The 2012 Freeplay Independent Games Festival, wrapped up on Sunday night, after a long five days with their Awards Night in Melbourne. With 135 entries across the various categories, the judges had a hard time selecting three finalists, let alone one winner.
Packed out crowd
Kicking off the night was Dot.AY with his Gameboys and chiptune tracks to get everyone in the mood to celebrate. Australian comedian Lawrence Leung followed up hosting the night and providing comical input to a celebratory night.
With the mood in place, it was onto the awards. The various judges and guests stepped up to present the chosen games from the finalists selected earlier in the month.
The winners of the categories:
Stickets – Wanderlands
Stickets!
Splice – Cipher Prime
Lunar Flight – Sean Edwards
They Love You – Zac Duff, Henrik Pettersson, Paul Annesley, and Nathan Antony
Automation: Car Company Tycoon – Camshaft Software
Toybox – Barrel of Donkeys
Flatland: Fallen Angle – See Through Studios
Peleda – Fiasco Studios
Peleda!
Unfortunately, US-based Cipher Prime were unable to attend the event, but that didn’t stop them providing perhaps the best acceptance speech of the night, via videocast from Philadelphia.
It was an emotional night for director Paul Callaghan, stepping down from the top job after many years. We wish to thank Paul for everything he has done for making a great festival – his time and dedication to growing it has made it what it is today.
Paul Callaghan closing off the presentation.
Congratulations to all the winners, runner ups and everyone involved in Freeplay 2012. It was a great weekend of discussions, networking and showcasing the independent games. Bring on Freeplay 2013!
