Games Industry Africa has announced the winners of this year's Games Industry Africa Awards (GIAA), with Free Lives' Stick It to the Stickman winning Game of the Year and PC Game of the Year.
The developer also won Team of the Year for its work on the physics brawler published by Devolver Digital.
“By all measures, this game is considered the most successful game developed on the continent and created by a team known for its exceptional creativity,” the GIAA said.
“Stick It to the Stickman intends to remain influential in the industry for the foreseeable future.”
Unsigned Double Collective's Flibbius McDougle and the Mysterious Flying Machine won Debut of the Year, which demonstrated “the talent, intent and credentials to be a creative force on the continent and beyond.”
Maliyo Games' Safari City was awarded the “Most Inspiring Mobile Game” award, which the GIAA described as “developed by a team dedicated to innovating mobile games across the continent.”
The Person of the Year Award was presented to three winners: Masseka Game/Gara founder Teddy Kossoko, Free Lives managing director Dominic Gawlowski and Egyptian developer Roger Maher.
Elsewhere, African Games Week won Event of the Year, Carry1st Africa Cup won Initiative of the Year and Nyamakopa's debut game Relooted was the news event of the year.
“The industry in Africa is significant but still relatively nascent compared to its geographic contemporaries,” the GIAA said.
“Recognizing talent is a way to foster continued growth while also inspiring the next generation of creators and developers.”
Here is the full list of winners of the Games Industry Africa Awards 2025:
- Game of the Year: Stick It to Stickman (Free Lives, Devolver Digital)
- Computer Game of the Year: Stick it to Stickman
- Debut of the year: Flibbius McDougle and the Mysterious Flying Machine (unsigned double team)
- Most spectacular mobile game: Safari City (Maliyo Games)
- Industry initiative of the year: Carry1st African Cup
- Event of the year: African Games Week
- News of the year: Nyamakop makes his debut in Relooted
- Team of the Year: Free Lives
- Persons of the year: Teddy Kosoko, Dominic Gawlowski and Roger Maher
