Unpacking wins GOTY at the Indie Live Expo 2022
In Tokyo from December 4 and 5 the Indie Live Expo 2022 was celebrating indie games and doling out awards. A highlight was queer puzzle game Unpacking won the fan-voted Game of the Year category, as well as the Best Short Game award. Other indie darlings like Stray and Vampire Survivors also took home trophies.
“We are blown away by the amazing community we have been building over the past three years which contributed over 3,000 votes to 2022’s awards program. Thank you to all who have given their voices to vote for their favorite games.” said Ryuta Konuma, Founder of Ryu’s Office. “We couldn’t have done it without our audience, judges, and sponsors. Their endorsement empowers us to bring these fantastic games to a dedicated audience, and we will continue our efforts toward growing our show, strengthening our support, and providing game developers the visibility their work deserves.”
Unpacking is a cozy and poignant puzzle game from Witch Beam and Humble Games. The developers describe it as “a zen puzzle game about the familiar experience of pulling possessions out of boxes and fitting them into a new home.” It follows a queer, Jewish woman from home to home as she moves and lives her life.
Here are all the games that won awards at the Indie Live Expo 2022:
- Game Of The Year: Unpacking (Witch Beam, Humble Games)
- Trailer of the Year Award: STRAY – Launch Trailer (BlueTwelve Studio, Annapurna Interactive)
- Most Addictive Game Award: Vampire Survivors (poncle)
- Best Short Game Award: Unpacking (Witch Beam, Humble Games)
- Most Stream Friendly Game Award: Needy Streamer Overload (WWS playground, xemono)
- Best Game Feel Award: Neon White (Angel Matrix, Annapurna Interactive)
- Theme Of The Year Award: OMORI (OMOCAT, LLC)
- Rule of Play Award: 7 Days to End with You (Lizardry)
- Local Cultural Representation Award: A Perfect Day (Perfect Day Studio)
- Rediscovery Award: Potato Flowers in Full Bloom (Pon Pon Games, PLAYISM)
- Late Bloom Award: Raft (Redbeet Interactive, Axolot Games)
- Best New Characters Award: Needy Streamer Overload (WWS playground, xemono)