The winners for the 2023 Games for Change Awards have been announced.

Revealed at last night’s ceremony at the Times Center in NYC, Endling: Extinction is Forever earned the top title of Game of the Year. Susanna Pollack, President of Games for Change said this about Endling: Extinction is Forever’s win:

"This year, we were astounded and inspired by the global creativity and innovation in all of our Award nominees. We're thrilled to honor 'Endling: Extinction is Forever' by Herobeat Studios as our Game of the Year. This game confronts us with the harsh realities of environmental degradation, encourages critical conversations about conservation, and exemplifies the transformative power of games as catalysts for social change."

The LEGO Group earned the award for Industry Leadership for their work with aiding creativity in children. Carolina Giuga, Senior Director at The LEGO Group said this about winning the award:

"It's truly an honor to be recognized by Games for Change in its Industry Leadership category for our work helping provide engaging, immersive, and creatively rich digital experiences for kids that are grounded in the highest safety standards. We believe that, as an industry, we are moving in the right direction but there is still more work to do to ensure the builders of tomorrow can reach their creative potential in digital environments that are safe by design, and we look forward to continuing our work with a variety of partners to help realize that vision.”

Alan Gershenfeld is the inaugural recipient of the Hall of Change Award for their work with advancing the field of impact games. Pollack said this about Gershenfeld’s win:

"Alan Gershenfeld has distinguished himself through remarkable dedication, innovative leadership, and pioneering integration of gaming, technology, and social impact. He is a trailblazer and an invaluable ally in our mission to change the way we play and learn. His recognition as the first-ever Hall of Change recipient is a testament to his extraordinary contributions and vision."

A full list of winners as well as the full ceremony can be seen below. More information about Games for Change can be found here.

2023 Games for Change Awards winners

Industry Leadership - The LEGO Group

Hall of Change Award - Alan Gershenfeld

Game of the Year, Most Significant Impact - Endling: Extinction is Forever (Herobeat Studios)

In "Endling: Extinction is Forever," the last mother fox on Earth faces the daunting task of ensuring the survival of her cubs in a ruthless world on the brink of self-destruction. She must guide, protect, and save her offspring while never forgetting the irreversible nature of extinction.

Most Innovative - Terra Nil (Free Lives)

"Terra Nil" is an intricate environmental strategy game that revolves around transforming a desolate wasteland into a thriving and balanced ecosystem. Its players embark on a mission to revive a lifeless world by purifying soil, cleansing oceans, planting trees, reintroducing wildlife, and leaving behind no trace of their efforts.

Best Narrative - Gerda: A Flame In Winter (Bird Island [ex-PortaPlay])

In "Gerda: A Flame In Winter," players assume the role of Gerda, whose tranquil existence is upended by the tumultuous events of World War II, which cast their shadow upon her Danish village. This intimate narrative RPG-lite experience draws inspiration from real-life events and allows players to choose their path, actions, and alliances as Gerda navigates through the occupation.

Best Student Game - (val)iant: or, val's guide to having a broken vag (Cactus Studio)

"(val)iant: or, val's guide to having a broken vag" is a browser-based, zine-inspired game that utilizes simple and intuitive mechanics to tell a story about bodies, relationships, and sex education. Players embody the nonbinary college student Val, who grapples with vaginismus. The game delves into the societal aspects of sexual education and how individuals learn or fail to learn about sex.

Best Learning Game - Go Nisha Go™: My Life My Choice (Howard Delafield International, LLP)

"Go Nisha Go™: My Life My Choice" empowers young girls to make informed decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health. Through the simulation of decision outcomes, the game enables girls to shape their futures confidently. Extensively researched and co-designed with girls aged 15 and above in India, this game aims to educate and empower.

Best XR4C Experience - Body of Mine VR (Cameron Kostopoulos)

"Body of Mine VR" merges immersive technology with real interviews of transgender individuals. By utilizing full-body tracking, the experience allows users to fully embody another gender, engage with their own skin, explore trans stories, experiment with gender expression through guided movements, and experience dysphoria in a secure and immersive environment.

Best Health Game - Luna's Light (ImpactVR)

"Luna's Light" takes players on an enchanting adventure through a fantasy realm where they wield an enchanted bow. The bow can be used for shooting, while additional upgrades like the rope arrow enable players to bridge gaps. This experience provides a delightful way to undergo rehabilitation in the comfort of one's own home.

Best Civics Game - Cat Park (Tilt)

"Cat Park" is a free online visual novel that educates players about common tactics and techniques of online manipulation. Based on inoculation theory, the game is designed as a psychological "vaccine" that actively builds cognitive resistance against online manipulation.

Best Gameplay - I Was a Teenage Exocolonist (Northway Games)

"I Was a Teenage Exocolonist" is a sci-fi narrative RPG featuring card-based battles. As players embark on a journey to explore a hostile alien planet, they must navigate the challenges of growing up and finding love. The choices and skills acquired over ten years will shape the character's life and the colony's survival.

Best Board or Tabletop Game for Impact - SHASN: AZADI (Abhishek Lamba and Zain Memon for Memesys Games)

"SHASN: AZADI" is a semi-cooperative political strategy board game where players play as revolutionaries, trying to free their country from the grips of a tyrannical imperial power. If they succeed, only one will emerge as the leader of the new nation.