Devolver Digital is doing what it does best once again with their latest presentation, the Devolver Delayed Awards. This entertaining “awards” show, which is pre-recorded, humorously acknowledges three eagerly awaited titles that the company will now be releasing in 2025.
Fans of Devolver will recognize the unique brand of sarcasm as they commend their developers for having “the courage and determination to delay their games into the next fiscal year.” Among the playful categories and nominees, here’s what stood out:
– Best Inadvertent Tripping Simulator
– Best Late-Stage Capitalism Roguelite
– Best Glass Demon in a Leading Role
Aside from these tongue-in-cheek categories featuring fictitious games (and yes, I’d definitely give Windshield Repair Simulator a shot), the event also highlights speeches from developers working on the actual delayed games, all expected to see the light of day in 2025. Just for the record, Sam Eng from Skate Story has a valid excuse—he broke his arm. So let’s cut him some slack while we await the release.
This creative approach isn’t new for Devolver. Back in 2023, they poked fun at the Nintendo Direct format with their Devolver Delayed Showcase, which humorously announced the postponement of titles like The Plucky Squire, Stick It to the Stickman, Anger Foot, Pepper Grinder, and Skate Story.
While delays can certainly be challenging for the business side of things, it’s refreshing to see Devolver giving developers the breathing room needed to bring their creative visions to life without the pressure to rush incomplete products to market.
Moreover, Devolver Digital’s website states that they have other intriguing projects in the pipeline, such as Possessor(s), Tenjutsu, Human Fall Flat 2, and Forestrike, none of which have confirmed release dates yet.
