Vedinad, the force behind Megabonk, has withdrawn from consideration as Best Debut Indie Game at next month’s The Game Awards.
Within hours of The Game Awards 2025 revealing its nominees – with Sandfall Interactive’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 sweeping ten categories including Game of the Year – Vedinad posted a brief statement to social media confirming that while he was grateful for the nominated, Megabonk was not his first game, and therefore not eligible for consideration.
“I’m withdrawing from The Game Awards,” the developer wrote on X/Twitter. “It’s an honour 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.”
In a follow-up message, Vedinad 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!” It was signed ‘John Megabonk.”
Shortly thereafter, The Game Awards’ Geoff Keighley confirmed the developer had “reached out to clarify that he is an established solo developer who had been presenting him as a new creator under the name Vedinad.”
“We’re grateful for his honesty. As a result, Megabonk will be removed from the category,” Keighley wrote.
“He’ll share more about his story when he’s ready, but we respect that he didn’t want to take recognition away from other debut teams – even though the game itself is outstanding.”
Megabonk has sold more than a million on Steam.
