The nomination of Dave the Diver for Best Indie at The Game Awards has sparked controversy as many argue that it does not fit the indie category. The game’s developers are employed by the major publisher Nexon, leading to doubts about its indie status. Geoff Keighley, the organizer of the awards, has been evasive in addressing the issue.
In a Twitch Q&A session, Keighley responded to the controversy by stating that the term “indie” can have different interpretations and is a broad term. This debate over what constitutes an indie game has been a hot topic in the gaming industry in recent years. Previously, being indie simply meant that developers self-distributed their game without the support of major publishers like Electronic Arts or Ubisoft. However, now it seems that indie games are often associated with a particular art style.
Keighley raises several questions about how to define indie games, such as considering the game’s budget, source of financing, team size, or the independent spirit of the game. However, he avoids providing any clear answers and shirks his responsibility as the organizer of the awards.
The Game Awards has been criticized for its lack of taking a stance on important issues. While it claims to be the Oscars of the gaming world, it primarily serves as a platform for advertising upcoming releases without critical evaluation. The awards show failed to advertise games from Activision Blizzard after allegations of workplace misconduct and lawsuits emerged. However, Keighley later revised this decision, disappointing many. The show also tends to overlook significant industry events, such as unionization efforts and industry layoffs.
Instead of defining the indie category or offering guidelines, Keighley leaves it up to the jury, consisting of 120 global media outlets, to determine whether a game is independent or not. This approach suggests that any game could be considered indie if the jury votes for it, which is unlikely. It appears that The Game Awards has an opinion on the matter but chooses not to share it to avoid alienating advertisers.
Overall, the controversy surrounding Dave the Diver’s nomination highlights the need for a clear definition of indie games. The Game Awards should take a more proactive role in defining its categories and addressing important industry issues rather than relying solely on the jury’s determination.
Source: DOTESPORTS
