A lot is happening in the Swiss games industry: New game studios are being founded – and not just in hotspots like Zurich, Lausanne or Geneva. The companies are often independent studios that realize their first projects with small teams. What’s even more amazing are the amazing results that come from it! In addition to these start-ups, there are also some companies that have been around for a long time and have an impressive portfolio – just think of Giants Software, Urban Games or the Stray Fawn Studio.
The Swiss Game Awards (SGA) are always a good opportunity to get an overview of the creativity of the local industry. This year the awards will again take place as part of Gamesweek Zurich, which celebrates computer and video games in all their facets from November 9 to 19. The best Swiss games of the year will be awarded on the evening of November 17.
Compared to last year, the price categories have changed slightly: In addition “Best Entertainment Game” and the “Best serious game” this will now also be the case “Most Anticipated Game” excellent – this includes titles that have not yet been released or are only in early access. All candidates automatically participate in the competition “Excellence Prize” for particularly high-quality productions. Oh yes, before we forget: there are too “SGDA Student Swiss Game Awards” – the name says it all here.
The awards ceremony is getting closer, the excitement is rising! We have examined the nominees in advance – and introduced you to some great prize candidates.
«DIG – Deep in galaxies»
Studio: Molton Studio (Corsier-sur-Vevey)
Genre: Action roguelite
Platform: PC
Date of publication: March 8, 2023
Jumping, swinging, digging, shooting: with “DIG – Deep In Galaxies” you can explore alien planets in different ways. It is no coincidence that the gameplay and pixelated 2D look are reminiscent of the indie classic “Spelunky”, which in turn was inspired by the adventures of Indiana Jones. “DIG” takes the action to space – meaning the game will see you encounter a variety of hostile aliens… and ultimately the Alien Overlord!
All levels in “DIG” are procedurally generated – meaning variety with every new play session. The acquired skills are retained – typical of roguelites – even after a failed run. In “DIG” you can combine more than 150 different skills, making you a very powerful alien warrior over the course of the game. What’s also impressive is how agile the main character moves in the game: not only does she swing through the cave labyrinths using a ninja rope, but she can also fly when she shoots down with the Gatling gun. The retro soundtrack fits perfectly with the hectic gameplay!
“Nocturnal”
Studio: Sunnyside games (Lausanne)
Genre: Action platformer
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series
Date of publication: June 7, 2023
The competition entry ‘Nocturnal’ also focuses on underground worlds – but takes a different graphical approach than ‘DIG’. In the predominantly dark levels, protagonist Ardeshir’s fire really has a great effect! Ardeshir – the soldier of the Eternal Flame – returns to his home island of Nahran after a long time. But there he discovers that a mysterious mist is spreading. Ardeshir sets out on the dangerous path to the center of the island to get to the bottom of the threat. The flame not only helps him in the dark, but also keeps dangerous opponents at bay.
The company Sunnyside Games, which developed “Nocturnal”, is one of the already established studios in Switzerland. In 2021, the team from Lausanne won a Swiss Game Award for outstanding graphics and animation with their action-adventure “Towaga: Among Shadows”. It’s clear that the studio with the sunny title is interested in tackling literally dark scenarios.
Here are the other nominations in the “Best Entertainment Game 2023” category.
“Kandria” – Shirakumo Games (Zürich):
«Helvetii» -Team Kwakwa (Lausanne):
«AST hero» – Twisted BrainZ (Geneva):
“Ballvin”
Studio: Dynamic Devices AG (Zurich)
Genre: Exergame
Platform: ddrobotec®
Date of publication: September 18, 2023 (version 5.1)
Fitness games have been very popular for a long time – just think of various Wii and virtual reality games. Suppliers of fitness and therapy equipment are now increasingly relying on accompanying software that motivates people to exercise and also measures the user’s training performance. Such games are also called ‘exergames’ – and are surprisingly diverse these days. By the way, the general term is ‘Serious Game’ – hence the name of the SGA competition category.
The Zurich company Dynamic Devices develops devices for cognitive, sensorimotor and physical training under the brand “ddrobotec®”. According to the manufacturer, these are self-learning systems that adapt individually to the needs of the user. Dynamic Devices has also developed the “Ballvin” application, a collection of varied exergames. “Ballvin” measures various parameters such as accuracy, memory, speed and reaction time. The collection of exergames includes number puzzles and evasion exercises – like ‘Captain Marble’ from the trailer above.
Further nominations in the category “Best Serious Game 2023”.
“Where am I?” – Institute for Structural Design (ZHAW) / Blindflug Studios (Zürich)
“Until next invoice” – Canton de Vaud / DNA Studios (Lausanne)
“TET” – Charli Charlo (Satigny) / Playable
«Equilibre – Ville de demain» – Tourmaline Studio (Meyrin) / Ta-daaa Studio
“The Wandering Village”
Studio: Stray Fawn Studio (Zurich)
Genre: Simulation of city buildings
Platform: PC, later other platforms
Date of publication: September 14, 2022 (Early Access)
Stray Fawn Studio is one of the best-known Swiss indie studios: the Zurich company has already released titles such as ‘Nimbatus’ and ‘Niche’. “The Wandering Village” is a beautiful city building simulation with a twist: you don’t build the city on a fixed location, but on the back of a huge creature that wanders through the landscape. The colossus itself is looking for a safe haven, because the post-apocalyptic world is largely destroyed and infected.
“The Wandering Village” challenges you to survive in this hostile environment. This works best if your colonists form a symbiotic relationship with the wandering giant. As the game progresses, you will learn their different characteristics, which are also crucial for your own survival. “The Wandering Village” is not only a very original game, but also a reminder of environmental protection and sustainability.
“Grimoire groves”
Studio: Stardust (Zurich)
Genre: Action roguelite
Platform: PC
Date of publication: not yet announced
Nature also plays an important role in “Grimoire Groves”. In the roguelite action you explore a magical forest where mythical creatures live and you can become friends with them. As time goes by, you’ll learn more and more magical spells that you can use to grow cute plant creatures. Along the way, collect their fruits and other materials to craft new spells, gifts, and decorations.
According to Zurich studio Stardust, “Grimoire Groves” is something like a mix of “Hades” and “Animal Crossing” – which sounds promising! We particularly liked the truly magical look of the game: the procedurally generated forest is dazzlingly colorful and mysterious, and the mythical creatures are extremely cute. So it will be interesting to see who wins the prize in this competition category!
Further nominations in the “Most Anticipated Game 2023” category.
“Hendrik Halfhoofd” – Lululu Entertainment (Zurich)
«QubiQuest: Castle Crafts» – Twin Earth AG (Biel)
«Ground of Aces» – Blind Flight Studios (Zurich)
At Watson, the Games.ch team provides exclusive stories from the gaming universe for gamers, fans, nerds – and those who want to become one – in the “Loading…” blog.
Source: Watson
I’m Ella Sammie, author specializing in the Technology sector. I have been writing for 24 Instatnt News since 2020, and am passionate about staying up to date with the latest developments in this ever-changing industry.
