Indie of the Year nominations revealed

Big budgets need not apply

Words: GamesRadar Staff on December 5, 2012

These days, nailing down what, exactly, "indie" means is an increasingly difficult question. Is it team size issue? What if it has a major publisher? Or maybe its a ineffable mentality? We'll have more to say on that topic next week, but for now, we're not going to let semantics get in the way. Check out the video below for GamesRadar's 2012 Indie of the Year nominations.

Want to know which indie takes this year's title? The winner will be revealed on December 12!

Platforms:

Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, PC, PS Vita, 3DS, Wii, Wii U, iPhone, DS, iPad, Android, Mac, Windows Phone 7, Arcade, PSP, Dreamcast, PS1, Game Boy, Saturn, GameCube, Sega CD, GBA, SNES, Genesis, Turbografx, NES, Xbox, N64

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sandplasma - December 6, 2012 7:39 a.m.

I really enjoyed Hotline Miami and FTL, some of these indie games keep my interest for far longer than any AAA titles I've played in the last year. Keep them coming!
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Rub3z - December 5, 2012 9:59 p.m.

Only played Fez and Mark of the Ninja. But I really, oh so want to play most of these. But you know what? I'm willing to venture that Fez is the best. It was just so... golly. I mean, if you haven't played it... the game is just mind-blowing. To play it, and to venture and plumb its rewarding and beautiful depths, is to dip your toes into insanity. There were seriously moments of discovery in that game that to me (and I'd say plenty of other people would agree); simply defied comprehension or explanation unless you take it upon yourself to sift through and find it for yourself. At first glance, its unique perspective changing mechanic and simple platforming seems like it couldn't last. To some, it just seems like a cute little game based around a gimmick. But just looking at the game undermines what is ultimately a ludicrously deep, rich, and fulfilling experience that you will soon find rewards you marvelously for however much you choose to invest in it. And this is why I think Fez should probably win, even if I haven't played most of the other ones.
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Darkhawk - December 5, 2012 9:34 p.m.

I don't understand the criteria at all, but I vote: 1) Journey 2) The Unfinished Swan 3) Dust
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zombi3grim - December 5, 2012 9:32 p.m.

Blah, Im not a big indie gamer. Yeah, some of those games are pretty fun in short bursts, but I want blockbusters when I have the spare time to sit and play a game.
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shawksta - December 5, 2012 8:19 p.m.

Surprised Spelunky didnt make the list, or is it not considered indie? Either way, there were quite allot of great indie games! I hope you guys do what you do best and have those more creative and interesting awards you guys always do.
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BaraChat - December 5, 2012 7:18 p.m.

I'm curious... Is Journey not an independent title? If it is, then I cannot understand how it didn't make the cut. Since it's one of the best reviewed games of the year on GR, I'm honestly confused.
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BaraChat - December 5, 2012 7:19 p.m.

Forget that last comment, I just read an older comment by GR staff explaining why. My bad. :)
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robin-smith - December 5, 2012 4:09 p.m.

what? no mc pixel??!!
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Redeater - December 5, 2012 2:21 p.m.

Couldn't you guys have a list as well as the video? As much as I love watching 10 seconds of random game play without any sort of context as to why it is here I would much rather take 30 seconds to read a list with explanations.
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Ryan_Taljonick - December 5, 2012 3:03 p.m.

We'll be presenting the lists in full (along with our reasons!) quite soon ^_^
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Redeater - December 5, 2012 11:50 p.m.

Thank you kind sir.
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samirbvr - December 5, 2012 11:54 p.m.

Thanks, was looking for a list.
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DEMONTHESE2211 - December 5, 2012 2 p.m.

I've only played FTL and Mark of the Ninja, both amazing games. I know my brother greatly enjoyed Fez as well.
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Kerime - December 5, 2012 1:22 p.m.

Well since Journey isn't here, FEZ deserves the win no doubt. FANTASTIC little game.
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GamesRadarTomMagrino - December 5, 2012 2:43 p.m.

It hurts my heart, but alas, Journey has been deemed not indie.
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taokaka - December 5, 2012 3:57 p.m.

couldn't have said it better myself.
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StrayGator - December 5, 2012 1:17 p.m.

Haven't played a single one of these, such a sellout. ohwaithowzaboutleUnfishedSwann?
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