It is not uncommon for an indie game to portray "streamers" in its game content, but never before has a game taken a theme from the real world into the digital world and then brought it back into the real world. The Internet experience that it developed was a reflection of the game, from the trailer's strong debut to social media and streams of the main character, was nothing short of breathtaking. Perhaps in the next few years, there will be no other game that fits the category better than this one

This game must be the most powerful cat simulator game ever released to the world. In the game, you will see a variety of lively feline gestures. The main character is so cute that cat lovers cannot resist her, even if she is very different from any character they have ever known.

If you are looking for a taste of the RTAs and speedruns that have become popular in recent years, "Neon White" is the perfect entry-level title. The game system is simple and clear, and the routes are designed to be concise and easy to understand. Also, each stage is very short, which makes it a pleasure for trial and error without pain. This is one of the most stylish and comfortably designed indie games we have played in recent years

OMORI is an RPG that deals with serious topics such as social withdrawal, suicide, and depression. Through his adventures, players will face the past and present of Omori, a awkward boy/hikikomori.
Some people may think that the theme "social withdrawal" means that the player will see the boy grow stronger both mentally and physically through the story, but in this game, the "change of the main character" is depicted in a very serious manner. The game also deals with the reality that makes you want to turn away, the trauma that gnaws at your heart, and other such painful things. It may not be a game for everyone, but I would like to nominate this game for making us face this theme.

Stepping forward from a language decoding game, the game presented a model of language decoding and the storytelling that accompanies it. Considering that it can already be seen to be influencing subsequent game development, it is safe to say that the game presented a new form of "language decoding storytelling game".

The protagonist travels back in time to December 31, 1999, to achieve "A Perfect Day," as the title suggests.
The game depicts the Chinese landscape at the end of the 20th century in a hand-drawn art style like a picture book. It is full of scenes that shows China at that time such as students in jerseys attending classes and streets lined with stalls. In addition, there are elements of Japanese culture, such as the appearance of Japanese toy "Mini 4WD".
We would like to nominate this game for the Local Culture Award for its nostalgic feeling in its exotic scenery.

Both the cuteness of the character and the dangerous gameplay were presented in a compact format.

A single trailer has attracted the attention of countless players. The producers have a strong understanding - cats is Justice.

In just three or four hours, this game shows the protagonist's background and emotional changes at different life stages through the simple movement of "unpacking and arranging furniture". Many of the smaller properties resonate with the player. As the house changes, or as the people around arrive and depart, the protagonist "changes". It can be called a "Zen" thought process game for the new age.

3D dungeon RPGs is a genre that Japanese people in particular have a very special attachment to. This game does not have the obtrusive level design, the muddiness and darkness of the early 1980s, when foreign medieval fantasy and Japanese medieval fantasy were still undifferentiated, nor does it have a game system intentionally designed to be unfriendly to the player in order to give a sense of importance for a choice, much less abandon the visualization of the characters. The fact that it still manages to give users a good time should be enough to make us rediscover that the aforementioned aspects are not the core of the genre.

Many games have been released since "Subnautica" in which players collect, craft, and solve problems, but this game is interesting in that it makes collecting resources semi-automatic (at least in the early stages). Unlike other games where players walk or swim to collect supplies, in this game, which is played on a raft, "supplies just drift in. In addition, there are many things to do, such as securing food and making equipment, and you will spend all your time on the raft collecting supplies and crafting. The game is seems like a tough survival game, but in fact it is not that hard, and time just flies by as you do whatever you want to do. You can go on forever.

1 play is a maximum of 30 minutes. So, it can be played twice for a maximum of one hour. If this game is this easy to manage time, surely it is easy to pick up. However, there is a lovely trap. If the game offers fun that can be experienced in a short time, what awaits you next is the temptation to play "1 more game. The game's repeated upgrades and unlock elements, as well as the fun derived from these elements, made the game "addictive" for many, this year.

An exquisite work that delicately and richly crafts episodes surrounding culture, such as language and family friction, while using local themes like Indian cuisine and its recipes.
While everyone has experiences where meals are tied to events and emotions, "Venba"offers 'that unforgettable taste' in its portrayal.
（IGN Japan）

Blasphemous 2 is a blast, with precise controls, good animations and a certain flow to minute-to-minute gameplay that makes the combat and platforming feel fun. Also, the visual style is good on the eyes, creating a experience for the ages.
(Pizza Fria)

Sea of Stars' compelling protagonists Valere and Zale represent a new generation of unforgettable JRPG heroes. With nuanced backstories and complementary moon and sun abilities, these expertly-crafted characters resonate strongly with players and critics. Through its memorable heroes and innovative combat, this pixel art indie RPG modernizes retro JRPG mechanics into a smooth, thrilling adventure, marking a high point for the genre. (CGMagazine)

Its a cute and adorable party game that anyone can get into. Even if you've played it 100 times, every chance you get to play with friends is a new game where anyone can win.
(Bleeding Cool)

At the risk of recency bias, my nod has to go to Party Animals. After years of development, the Internet finally has the chance to go crazy over this wild, fun game about animals whose heads flop around like they're mascot costumes. And as it turns out, it's a fun game too: my many rounds in Party Animals have left me clutching my sides as chaos ensues on my screen. It's silly, it's fun, and it's the highlight of any time spent with friends. For sure, this game deserves merit for its viral appeal.
（Anime News Network）

A picture frames a landscape, and in 『Viewfinder』 you can literally cut and frame a scene.
Just that makes it such a fun game should receive the Rules of Play Award.
Once you start the puzzles, you brain feels like a glitch, and when you solve them looking from different perspectives it feels so good.
(denfaminicogamer)

A fabulous idea & implementation creates a one & only game experience.
"Creating an in-game object from an area on the photograph", making this into a 3D puzzle game, with gimmicks like optic illusion & teleports makes it not just a single idea game gives a great impression.
I enjoyed its creativity until the end.
(GameMakers)

One Shiba and numerous humans, the first impression of the 『HUMANITY』 trailer successfully made people think "I don't know how it works, but I want to play it."
It caught my eye and stayed there.
(A9VG)

The puzzle game "Viewfinder" is a game where you materialize objects from photos or pictures to solve stages. The way landscapes silently materialize in front of your eyes when you hold up a photo into openspace is truly astonishing. The continuous stream of unique gimmicks keeps players entertained throughout. For offering a brief yet magical experience, I would like to award this game the "Best Short Game Award."
(4Gamer.net)

While all the games in this category were fascinating, Oxenfree II's ability to do thematic, narrative horror is second-to-none. It created genuinely horrifying moments with the smallest things. Whether a quiet voice in the distance, a distorted voice, or something brief. It didn't need intense gore to creep players out. Oxenfree II: Lost Signals showed just how unsettleing atmospheric, psychological horror can be.
(Sportskeeda)

Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord is the prime example of a game improving over time. From its strong-but-bare launch, TaleWorlds has created an all-time great you’ll spend thousands of hours in. Bravo! （Gfinityesports）

This game is an intense beautiful open-world space flight shooter. Its greatest appeal lies in its "Loot" element. While it's enjoyable as a straightforward flight shooter, the real depth comes from the variety of equipments with skills, and even selecting ships themselves which lets you play endlessly and never get tired of.
（Game*Spark）