The Best Games of DevGAMM 2021: 10 Impressive Nominees

Contents:

• Nominations and rules for participation in the DevGAMM Awards
• Creepy Tale 2: Dive into the world of dark tales
• Dive into the world of The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante
• The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante: Dive into a Narrative Role-Playing Game
• Blast Brigade vs. the Evil Legion of Dr. Cread: Review and Features
• Papetura: A Unique Adventure in the World of Paper
• Solasta: Crown of the Magister — Dive into the World of Tactics
• Squirrels Rush: Exciting PvP Shooter
• They Always Run: Innovative Action Platformer
• Forgive Me Father: Lovecraft-Style Shooter Review
• Lacuna: Dive into the World of Choice
• Lake: Dive into the World of Lake
• Lake: Dive into the Atmosphere of the 1980s

From November 17th to 19th, 2021, the DevGAMM Fall 2021 online conference will bring together game developers and publishers from around the world. The event will feature informative talks from leading experts, virtual showcases, and live streams. On the final day of the conference, the winners of the prestigious DevGAMM Awards will be announced. We've compiled a list of 10 nominated games that deserve your attention and learned from their creators about the competition. Participation in DevGAMM Fall 2021 will provide a unique opportunity for gaming industry professionals to exchange experiences, establish new contacts, and be inspired by fresh ideas. Don't miss your chance to be part of this significant event in the world of gaming.

Nominations and rules for participation in the DevGAMM Awards

The DevGAMM Awards ceremony is held twice a year, attracting more than 80 professionals from various fields of the gaming industry to select nominees. This season, the competition covers nine categories, each of which awards cash prizes to the winners. Participation in the DevGAMM Awards - This is a unique opportunity for game developers to showcase their achievements and gain recognition in the professional community.

• Best Student Game ($4,000);
• Best Mobile Game ($4,500);
• Best Board Game ($4,500);
• Best Independent Game ($4,500);
• Excellence in Narrative ($4,500);
• Excellence in Audio ($4,500);
• Excellence in Visual Art ($4,500);
• Excellence in Game Design ($4,500);
• Grand Prize ($4,500).

Experts in art design, audio, narrative, and game design evaluate projects according to strictly established criteria in various categories. In the Best Independent Game category, it is important that all intellectual property belongs to the developer, not the publisher. Student teams may only participate in the Best Student Game category and must provide documentation confirming their student status. Please note that a PRO ticket to the conference is required to participate in the competition, which is a mandatory requirement for registration.

Starting in 2021, the rules for submitting to the competition have changed. Developers can now submit to the competition three times before the official release of their game, but no more than once per year. After the project's release, they can submit one more time, but the submission period must not exceed one year from the release date. These changes are aimed at simplifying the process of developers participating in the competition and providing them with additional opportunities to present their games.

Creepy Tale 2: Dive into the World of Dark Fairy Tales

Creepy Tale 2 is a unique adventure game developed by the Russian studio Creepy Brothers, inspired by the dark and mysterious fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. The second part puts an emphasis on quest elements, allowing players to dive deeper into an atmosphere filled with riddles and adventures. The game offers impressive 2D graphics and memorable creepy scenes, creating an unforgettable gaming experience. With its original storyline and deep interaction with the environment, Creepy Tale 2 attracts the attention of fans of the genre and is an excellent choice for those looking for exciting adventures in a dark world.

Interesting fact: The studio, formerly known as Black Square, changed its name to Deqaf Studio in 2013. During the Flash gaming boom, the team developed over 50 projects, including the strategic puzzle game Four Princesses of King Zentibold, which was particularly noteworthy. Nickelodeon acquired the rights to this game, after which it was renamed Battle Rush Tactics. Deqaf Studio continues to contribute to the gaming industry, creating original and engaging projects for various platforms. Creepy Tale 2 received nominations for prestigious awards in several categories, including Excellence in Narrative, Excellence in Audio, and Best Indie Game. These achievements highlight the high level of quality and creativity embedded in the project. The game stands out not only for its captivating storyline but also for its unique audiovisual atmosphere, making it stand out among other indie games. When the conference was called Flash GAMM, our simple games Nelly and PainTiger won prizes in the competition in 2012 and 2013. We've always dreamed of participating in the DevGAMM Awards, and now we have a project we can truly be proud of. Being nominated in three categories is truly amazing! We didn't expect our chances of winning to be so high, but now we're eagerly striving for victory," says Oleg Kostin, programmer and screenwriter at Creepy Brothers Studio.

