The PC hit game Megabonk has been withdrawn from The Game Awards 2025 nomination for Best Debut Indie Game. Its developer revealed that prior game releases under different studio names disqualify it from the category. Geoff Keighley confirmed the removal, praising the game's quality while respecting the decision.
Background on Megabonk
Megabonk, a Vampire Survivors-like action game, launched in September 2025 on PC via Steam for $10. It quickly gained popularity, achieving a peak of over 100,000 concurrent players and earning "Very Positive" reviews. Players engage in smashing through waves of enemies in ongoing sessions. The developer announced a new update is coming soon, though details remain unclear.
Nomination and Withdrawal
On November 17, 2025, The Game Awards revealed its nominees, including Megabonk for Best Debut Indie Game. However, the next day, November 18, the developer—listed as Vedinad on Steam and humorously as "John Megabonk"—posted on social media to withdraw the entry.
"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," the developer stated.
They added: "I really appreciate the nomination, support and votes, but it doesn't feel right in this category. You should vote for another one of the amazing debut titles, they are all amazing games! Thanks again!"
Response from The Game Awards
Initially, Megabonk remained on the official voting site as of November 18 afternoon. Later that day, Geoff Keighley, host and organizer, confirmed via Twitter that the game would be removed after the developer clarified their established background.
"He’ll share more about his story when he’s ready," Keighley posted. "But we respect that he didn’t want to take recognition away from other debut teams — even though the game itself is outstanding."
It is unclear if another title will replace Megabonk in the category. Other Game of the Year nominees include Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Donkey Kong Bananza, Hades II, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II.