One of the year’s biggest surprise hits on Steam, the Vampire Survivors-like Megabonk, was nominated at the Game Awards in the “Best Debut Indie Game” category. But the game’s developer has now officially withdrawn Megabonk from the ceremony since, as it turns out, it is not actually their debut indie game.
On November 18, a day after The Game Awards announced all of the 2025 nominees, the official Megabonk account on Twitter posted a message from the game’s creator, who is listed humorously as “John Megabonk.” In the social media message, the developer, who is listed as Vedinad on Steam, explained that while it was an “honor” to be nominated, they don’t think Megabonk should qualify for the category as they have released other games before.
“I’m withdrawing from The Game Awards,” said the creator. “It’s an honor and a dream for Megabonk to be nominated for TGA, but unfortunately, I don’t think it qualifies for the category ‘Debut Indie Game’. I’ve made games in the past under different studio names, so Megabonk is not my debut game.”
In a follow-up reply, the developer behind Megabonk added: “I really appreciate the nomination, support, and votes, but it doesn’t feel right in this category.” They then suggested people should vote for “another one of the amazing debut titles” that were nominated for the same award, and ended the post with: “They are all amazing games! Thanks again! new Megabonk update coming soon.”
Kotaku has contacted the Game Awards and Geoff Keighley about Megabonk withdrawing from the show like this and what will happen now. Will it be replaced or will the category just be one game short this year? As of November 18 at 3:20 pm EST, you can still find and even vote for Megabonk on the official Game Awards website, though the game’s creator would rather you not do that.