Dive into the World of The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante

The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante is a unique narrative RPG in which players are immersed in a fascinating world through the pages of an in-game diary. Over the course of the game, you will shape the fate of the protagonist, Sir Brante, and his loved ones. Your decisions will influence not only their destinies, but also the future of the entire Empire. The course of events depends on your choices, the characteristics of the character and his environment, which makes each game unique and filled with deep meaning. The game invites players to explore complex moral dilemmas and make decisions that affect the lives and destinies of many.

Interesting fact: the total length of text in the game varies from 330 to 500 thousand words, making it one of the largest text-based RPGs to date. For a deeper understanding of the project, we recommend reading the interview with the developers, which provides a unique perspective on the game's creation and development.

The game is nominated for "Best Narrative" and "Grand Prix." These categories highlight outstanding achievements in storytelling and overall game design. Participation in these nominations is a testament to the game's high quality and its significance in the industry.

Dmitry Nimovskiy, head of Sever Studio, shares his impressions: "When we began developing the text-based RPG The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante, we had no idea it would captivate players so much and gain international recognition." This game combines a deep storyline with unique gameplay mechanics, making it particularly appealing to fans of the genre. The project's success confirms the high interest in text-based RPGs and their potential in the gaming industry.

Being nominated for DevGAMM confirms that our game's values ​​and ideas are generating interest and support among gaming industry professionals. This inspires us to further develop and improve the project.

We'll refrain from making any predictions regarding the winners. We haven't yet had the opportunity to review the other nominated games, but many of them look very promising. Therefore, we will entrust this choice to a professional jury.

The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante: Immersion in

The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante is a unique narrative role-playing game that gives players the opportunity to influence the fate of Sir Brante and his family, as well as the future of the entire Empire. The game's events unfold through the pages of an in-game diary, creating a deeply immersive story. Game mechanics are based on characteristics that are shaped by the player's choices, as well as the protagonist's profession and environment. Players face moral dilemmas and key decisions that determine not only the character's fate but the course of history of the entire world.

The game's developers claim that the project's text volume ranges from 330,000 to 500,000 words, making it one of the most extensive in its genre. For more information on the development process, we recommend reading our interview with the Sever team.

Nominations: Best Narrative Work, Grand Prix.

When we began developing The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante, we didn't expect that a text-based RPG would capture players' interest and win recognition at prestigious awards, says Dmitry Nimovskiy, head of Sever Studio. "This game is a unique combination of a deep storyline and interactive narrative, which makes it stand out from other projects. We are proud to have created a product that is not only engaging but also touches on important themes, evoking an emotional response in players.

Being nominated for DevGAMM underscores the importance of the values ​​​​that were embedded in our game and confirms that many of our industry colleagues share this point of view. This is very gratifying to realize and serves as additional motivation for the further development of the project. Our game not only attracts attention but also sparks interest among game development professionals, confirming its relevance and high quality standards.

While we are hopeful of winning, we won't make any premature predictions, as we haven't had the opportunity to play any of the other games in our category. Nevertheless, many of these games look promising, and we trust the jury's choice.

Blast Brigade vs.

Blast Brigade vs. the Evil Legion of Dr. Cread: Overview and Features

Blast Brigade vs. the Evil Legion of Dr. Cread is a thrilling 2D platformer that combines Metroidvania elements with dynamic character switching. While still in Early Access, the game has already captured the attention of players thanks to its vibrant graphics, original humor, and style reminiscent of cult popcorn action films. The gameplay draws inspiration from classic games like Contra, Metroid, and Broforce, offering engaging adventures and a variety of gameplay mechanics. The game promises not only an engaging story but also the opportunity to explore expansive levels, making it an ideal choice for fans of platformers and action games.

The game's animated cutscenes were developed in collaboration with the Russian animation studio Parovoz, giving the game a unique visual style and setting it apart from other projects. This collaboration not only enriches the gameplay but also makes it more appealing to players seeking high-quality content.

The game has been nominated for several prestigious awards, including Best Desktop Game, Excellence in Visual Art, and Grand Prize. These achievements attest to the team's high level of development and creative approach, confirming their professionalism and commitment to excellence in game design.

Anna Yazykova, PR Manager at MY.GAMES, shared her impressions of the project's recognition during the development stage: "We are pleased to receive such attention to our project; it confirms that we are moving in the right direction. Among the nominees are truly strong and unique products, and we are honored to be among them. Choosing the winner will not be easy, as all the nominated projects are worthy. We thank the DevGAMM team for their interest in Blast Brigade and will be happy to win.”

