Smilegate has officially launched the “2025 Stove Indie Awards,” an annual celebration hosted on its global indie game platform, Stove. The awards serve as a festival to honor the creators and players who have shaped the platform’s community over the past year.
A Star-Studded Lineup: 21 Finalists Announced
This year’s competition features 21 nominees across various genres, reflecting a highly successful year for the indie scene. Notable entries include the highly anticipated Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the stylish action RPG Eternal Strands, and the strategic sequel Dark Deity 2.
The Full List of Nominees:
- Major Titles: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Artis Impact, Eternal Strands, Dark Deity 2, Contract X Romance, French Connection, Platina Lab, Storm Maid, Love Me a Drink!, Drova – Forsaken Kin.
- Rising Favorites: Yog Sothoth’s Garden, Gun Dog: Sun System Story, Hospital x Life, Witch’s Garden, Flower Dungeon, Hayo and the General Store, Who’s at the Door, Alleyway: Ghost Mark, Solitude Broadcast, GuiGui Death Match, and Doom’s Hair Salon.
Players in the Judge’s Seat
A unique aspect of the Stove Indie Awards is the power given to the community. While the Frontier and Stove Ambassador awards are chosen by internal panels, four key categories are decided 100% by player votes:
- Doki Doki Subculture: For games with the most captivating worlds and narratives.
- Best Localizer: Honoring titles that provided exceptional Korean translations.
- Best Alliance: Recognizing developers who excelled in communicating with their players.
- Creator Spotlight: Awarded to the games that generated the most buzz among streamers and reviewers.
Festival Promotions: Coupons and Discounts
To celebrate the event, Stove is running special promotions through January 25, 2026:
- Nominee Discount: A 15% discount coupon is available for each of the 21 nominated titles.
- Daily Store Coupons: Users can claim a 10% discount coupon every day, valid for any game in the Stove Store.
“The Stove Indie Awards are a place where creators and users can come together to celebrate their shared passion,” said a Smilegate representative. “We’ve strengthened our promotions to ensure more players can discover and enjoy these outstanding works.”
For more details on the nominees and to cast your vote, visit the official awards page at Stove Indie Awards 2025.
