Melbourne-based studio Beethoven & Dinosaur has gained Recreation of the Yr for its music-themed, minigame-driven journey recreation Mixtape on the 2026 Australian Recreation Developer Awards (AGDAs). Mixtape additionally gained Excellence in Visible Artwork and Excellence in Sound Design.
“Mixtape was the end result of an amazingly gifted group,” stated Beethoven & Dinosaur director Johnny Galvatron. “To go from desirous to make a recreation round Devo to creating one thing that resonates with so many individuals is thoughts blowing. We’re fortunate to be a part of such a gifted neighborhood, and I’m so pleased with Mixtape and my group.”
Reward for Mixtape from the AGDA’s judges famous that “[it] is a triumph in digital storytelling, pairing a definite visible id with heartfelt music to ship some of the memorable experiences in latest reminiscence.”
IGN’s May review of Mixtape referred to as it a “musical delight from begin to end” and declared it “units a brand new customary for coming-of-age tales in video video games and does so with a masterful sense of favor.” Its soundtrack consists of cuts from Devo, The Smashing Pumpkins, Silverchair, Iggy Pop, and lots of different acts.
Different winners from this yr’s AGDAs embrace rhythm recreation Bits & Bops from Tempo Lab Video games for each Excellence in Gameplay and Excellence in Accessibility, and puzzle platformer Schrodinger’s Cat Burglar from Deserted Sheep for Excellence in Narrative. The Studio of the Yr was awarded to Canberra-based Uppercut Video games.
The AGDAs, which have been hosted in varied types since 2002, are introduced by Australia’s Interactive Video games and Leisure Affiliation. Today it types a part of Melbourne Worldwide Video games Week, which is culminating this weekend with PAX Aus 2026.
Luke is a Senior Editor on the IGN opinions group. You possibly can observe him down on Bluesky @mrlukereilly to ask him issues about stuff.