On December 3, 2024, it will be exciting again in the German games industry: the German Developer Award (DEP) will be presented on this day at a grand gala in the historic Gürzenich in Cologne. The prize is the oldest award for outstanding computer games in Germany and has honored the best games and creative developer teams from German-speaking countries every year since 2004.

Around 500 guests from the games industry are expected at the award ceremony, which will be hosted by Daniel Budiman and Lynne Glaner. The jury, consisting of 160 honorary experts, has nominated 17 titles for the shortlist from a total of 233 submissions. These include the games "Closer the Distance" by Osmotic Studios from Hamburg, "Enshrouded" by Keen Games from Frankfurt and "Harold Halibut" by Cologne-based studio Slow Bros, all of which can hope to win the coveted title of "Best German Game".

The award recognizes outstanding achievements in a total of 14 categories, including "Best Indie Game", "Best Casual Game", "Best Audio Design" and "Best Story". The three nominees in the "Best German Game" category are particularly exciting. In addition to "Closer the Distance" and "Enshrouded", "Harold Halibut" can also hope to win an award in other categories such as "Best Graphics" and "Best Story".

In the "Best Indie Game" category, "Dungeons of Hinterberg" from Vienna and "ODDADA" by Sven Ahlgrimm and Mathilde Hoffmann from Berlin and Hamburg are among the contenders. In the "Best Casual Game" category, "CubeQuest - A QB Game", "Footgun: Underground" and once again "ODDADA" are nominated. This variety of nominated games shows the wide range of the German-speaking games industry.

Another notable category is the "Innovation Award", in which "Closer the Distance", "Enshrouded" and "ODDADA" are nominated. These games are characterized by special creative approaches and innovative game concepts that show new ways in game development. Social responsibility is also recognized: this year's special prize for social commitment goes to Aerosoft, the Berlin project "Friendly Fire" and Sebastian Sterzik from Berlin.

What is the German Developer Award?
The German Developer Award (DEP) is one of the oldest awards for outstanding computer games in Germany and has been awarded since 2004.

When will the German Developer Award 2024 be presented?
The award ceremony will take place on December 3, 2024 in the historic Gürzenich in Cologne.

Who will host the event?
The event will be hosted by Daniel Budiman and Lynne Glaner.

How many categories are there in the German Developer Award?
There are a total of 14 categories in which awards are presented, including "Best German Game", "Best Indie Game" and "Best Audio Design".

Which games are nominated for "Best German Game"?
The nominees are "Closer the Distance" (Osmotic Studios, Hamburg), "Enshrouded" (Keen Games, Frankfurt am Main) and "Harold Halibut" (Slow Bros., Cologne).