Papetura: A Unique Paper Adventure

Papetura is an interactive adventure that immerses players in a uniquely stylized world created entirely of paper. Every element of the game, including characters and environments, is handcrafted, which gives the project a special charm and atmosphere. The game's developer, Polish game designer Tomasz Ostafin, known under the pseudonym Petums, is inspired by cult games such as The Neverhood and Machinarium, as well as animated films by Studio Ghibli, and a passion for architecture and microbiology. Papetura offers not only engaging gameplay but also a visually appealing experience that sets it apart from other indie games.

Tomasz has developed a unique type of paper with a special texture and transparency. This material highlights level details, creating a stunning visual aesthetic. This innovative paper is ideal for art projects and design solutions, allowing you to unleash your creativity and add originality to any work.

Papetura has received recognition in several categories, including Excellence in Visual Art, Excellence in Audio, and Best Indie Game. This demonstrates the game's high level of execution and uniqueness.

Tomas Ostafin, developer of Papetura, expressed his pride, noting that his competitors in the Best Art, Audio, and Indie Game categories are impressive. He emphasized that simply participating in this competition is a significant achievement for him. Ostafin refrained from making predictions regarding his chances of winning, which underscores his confidence and respect for his competitors. This announcement also demonstrates the high standards accepted in the video game industry and the importance of quality content.

Solasta: Crown of the Magister —

Solasta: Crown of the Magister is a captivating turn-based RPG based on the classic Dungeons & Dragons rules. Players control a party of four unique characters, each with special skills and abilities that can significantly impact battles and missions. The game immerses players in a fantasy world where strategic planning and tactical decisions play a key role. Each character in the team can contribute to success, making interaction between them an essential element of gameplay. Solasta offers players not only interesting battles but also engaging quests that require the ability to adapt and utilize each character's strengths.

One of the unique features of Solasta is the ability to navigate three-dimensional locations. Players can not only move on a flat surface but also climb walls, overcome various obstacles, and use the environment to their advantage. In this RPG, as in other games based on the Dungeons & Dragons system, random dice rolls play a key role, capable of dramatically changing the outcome of battles. This mechanic adds an element of unpredictability and strategy, making each battle unique and exciting.

Tactical Adventures' founder, Matthieu Gerard, previously worked at Ubisoft and was co-owner of Amplitude Studio, known for its games such as Endless Space and Endless Legend. This experience formed the basis for the development of a unique game project that harmoniously combines elements of strategy and role-playing interaction. The project stands out for its originality and depth of gameplay, attracting the attention of both strategy and role-playing game enthusiasts.

Solasta: Crown of the Magister has received recognition in several prestigious categories, including Excellence in Game Design, Best Desktop Game, and Grand Prize. These awards highlight the high level of quality and originality the project offers its players, as well as its significance in the world of computer games. Solasta: Crown of the Magister combines engaging gameplay with thoughtful design, making it one of the best games in its genre.

Squirrels Rush: Exciting PvP Shooter

Squirrels Rush is an exciting arcade-style third-person PvP shooter where players battle as punk squirrels in a vast arena. Using acorn bombs, players strive to be the first to reach 10 points. Ten Scream School students participated in the development of the current version of the game, including three game designers, four 3D artists, and three concept artists. Additionally, alumni of the school helped create animations for the game. The team is ambitious and aims to create successful projects in the future with the same team. You can evaluate online gameplay by downloading the client from the official DevGAMM website.

In the summer of 2021, Scream School hosted a Squirrels Rush tournament, which became an excellent platform for testing the game among an independent audience. Sixteen players participated in the tournament, and 102 engaging matches were played in just over two hours. This data served as the basis for in-depth analysis of in-game mechanics, allowing the developers to improve the gameplay and increase interest in Squirrels Rush.

We are pleased to announce that we have been shortlisted for the student pool. This event is of great importance to us. Every stage of our project, including its creation, participation in the tournament, and conference trips, are important to our team. We are, of course, striving for victory. Our nomination features five remarkable games, each deserving of recognition. The question of who will win is intriguing. If the "Squirrels" project wins, it will give us optimism and inspiration for the implementation of future ideas. The commentary provides insight from Denis Geiko, the author of the idea and producer of the project, emphasizing the significance of the achieved results and future prospects.

