It’s time to check out the future of the video game industry—and vote for your favorite—with GDC Play 2022!
GDC Play at the Game Developers Conference showcases a number of unique and fascinating video games that show off the future of the industry. Eight games are selected as “Best in Play” by a panel of Game Developer editors. Winners receive Best in Play designation on-site at GDC and complimentary passes for the following year.
Here are this year’s Best in Play winners:
Shadow’s Light – Tale of the Champions (Canada Game Nation / 3Mind Games)
“The long stalemate of war is about to be broken. On one side, a kingdom blessed by benevolent gods. On the other, a land crawling with monsters. The truth will soon be revealed…”
Circuit Superstars (Original Fire Games LTD)
“A top-down racer built by racing fans, for racing fans. Celebrating generations of multi-disciplinary racing, focusing on driving that feels great—but with a high skill ceiling that will have players spending hours honing their perfect lap.”
Pocket Oasis (knit’n’purl game studio llc)
“A hand-painted gardening game with an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Decorate balconies in cities around the globe. Watch your seedlings grow, bloom, and harvest your own fruit.”
Grimoire Groves (Stardust)
“Restore the magical forest as you grow cute plant creatures with your witch magic in this cozy rogue-lite dungeon crawler. Unlock all spells, discover new plant types, befriend magical creatures, and unravel the mystery of the rainbow socks.”
Project Timi: Sasha’s Curse (EPHEMERAL CUBE)
“Project with Timi into the dreams of Lucity Town’s children in a very unique rhythmic puzzle-packed action game mashup! Join forces with a mysterious penguin guide to help save Lucity Town from Sasha’s Nightmare Curse.”
GigaBash (Passion Republic Games Sdn Bhd)
“Claim your place as king among Titans! GigaBash is a four-player Arena Brawler developed by Passion Republic Games, featuring Kaijus, Heroes & fully destructible maps.”
Begone Beast (Tandemi)
“Get ready to hack and slash and scream through the demon infestation of your town. Will you make it to a saferoom for snacks and supplies? Or will you and your friends be devoured by the beasts lurking in the dark?”
Soar: Pillars of Tasneem (Kimchi Corp, LLC)
“Take to the skies as a dragon, and talk to your friends as a human in this beautiful, 3rd-person exploration game.”
Attendees are welcome to view the full list of nominees on the GDC website—and be sure to visit the GDC Play Exhibitors virtual booth on Swapcard during next week’s event to vote for your favorite*, which will receive the Play Audience Award and an All-Access pass for GDC 2023.
Make sure to sign up for GDC to take part in this amazing event and help pave the wave for the future of video games. Register for GDC 2022 today!
*Career Pass attendees are exempt from voting for GDC Best in Play
GDC returns in-person to San Francisco, March 21-25—registration is now open! For more information on GDC 2022, including our virtual options, be sure to visit our website and follow the #GDC22 hashtag on social media.
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