Philadelphia, PA – The most anticipated night in independent game development is almost here! The 2025 Philly PI Indie Vanguard Awards ceremony is set to reveal the winners who pushed creative boundaries and delivered the most unforgettable experiences of the year.
The Vanguard Game of the Year—last year awarded to the masterful medieval city-builder Manor Lords—will be revealed alongside champions in seven other categories.
Countdown to the 2025 Vanguard Winners
Mark your calendars! The full roster of Vanguard Champions, including the Vanguard Game of the Year, will be announced right here on The Philly PI:
- Date: Monday, December 23rd, 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM EST
- Where: Watch the live announcement or view the full winners list on this page!
⭐ A Look Back: The Standards Set by the 2024 Champions
Last year’s winners set a high bar, demonstrating that ambition, artistry, and passion are the true currencies of independent development. This year’s nominees face the challenge of surpassing this incredible class of champions.
| Category Name | 2024 Winner | 2025 Anticipation & Description |
| Vanguard Game of the Year | Manor Lords | Who has achieved this level of singular distinction in 2025? It needs scale and soul. |
| Best World-Building & Lore | SKALD: Against the Black Priory | Creating an immersive, believable universe. Is it cohesive? Is the mythology earned? |
| The ‘Heart of the Game’ Award | Pacific Drive | This one’s for the feels. Emotional impact, resilience, character growth. Can it make you care? |
| Excellence in Mechanical Purity | Balatro | The one where simple concepts become strategic masterpieces. No cruft, just pure, deep design. |
| Best Solo Dev/Small Team Project | Manor Lords | Recognizes extreme results from extremely small teams. Technical skill meets sheer will. |
| Best Visual Flair (Art & Animation) | Animal Well | Distinctive, meticulous, innovative use of color and light. A visual signature. |
| Rhythm & Resonance (Best Audio Design) | Pacific Drive | Sound design, atmosphere, the click of the mechanics. Audio that elevates the sense of place. |
| Best Ongoing/Live Project | Sons Of The Forest | For titles that commit to evolution, quality updates, and community building. A living game. |
2024 Vanguard Game of the Year: Manor Lords (Setting the Standard)
Manor Lords, developed largely by a single individual, Grzegorz Styczeń (Slavic Magic), showcased extreme personal initiative, technical skill, and dedication to a massive historical project. It is the gold standard that the 2025 winner will be measured against.
Join us on December 23rd at 11:00 AM EST to see which titles define the next generation of independent gaming!
