Megabonk withdraws from The Game Awards — solo dev says it doesn’t qualify as a “debut”

Indie sensation Megabonk has withdrawn its nomination for Best Debut Indie Game at The Game Awards. The game’s creator, who goes by vedinad, explained on social media that Megabonk isn’t their first game and therefore doesn’t qualify for the “debut” category.

Megabonk is a low‑poly, Vampire Survivors‑inspired roguelike that reportedly sold 1 million copies in just two weeks, making it one of Steam’s recent breakout indie hits. Despite the success and the honor of being nominated, the developer chose to bow out to preserve category integrity.

Quick facts

• Nomination: Best Debut Indie Game at The Game Awards.
• Withdrawal: Solo developer vedinad withdrew the game after saying it isn’t actually a debut.
• Sales: Megabonk sold approximately 1 million copies in two weeks.
• Genre & style: Low‑poly action roguelike inspired by Vampire Survivors, with fast‑paced bullet‑hell gameplay.

The decision highlights some of the gray areas in awards categories for indie creators. Many indie developers work under different studio names or release smaller projects before a breakout hit — raising questions about how “debut” should be defined for awards juries.

Megabonk’s withdrawal is a gracious move that underscores the developer’s commitment to fairness. Fans and observers praised the choice on social platforms, while others noted the broader issue of how awards can adapt to the realities of indie development careers.

For the original coverage, see the report (opens in a new tab): Engadget.

Discussion: Do you think awards should tighten definitions like “debut” — or trust nominees to self‑report eligibility? Would you have expected Megabonk to stay in the running despite the developer’s history?