The awards ceremony, held in Glasgow, was opened by minister for independence Jamie Hepburn, in replacement of First Minister Humza Yousaf, who was originally scheduled to open the ceremony. 

This year’s awards had fifteen winning categories, chosen from a shortlist of 45 finalists. Three new categories were introduced this year: Rising Star, Spirit of Scotland, and Pure Quality awards. 

Winner of this year’s rising star award, 25-year-old Rach Macpherson, broke into the games industry three years ago after working as a journalist. She became a PR manager at Neonhive, a Glasgow-based gamer and streamer agency. 

“It was a pretty big leap, I didn’t think it would work out” she said, “thankfully I found a company that was supportive, and helped me train up to the point of winning this award. It’s fantastic, I’m overwhelmed.”

While few were lucky enough to win one award, even less collected two. Cian Roche, managing director of Puny Astronaut, a Dundee-based game studio took home the Art and Animation award, as well as the Spirit of Scotland Award, after being nominated in five categories. 

He said winning two awards among his peers in the Scottish industry is hugely gratifying, given the talent in the room that night. As for the team behind the game, Roche said it was nothing less than an incredible journey to work with them. 

“We’ve poured out absolute heart and souls into Skye Tales, everyone took it so seriously and really wanted to produce their best work, and it clearly shows in the game,” he said. 

Puny Astronaut’s debut game – Skye Tales – is what Roche calls their love letter to Scotland. “We’re so grateful to be working in Dundee, an amazing creative hub in an amazing creative country.”

“It’s just really affirming that we could produce something Scotland could be proud of.”

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Winners

Art and Animation – Skye Tales – Puny Astronaut

Audio – Eschaton – Jabuga

Best Small-Budget Game – The Longest Walk – Alexander Tarvet

Best Large-Budget Game – Agatha Christie: Hercule Poirot – The London Case – Blazing Griffin

Creativity – Marion’s Journey – Chimera Tales

Technical Achievement – Viewfinder – Matt Stark

Spirit Of Scotland – Skye Tales – Puny Astronaut

Pure Quality – BLINNK and the Vacuum of Space – Changing Day

Best Educational Programme – Online Diploma Programme (Game Design) – Robert Gordon College

Best Educator – Dr Thomas Hainey – University of the West of Scotland

Diversity Champion – Searra Leishman – Hyper Luminal Games

Lifetime Achievement – Mike Dailly

Community Spirit Award (Stewart Gilray) – Luci Holland

Tools and Technology – GameMaker

Rising Star – Rach Macpherson – Neon Hive