Gamescom Latam BIG Festival awards the best games of 2024

O Gamescom Latam BIG Festivalthe main independent games competition in Latin America, crowned the best games of the year in a ceremony full of emotion and surprises. No less than 114 of the most innovative games from around the world were evaluated, tested by the public and judged by experts with eyes as sharp as those of an elf archer.

With seven categories, the awards ceremony was a breathtaking spectacle. Just imagine: a brilliant stage, charismatic presenters and a vibrant audience, all of this accompanied by many incredible games and a good dose of magic. Let's take a look at the highlights, because there were many emotional moments and speeches that warmed our gamer hearts.

BIG Impact: Best Diversity Game

Ah, the category that made everyone smile! Guilherme Albuquerque, from IGN Brazil, took the stage and said: “Diversity is something very important and games represent us. When you are the character, you conquer that world”. The winner was Sibel's Journeyfrom Germany, and the message of thanks was pure poetry: “This award is not just for us, it is for all the young people who will grow up in the world”.

Learning through play is always an adventure! Lyara Oliveira, from SPCine, declared her love for educational games, and the award went to Loddlenautfrom the USA. A game that teaches about physics and space exploration in a way that even Einstein would play!

BIG Impact: Social Issues

Here is an award that made many people think. Alan Saadi, from Sabesp, highlighted the importance of games in people's lives, and the winner was Crab Godfrom Australia, which addresses overfishing and marine pollution. The winning team’s speech was a true call to action: “If you care about social causes, please play.”

Best Student Game

Andrea Ciparullo was radiant when presenting this category. The award went to FOLGOREfrom France. The developers, moved, thanked friends and family, making it clear that the future of the industry is in good hands.

Best Children's Game

Fernando Mazza, from Tencent Games, highlighted the care and attention given to creating children's games. The winner was Turned Turtlesfrom Brazil. With a speech that exalted representation and diversity, the developers celebrated the victory of their tuned turtle.

Best New Game

Eddy Antonini, from Tectoy, brought a musical touch to the awards ceremony. The winner was Luna Abyss, from the United Kingdom, which left everyone curious for more. Without spoilers, but with great gratitude, the team celebrated five years of hard work.

Best Game Popular Vote

The grand finale! BRKsEdu, content creator, presented the most anticipated category. The award went to Astro Pigfrom Garoa Studios, a Brazilian team that moved everyone with their speech: “Being here after 6 years of winning the popular vote is the closing of a cycle for us”.

O BIG Festival reaffirmed its role as the mecca of independent games in Latin America, recognizing and rewarding games that innovate, teach and delight. See you next year, adventurers!