We couldn’t be prouder! Four games developed by Cologne Game Lab alumni have been nominated for the German Developer Award (Deutscher Entwicklerpreis) — one of the most prestigious honors in the German games industry. These nominations celebrate creativity, innovation, and the spirit of collaboration that drives our community.
The nominated projects:
Bauhaus Bonk by Spoonful Games — Best Casual Game
A minimalist yet masterful game where precision meets play. With its Bauhaus-inspired visual style, rhythm, and geometric elegance, Bauhaus Bonk turns simplicity into art — proof that one button is all you need for great design and great fun.
Tiny Bookshop by neoludic games — Best Art Direction, Best Indie Game, and Innovation Award
An indie gem full of heart and atmosphere, Tiny Bookshop invites players to run a traveling bookstore along a coastal village. With its hand-drawn art style, poetic storytelling, and unique blend of digital play and real-world reading culture, it’s a beautiful ode to creativity, empathy, and calm.
Rascal’s Escape – Frechdachs auf Reisen by the Good Evil — Best Game Beyond Entertainment
A heartwarming co-op adventure for kids and families, Rascal’s Escape turns play into discovery — across languages, cultures, and generations. A delightful example of how games can teach, connect, and celebrate diversity with humor and heart.
Oddsparks: An Automation Adventure by Massive Miniteam — Best Art Direction
A visually enchanting automation game that blends whimsical world-building with stunning character design. Oddsparks delights with its cohesive fantasy universe and endearing animations — a true visual treat.
Additionally, we’re thrilled that the FemDevsMeetup initiative — shaped by CGL alumni — has been nominated for the Special Jury Prize for its outstanding work promoting diversity, empowerment, and inclusion in the games and tech industry.
We’re incredibly proud of our alumni and the impact they continue to make across the creative industries.
Fingers crossed for all nominees at the upcoming awards!