They Always Run: An Innovative Action Platformer

They Always Run is a unique action platformer set in the space Western genre. In this game, you become a mutant mercenary hunting the galaxy's most dangerous criminals. Melee gameplay mechanics include elements of attacks, blocks, and counters, as well as the use of the character's third hand. This special ability allows you to perform directional strikes, throws, interact with the environment, and knock out enemies. With a variety of gameplay options, They Always Run offers exciting and dynamic gameplay that will attract fans of action and adventure in space worlds.

Interesting fact: Alawar, formerly known as a publisher of casual shareware games, changed its strategy in 2015 and focused on developing midcore projects. This shift led to successful releases such as Do Not Feed the Monkeys and I am not a Monster, which received widespread acclaim on the Steam platform. With this change, Alawar has strengthened its position in the video game market and attracted a new audience.

The game has received significant awards and been nominated for prestigious prizes, including Excellence in Game Design and Best Desktop Game. These achievements confirm the high quality and innovation of the gameplay, which underscores its status in the industry.

The Alawar team expresses its gratitude for the nomination, which underscores the importance of our work. We are inspired by the unique projects of our competitors and appreciate the support of the indie segment from DevGAMM, which emphasizes innovative mechanics and visual solutions. We hope that the jury will appreciate our work and the beauty of They Always Run.

They Always Run is an exciting platformer with action elements in which players take on the role of a bounty hunter. In this dynamic adventure, players explore many unique locations, fight enemies, and complete various tasks. The game stands out for its vibrant graphics, thoughtful level design, and original combat mechanics. Every player decision matters, making the gameplay even more exciting. "They Always Run" invites players to immerse themselves in a fascinating world full of dangers and unexpected plot twists, making it an excellent choice for fans of the genre.

To learn more about the game and its For more information about the developers, visit the official Alawar and They Always Run pages on Steam. Here you will find up-to-date information about the project, updates, as well as be able to read player reviews and news from the development team.

Forgive Me Father: A Lovecraft-Style Shooter Review

Forgive Me Father is an original first-person shooter that immerses players in a world of Lovecraftian horror. Developed on the Unreal Engine, this project successfully combines 3D level architecture with 2D sprites, which creates a unique comic book style and conveys the atmosphere of classic shooters from the 1990s. The game offers an immersive gameplay experience, where each level is filled with mystical creatures and tense moments, which makes it attractive to fans of the genre.

Only 9 people participated in the development of the game. They drew inspiration from classic titles like Doom and Void Bastards, while also borrowing ideas from BioShock and modern games like Nightfall and Project: Warlock. This modest team size didn't stop them from creating a unique gaming experience that combines elements of nostalgia with modern gameplay mechanics.

Forgive Me Father is currently in Early Access. The full game is expected to be released in the first half of 2022. Stay tuned for important launch news and new features.

The game has been nominated for the Best Desktop Game award, demonstrating its high recognition and positive reception within the gaming community. This confirms the quality and engaging gameplay, as well as the interest of users in this project.

The Byte Barrel team expresses its sincere gratitude to all players who have shown interest in our game. We eagerly await the results of the competition and hope for success, but the recognition of the players is already an important reward for us. Your attention and support inspire us to further develop and improve the project.

Lacuna: Immersion in the World of Choice

Game Lacuna, developed by German studio DigiTales Interactive, is a unique point-and-click adventure game. From the very first minute, it becomes clear that this is not just another pixelated adventure game. The focus is on a deep storyline and the significance of each player's choice. Players will face a variety of situations where every decision can influence not only the course of events but also the final outcome of the game. Lacuna invites players to immerse themselves in a captivating world where their actions shape a unique gaming experience, emphasizing the importance of moral dilemmas and personal responsibility. By purchasing Lacuna: Save The World, you will not only get an immersive gaming experience but also contribute to a worthy cause. 10% of the proceeds from this version will go to the World Health Organization's initiative to distribute COVID-19 vaccines worldwide. Support the health and safety of people by playing a unique project that combines entertainment with social responsibility.

The game includes an auto-save feature, making every decision final. If you make a mistake in solving a puzzle, the story continues, and there is no option to replay. This creates additional tension and encourages you to carefully consider the consequences of each choice.

The developers decided to abandon traditional genre elements such as inventory and minigames, allowing puzzles to become an integral part of the plot. This innovative solution strengthens the interaction between narrative and game mechanics, creating a more immersive and exciting experience for players. Integrating puzzles into the plot helps to further develop the characters and their motivations, making the game more engaging and memorable.

