US EditionPublished • loading... • Updated
'The World Is Just Not Ready for AI in Video Games' — Shroud Accuses The Game Awards of Being 'Rigged' Following Arc Raiders GOTY Snub
Developer Vedinad withdrew Megabonk from Best Debut Indie at The Game Awards, citing prior game releases under different studio names that disqualify it as a debut.
- On November 18, 2025, Vedinad, developer of Megabonk, posted that he was withdrawing the game from Best Debut Indie because he said, `I don't think it qualifies for the category.'
- The Game Awards defines the category as recognizing a debut game from a new independent studio, and Geoff Keighley said eligible teams "published their first games this year," illustrating why eligibility can be unclear.
- Shortly after vedinad withdrew Megabonk, Keighley confirmed it would be removed from the nominees, though it still appeared on the official website as of 11/18 at 3:20 pm EST.
- Organizers and voters now face whether the slot will be replaced or left vacant, and because The Game Awards combines media, influencer and public voting, Megabonk's withdrawal could shift votes among remaining debut nominees.
- The episode echoes prior TGA oddities like the Dave the Diver nomination debate, while Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 leads the 2025 nominations with 12 nods, highlighting fierce competition.
Insights by Ground AI
Podcasts & Opinions
23 Articles
23 Articles
Megabonk dev withdraws his game from The Game Awards
The developer behind Steam hit roguelike survival game Megabonk was nominated Monday for Best Debut Indie Game at The Game Awards. On Tuesday, the developer known only as vedinad said that he was withdrawing Megabonk from contention, saying that "unfortunately i don't think it qualifies for the category."
Coverage Details
Total News Sources23
Leaning Left3Leaning Right1Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Left
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Left
60% Left
L 60%
C 20%
R 20%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
