Awards Show Celebrates Clair Obscur and Other Outstanding Games from Last Year

The awards season in the gaming world has been largely overshadowed by the acclaim for the French turn-based RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. While it’s clear why this title has captured so much attention, my personal pick for game of the year is a lesser-known gem: Baby Steps. Thankfully, one awards show is finally recognizing it in a way that many of us enthusiasts believe it truly deserves.

The 2026 Independent Games Festival Awards recently announced its nominees, highlighting the remarkable creativity of developers outside the AAA realm. Baby Steps has secured nominations in five categories, including Excellence in Audio, Excellence in Design, Excellence in Narrative, the Nuovo Award (which celebrates innovative experiences that challenge conventional gaming perspectives), and the Seumas McNally Grand Prize.

In Baby Steps, players follow Nate, a character who transitions from a life of drudgery in his parents’ basement to a whimsical world filled with quirky characters like long-dicked donkey men and Australians. On PlayStation 5, navigating this bizarre environment involves using the controller’s triggers to control Nate’s feet independently while the control stick directs his lean. Even basic walking requires a careful rhythm, and the challenge escalates as you tackle slippery slopes and tricky rock faces.

I’m thrilled to see Baby Steps receiving this level of recognition. It not only pushes the boundaries of the emerging genre of physics-based “rage games,” a concept pioneered by co-developer Bennett Foddy (known for QWOP and Getting Over It), but it also thoughtfully examines the nature of challenging gameplay through its mechanics and story. I encourage everyone to experience this game; remember, Baby Steps isn’t about frustration—it’s about self-love.

Other nominees include the quirky local TV broadcast simulator Blippo+, the surreal strategy game Titanium Court, and the intriguingly controversial Horses. After witnessing the Game Awards, the Game Developers Choice Awards, and the DICE Awards focus predominantly on Clair Obscur and other mainstream titles, it’s refreshing to see a show dedicated to exploring the deeper aspects of the medium.

Additionally, this year’s event introduces a new category celebrating games created by women and other gender-marginalized developers, in partnership with an investment fund. Each award in this category comes with a $2,000 bonus, while the grand prize offers $20,000.

The 2026 Independent Games Festival Awards will take place on Wednesday, March 11 at 6:30 p.m. PST, and will be streamed live.