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Megabonk developer Vedinad withdrew the game from The Game Awards 2025 Best Debut Indie Game category on November 18, saying earlier games released under other studio names meant Megabonk was not their debut. Vedinad thanked supporters and urged them to vote for another of the nominated debut titles; organizer Geoff Keighley confirmed the game would be removed.
Why Vedinad withdrew Megabonk
After The Game Awards announced its 2025 nominees in November, Megabonk was included in the Best Debut Indie Game category. Vedinad said the “debut” label did not fit because they had made games before under different studio names. As reported by PC Gamer on November 18, 2025, Vedinad wrote: “It’s an honor and a dream for Megabonk to be nominated for TGA, but unfortunately I don’t think it qualifies for the category ‘Debut Indie Game’. I’ve made games in the past under different studio names, so Megabonk is not my debut game.”
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The withdrawal was Vedinad’s request and explanation; contemporary coverage does not describe it as the result of an outside eligibility ruling. The reports do not identify the earlier games or studio names, so there is no supported basis for naming them.
Vedinad asked fans to support another nominee
In a follow-up, Vedinad thanked people for the nomination, support, and votes, then encouraged them to choose another game in the category: “I really appreciate the nomination, support and votes, but it doesn’t feel right in this category. You should vote for another one of the amazing debut titles, they are all amazing games!” The statement was reported by GameSpot.
#1 Best Overall
- Officially Licensed: This is an officially licensed CAPCOM title, ensuring an authentic gaming experience.
- Portable Gameplay: Powered by 4 AA batteries (not included) or by a USB-C cable (not included)
- 🎮 Expansive Game Collection: Includes six beloved Mega Man titles - Mega Man, Mega Man 2, Mega Man 3, Mega Man 4, Mega Man 5, and Mega Man 6
- 🎯 Absorb Enemy Powers: Mega Man's unique ability to absorb the powers of defeated enemies adds depth and strategy to gameplay.
- Headphone Jack: 3.5mm headphone jack lets you enjoy Mega man on the go on your own privately.
The Game Awards confirmed the removal
Geoff Keighley, organizer of The Game Awards, said Vedinad had reached out and clarified their prior experience. Keighley responded: “We’re grateful for his honesty. As a result, MegaBonk will be removed from the category.” Game Developer’s November 19 report covered the exchange. The change addressed Megabonk’s place in the debut category; the coverage does not establish a broader ruling about what qualifies as an indie game or a debut.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the nomination dispute does—and does not—establish
The episode turns on two different ideas: Megabonk may be an independently developed game, while its developer says it was not their debut. Those labels are not interchangeable. Vedinad’s statement explains why they felt the specific category was inappropriate, but it does not define official eligibility criteria for all nominees.
Rank #2
- 50 Classic Games including: 1942, Super Street Fighter II, Tetris, Mega Man I & II, Galaga, Dig Dug, Burger Time
- HDMI Video Output (720p)
- Comes with two Wired Game Controllers
- SD Card Slot for Downloadable Games
- Save/Load/Rewind all Games
Game Developer reported that Megabonk launched on September 18, 2025, and sold more than one million copies in its first two weeks. That is a historical launch-period figure, not a current lifetime sales total. The same coverage identifies Vedinad as a solo developer, but does not supply the titles or studio names of the earlier games.
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