of the Year.

Additionally, Free Lives earned the Team of the Year accolade for developing the physics-based action game, published by Devolver Digital.

The GIAA noted, "Judging by all standards, this game is the most remarkable production from the continent, crafted by a team celebrated for their exceptional talent." It added that Stick It to the Stickman will likely remain significant in the gaming sector for the near future.

Unsigned Double Collective was recognized with Debut of the Year for Flibbius McDoogle and the Mysterious Flying Machine, underscoring the project's potential to make a creative impact across Africa and beyond.

The award for Most Impactful Mobile Game went to Maliyo Games' Safari City, described as an innovation by a team reshaping mobile gaming on the continent.

The Persons of the Year honors were shared by Teddy Kossoko from Masseka Game/Gara, Free Lives' Dominique Gawlowski, and Egyptian game developer Rojeh Maher.

Further accolades included Africa Games Week for Event of the Year, while the Carry1st Africa Cup earned the Initiative of the Year title, and Nyamakop's launch of Relooted was highlighted as News Highlight of the Year.

The GIAA remarked, "The gaming industry in Africa, although still developing compared to other regions, has an abundance of talent that is key for its continual progression and serves as inspiration for the upcoming generation of creators."

Here is the complete list of winners for the Games Industry Africa Awards 2025:

Game of the Year: Stick It to the Stickman (Free Lives, Devolver Digital)
PC Game of the Year: Stick It to the Stickman
Debut of the Year: Flibbius McDoogle and the Mysterious Flying Machine (Unsigned Double Collective)
Most Impactful Mobile Game: Safari City (Maliyo Games)
Industry Initiative of the Year: Carry1st Africa Cup
Event of the Year: Africa Games Week
News Highlight of the Year: Nyamakop debuts Relooted
Team of the Year: Free Lives
Persons of the Year: Teddy Kossoko, Dominique Gawlowski, and Rojeh Maher