We are thrilled to announce that Chaos Theory Games has taken home not one but two awards at the prestigious 2024 Australian Game Development Awards (AGDAs)!

The AGDAs celebrate the incredible talent and passion within Australia's gaming community. With categories spanning everything from narrative design to emerging technology, the awards highlight the diversity and ingenuity of Australian developers. 

We are immensely proud to be recognised as Studio of the Year! This award highlights our team's hard work and creativity and underscores our commitment to making impactful games that inspire and entertain players worldwide. 

Crab God Wins Excellence in Impact

Making impact games has been in our DNA for years, and this is the second time we’ve won an award for an ocean-themed match, which makes it extra unique. Considering the games we were up against for this award, it is no small feat or surprise that the quality of impact games over the years has skyrocketed. We are proud to work in this space and hope to continue making games that will change the world.

To give you a brief understanding of the impact Crab God has had, since launch, we have planted 651 trees, offset 5,910 kg of carbon, restored 1,561 coral fragments, cleaned 1,465 pounds of plastic, saved 885 sea turtle hatchlings, and protected 1,117,000m2 of marine areas. 

We are also proud to have shared the stage with many other passionate game developers and studios. These are the winners of 2024:

Conscript by Catchweight Studios (VIC)

Solo dev Jordan Mochi, who is Catchweight Studios, has been developing this game for seven years. CONSCRIPT is a gripping survival horror game set during World War I, where players navigate the horrors of trench warfare. With its tense atmosphere and deeply immersive storytelling, Catchweight Studio has crafted a standout title that took home both Game of the Year and multiple awards for its technical and artistic excellence.

Wild Bastards by Blue Manchu (ACT)

Wild Bastards won the Excellence in Gameplay award and is set in a vibrant cosmic Western universe. Players navigate from planet to planet, managing a team of 13 unique outlaws, each equipped with distinct weapons and abilities. With its engaging mechanics and character dynamics, Wild Bastards offers a fresh take on the genre, emphasising strategy and action in a richly crafted world. 

Capes by Spitfire Interactive (QLD)

This superhero strategy game won the Excellence in Narrative award. Set in a world where the villains have triumphed, the game features a mix of campaign and side missions that allow players to explore character backstories while engaging in tactical combat. With a powerful storyline focused on hope, justice, and the struggles of leadership, Capes impressed with its emotionally rich and complex narrative.

Cozy Caravan by 5 Lives Studios (QLD)

Winning in the Excellence in Sound Design category, this charming, top-down adventure game has players tasked with spreading kindness and helping the local community in a whimsical world. The game is aided by a rich soundscape that enhances the game's relaxing atmosphere. The sound design blends ambient sounds with subtle audio cues, creating an immersive and soothing journey.

Diets & Dietitian by Larrikin Interactive (NT)

Diets & Deities pairs its charming narrative and quirky gameplay with a delightful, original score that won the Excellence in Music award. The music perfectly complements the game’s lighthearted tone, enhancing the experience as players guide mythological creatures through dietary choices. Larrikin Studios is among the many fantastic game developers from the Nothern Territory in Australia who, despite all odds, have made a tremendous game and deserve many more opportunities to showcase their talents.

Bears In Space by Broadside Games (QLD)

Winning the Excellence in Accessibility award, this game combines fast-paced shooting mechanics with thoughtful accessibility features. Broadside Games ensured players of all abilities could enjoy the fun, introducing custom controls and assistive gameplay options that set a high bar for inclusivity. It is a fast-paced first-person shooter that follows Maxwell Atoms, who accidentally merges his DNA with a criminal bear named Beartana while transporting him. 

Dumb Ways to Survive, by PlaySide Studios (VIC), and Earn to Die Rogue, by Not Doppler (NSW)

Two titles shared the spotlight in the mobile category. Dumb Ways to Survive continues to charm players with its humorous mini-games and safety messaging. At the same time, Earn to Die Rogue delivers an intense, action-packed experience as players race through a zombie apocalypse. Both of these fantastic titles took home awards for Excellence in Mobile Games!

Max Mustard by Toast Interactive (QLD)

Max Mustard wins the Excellence in Mixed Reality and merges the physical and virtual worlds in a delightful mixed-reality adventure. Players engage in tactile puzzles and immersive storytelling showcasing augmented reality's exciting potential. The game features intuitive controls that allow players to jump, hover with jet boots, and engage in simple combat against enemies by jumping on them or using special attacks. 

The Sims FreePlay by EA Firemonkeys Studio (VIC)

A long-standing fan favourite, The Sims FreePlay continues to engage millions of players with regular updates, new content, and innovative live service mechanics that keep its community thriving year after year. With numerous quests and levels to unlock, players can expand their towns, decorate homes, and interact with other players' Sims, fostering a vibrant community experience. It's no small feat that Sims FreePlay took home the Excellence in Live Service award!

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Congratulations to all the winners!

Winning at the AGDAs is a massive honour, fuelling our excitement for the future. It was so amazing to see so many states and studios representing at this years ceremony and is truly a testament to the quality and level of work in Australia. As we continue to push the boundaries of what games can achieve, both in entertainment and social impact, we can’t wait to share what’s next with our incredible community and the world.

Thank you for your support, and here’s to even bigger things ahead!

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