GIAA 2025 Winners

The Games Industry Africa Awards (GIAA) 2025 serve to recognize, celebrate, and promote the growing portfolio of video game development across the African continent. By highlighting the achievements of local creators, the initiative aims to foster industry growth and inspire future generations of developers working within a nascent but increasingly influential market. The awards underscore the persistence and passion required to succeed in the industry despite significant financial and systemic challenges.

Key winners for 2025 include South African studio Free Lives, which was named Team of the Year, and their title, Stick it to the Stickman, which secured both PC Game of the Year and overall Game of the Year. Other notable recipients include Africa Games Week (South Africa) for Event of the Year, and Carry1st for Industry Initiative of the Year, recognizing their efforts in promoting female esports participation. The mobile gaming sector was represented by Nigeria’s Safari City: Renovate & Design, while the debut award went to the South African title Flibbius McDoogle and the Mysterious Flying Machine.

The awards also honored individual contributions, naming Teddy Kossoko (Central African Republic), Dominique Gawlowski (South Africa), and Rojeh Maher (Egypt) as Persons of the Year for their leadership and ability to navigate difficult funding environments. The selection process highlights a diverse range of projects, from physics-based PC titles to mobile games inspired by African landmarks. By showcasing these successes, the GIAA provides a platform for African developers to gain global visibility and encourages continued innovation in the regional gaming ecosystem.