On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, the time had come again: Developers from all over the German-speaking region gathered in Cologne to select the best games of the year at the German Developer Award 2024 (Deutscher Entwicklerpreis). And two Hamburg based studios were delighted to receive several awards! “Closer the Distance” by Osmotic Studios won the German Developer Award in the 3 categories Best Audio Design, Best Story and Innovation. And there was even more reason to celebrate: The Ubisoft Newcomer Award was given to “Map Map - A Game about Maps” by Pipapo Games, who continue to ride the wave of success after participating in the Games Lift Incubator 2023 and securing the Gamecity Hamburg 2024 Prototype Funding. Congratulations to all the lucky winners!

Anyone who is now curious should definitely take a look at the award-winning games! “Closer the Distance” celebrated its successful Steam release in August. And if you don't want to miss any news about “Map Map - A Game About Maps”, you can also wishlist the game on Steam.

Closer the Distance - Best Audio Design, Best Story, Innovation

“Closer the Distance” is an emotional slice-of-life simulation that explores coping with grief and interpersonal connections. Story-wise, players take on the role of Angela, a young woman who dies in a tragic accident. But that's not the end of her story: As a ghost, she observes the village of Yesterby and her grieving relatives from the afterlife as they try to come to terms with her loss.

Players can interact with the residents, influence their needs and feelings and help them come to terms with the tragedy. Decisions have a direct impact on relationships and the fate of the village community. The minimalist graphics, deep characters and atmospheric music contribute to a uniquely melancholic, but not depressing atmosphere.

Map Map - A Game About Maps - Ubisoft Newcomer Award

​​​​“Map Map - A Game About Maps” is a cozy single-player exploration game that focuses on creative cartography mechanics. Players take on the role of a young adventurer who creates maps to help their companions find a legendary treasure. In the process, they explore picturesque islands, mark important locations on their maps and discover new clues. Instead of following simple quest markers, the game encourages to actively engage with the environment and experience the world from a cartographer's perspective, combining puzzle elements with a stress-free atmosphere, inviting players to explore the world in a playful way.