Big news for indie game developers in the North! Last night's Game Republic Awards celebrated the best and brightest, with Silent Games' Empyreal taking home the coveted title of Best Indie Game Made in The North. This victory highlights the incredible talent brewing in the region.
The prestigious ceremony, held at WX Wakefield in Yorkshire, brought together over 500 industry professionals. Hosted by Game Republic's Managing Director, Jamie Sefton, the event was a showcase of the thriving games scene. The Best Indie Game category, decided by public vote, saw Empyreal triumph over 14 other impressive nominees, including The Siege and the Sandfox and Starship Troopers Continuum.
But here's where it gets interesting: The other award categories were judged by Guardian games journalist Keith Stuart, who, although unable to attend in person, still made his presence felt through a recorded introduction.
And this is the part most people miss: The event also paid tribute to a true industry veteran. Ian Stewart, the visionary founder of Sheffield-based Gremlin Graphics, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Gremlin, which launched in 1984, gifted us classic titles like Zool and Premier Manager. Though it was acquired by Infogrames in 1999 and eventually closed in 2003, its legacy continues to inspire.
Beyond the awards, the event featured a vibrant exhibition of over 60 games from northern companies, including 10 from Scotland, thanks to a partnership with the Scottish Game Developers Association.
Here's a complete list of the winners:
- Best Small Studio: Dink
- Best Mid-Sized Studio: Tanglewood Games
- Best Large Studio: D3T
- Studio Hero Award: Natasha Vincent (EA Playdemic)
- Inclusivity Award: Safe In Our World
- Inspiring Course Leader: Rob Charlish (Wakefield College)
- Innovative Use of Technology Award: Reflex Arc
- Community Manager Award: Pedro Silva (Double Eleven)
- Martyn Brown Rising Star Award: Sarah York (Panda Cat Games)
- Best Game-Related Research: Francesca Foffano (IGGI)
- Games Legend Award: Darren Falcus
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Ian Stewart
- Best Indie Game Made in The North: Empyreal (Silent Games)
What do you think? Are there any other indie games you feel deserved recognition? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Did you know about Gremlin Graphics before? Let us know!
