Hold onto your hats, gaming enthusiasts! The 2025 Games Industry Africa Awards (GIAA) have just crowned their champions, and the results are in! Free Lives' Stick It to the Stickman has not only snagged the coveted Game of the Year title but also the PC Game of the Year award. This physics-based brawler, published by Devolver Digital, has clearly made a massive impact. But that's not all; Free Lives also walked away with the Team of the Year award, a testament to their exceptional creativity and dedication.
The GIAA lauded Stick It to the Stickman as the most successful game developed on the continent, a title poised to influence the industry for years to come.
And this is the part most people miss... The awards weren't just about the games themselves. Unsigned Double Collective's Flibbius McDoogle and the Mysterious Flying Machine took home Debut of the Year, showcasing the rising talent within the African gaming scene. Maliyo Games' Safari City was recognized as the Most Impactful Mobile Game, highlighting the innovation in mobile gaming across the continent.
The Persons of the Year award was shared by three remarkable individuals: Teddy Kossoko, founder of Masseka Game/Gara; Dominique Gawlowski, managing director of Free Lives; and Egyptian developer Rojeh Maher. Their contributions have undoubtedly shaped the industry.
Other notable winners include Africa Games Week for Event of the Year, Carry1st Africa Cup for Initiative of the Year, and Nyamakop's debut of Relooted for News Highlight of the Year.
But here's where it gets controversial... The GIAA emphasized that the African gaming industry, while still developing compared to its global counterparts, is brimming with talent. Recognizing this talent is crucial for fostering continuous growth and inspiring the next generation of creators and developers.
Here's a complete list of the winners:
- 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
What do you think? Are you excited about the future of gaming in Africa? Do you agree with the award choices, or were there any games or individuals you felt deserved more recognition? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