Nomination: Excellence in Narrative. This category rewards outstanding achievements in narrative art. Entrants must demonstrate mastery in creating engaging stories that capture the audience's attention and leave a lasting impression. The nomination covers a wide range of formats, including literature, film, theater, and digital media. The focus is on originality, character depth, and narrative quality. Successful works in this field are capable of evoking powerful emotions and stimulating profound thought, making them culturally significant.

We are delighted that our project was nominated in the Excellence in Narrative category. A great deal of thought went into Lacuna's story to ensure it is truly engaging and meaningful. Julian Kolbus, CEO of DigiTales Interactive, notes that our studio is likely the only German company to reach the finals of the competition this year.

According to Kolbus, assessing the chances of winning is a difficult task. He noted that the current odds are 1 in 5. Many of the projects submitted for the nomination look very attractive, but the jury's preferences remain unknown. In a creative environment, evaluation is always subjective, and this is quite natural.

Lake: Immersion in the World Lake

Lake immerses players in the 1980s, setting of a small lakeside town where the main character, Meredith Weiss, spent her childhood. Longing to escape the bustle of the city, she decides to return home for a short stay. Over the course of two in-game weeks, Meredith delivers letters and packages to local residents, allowing her to rediscover her hometown and reconnect with her past. Lake offers a unique experience, combining exploration and character interaction to create an atmosphere of nostalgia and peace.

By interacting with the residents of Meredith, the player not only learns about their daily lives but also gradually discovers their own path in life. Unique graphics and picturesque landscapes create a meditative atmosphere, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the gameplay and savor every moment. This game offers not only engaging gameplay but also deep emotional experiences, making it an unforgettable experience for users.

The concept for Lake was developed in 2017 by game director Dylan Nagel, who shared with the team a photo of a car driving along a picturesque lake. This idea of ​​a tranquil drive inspired the developers to create a unique gameplay experience. As a result, they replaced the car with a mail truck, which allowed for more logic in the journeys and interactions with non-player characters (NPCs). This approach allowed players to deeply immerse themselves in the game's atmosphere and enjoy a meditative experience.

Lake received nominations for the prestigious Excellence in Narrative and Grand Prize awards, recognizing its significant contribution to the video game industry. These achievements highlight the high quality of the story and the uniqueness of the gameplay, which makes Lake stand out among other games.

Jos Bowman, Creative Director at Gamious, emphasized that while the win is significant, just being nominated is a significant achievement. The finalists are impressive with their work, and he admires the success of small teams. Gamious developed this indie game with the goal of offering an original product that will resonate with specific groups of players. We hope that the jury includes appreciators of our unique gameplay, which will help draw attention to our game and its features.

The DevGAMM Awards ceremony will take place on November 19th at 6:00 PM Moscow time. The event will be broadcast on the conference's official YouTube channel. Don't miss your opportunity to witness this significant event in the gaming industry. Join us and follow the awarding of the best developers and projects!

Lake: Immersion in the atmosphere of the 1980s

Lake game transports players to a picturesque lakeside town set in the 1980s. The protagonist, Meredith Weiss, returns to her hometown after living in a bustling metropolis. For two in-game weeks, she delivers packages and letters to local residents, allowing players to gain a deeper understanding of the characters' everyday struggles and Meredith's own personal story. The game's aesthetic, expressed through stylized graphics, creates a unique, meditative atmosphere, allowing players to appreciate the magnificent natural landscapes and tranquility of the surrounding environment. Lake invites players to immerse themselves in a nostalgic atmosphere and explore themes of friendship, choice, and change, making the game appealing to all lovers of interactive stories.

The game's concept was developed in 2017, when game director Dylan Nagel presented the team with a photograph of a car driving along a lake. This idea of ​​a tranquil journey inspired the developers, who replaced the car with a mail truck. This approach not only added logic to the gameplay but also improved interaction with NPCs, making the game more engaging and realistic.

Lake has received nominations for prestigious awards, including Excellence in Narrative and the Grand Prize, which testifies to its high quality and uniqueness. These achievements confirm the project’s significance in the industry and its impact on audiences.

Jos Bowman, Creative Director at Gamious, emphasized: “While winning is significant, it is already a significant honor for us to be among the nominees. All the finalists demonstrate outstanding work, and I am proud of the achievements of our small teams. Our main goal is to develop a unique product that will interest and attract our target audience.”

Since its release, Lake has gained popularity among indie game fans and critics for its unique approach to storytelling and gameplay. Lake allows players to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, immersing them in an atmosphere of nostalgia. The game invites you to explore picturesque landscapes and interact with interesting characters, creating unique moments. This makes Lake not only an entertaining but also an emotionally charged experience for all game lovers.