R.E.P.O. Earns Golden Joystick Nomination: Best Early Access Game

Last Updated: November 6, 2025

In a major milestone for an independent project, developer Semiwork Studios has confirmed that its in-development title, R.E.P.O., has been officially nominated for a Golden Joystick Award. The game is a contender in the fiercely competitive "Best Early Access Game" category for 2025, a recognition that celebrates titles delivering exceptional quality, community engagement, and development progress ahead of a full 1.0 release.

The nomination places R.E.P.O. in an impressive field of contenders, including highly anticipated titles like *Grounded 2*, the reboot of the legendary *skate.*, *Schedule I*, *9 Kings*, and *White Knuckle*. For an indie team, standing alongside such heavyweight projects is a victory in itself. The developers expressed their honor and gratitude for the recognition on social media, capping off what they described as a "wild year" of development and community building.

A Legacy of Player-Powered Recognition

To understand the weight of this nomination, one must appreciate the legacy of the Golden Joystick Awards. Established in 1983, they are the world's second-oldest gaming awards and are distinguished by being decided almost entirely by public vote. Unlike jury-paneled awards, the Golden Joysticks serve as a direct reflection of player sentiment. Earning a nomination is a true badge of honor that speaks to a game's powerful connection with its audience—a particularly meaningful metric for an Early Access title like R.E.P.O., which is built upon a foundation of community feedback and support.

This recognition elevates the game's profile significantly, placing it on the global radar and affirming that its development trajectory is resonating strongly with players.

The Proving Ground of Early Access

The "Best Early Access Game" category is a fascinating microcosm of the modern games industry. Once a niche pathway, Early Access has become a mainstream development model where transparency, consistent updates, and the ability to integrate player feedback are paramount. A nomination is not just an award for the game's current state; it's an acknowledgment of a successful development process and the promise of what's to come.

Games that thrive in this environment turn their players into collaborators. The developers of R.E.P.O. alluded to a "wild year," a term that encapsulates the intense cycle of launching major updates, squashing unexpected bugs, and engaging daily with a passionate player base. To emerge from that period with a Golden Joystick nomination—especially against such a strong roster of competitors—suggests the team has masterfully navigated these challenges, delivering an experience that feels both polished and brimming with potential.

This nomination serves as powerful validation for that hard work. It is an industry-wide acknowledgment that the risks taken and the commitment to an open development process have paid off. For the R.E.P.O. community, it's a moment of shared celebration. The players who submitted bug reports, offered feedback, and championed the game are a critical part of this success story.

How to Cast Your Vote

With the nominations officially announced, the final outcome now rests in the hands of the global gaming public. The team at Semiwork Studios is calling upon its dedicated community and new fans to help them in the final voting phase. The process is managed through the official Golden Joystick Awards portal, hosted by GamesRadar+, where players can support their favorite titles across numerous categories. Fans wishing to support R.E.P.O. can head to the site and make their voices heard.

Regardless of the final result, this nomination is a defining moment for R.E.P.O. It will undoubtedly bring a new wave of attention to the project, attracting players who view award nominations as a seal of quality. For the development team, it's a powerful boost of morale and a clear signal that their vision is on the right track as they continue the journey toward a full launch.