Devolver Digital, the publisher behind hits like Cult of the Lamb, recently announced the delay of three upcoming titles to 2025. Instead of a standard press release, the news came via the quirky “Devolver Delayed Awards,” a now-annual tradition.
This unique awards show celebrates the developers of delayed games, offering them a platform beyond the typical social media announcement. This year’s “winners” included Baby Steps, Skate Story, and Stick It to the Stickman.
Interestingly, some of these games didn’t have concrete release dates to begin with. Baby Steps was revealed during IGN’s Summer of Gaming 2023 with a broad 2024 release window. Skate Story, however, has a history of delays, initially slated for 2023 before being pushed to 2024 during last year’s Devolver Delayed showcase. This might make it the first two-time “winner” of this dubious honor.
Adding to the comedic flair, the show featured an “in memoriam” segment for games that actually managed to launch in 2024, including titles like Pepper Grinder, The Crush House, and Children of the Sun.
Devolver also threw in a curveball with an award for Volvy’s Adventure DX, a game that doesn’t appear to exist. Daniel Mullins, the developer behind the critically acclaimed Inscryption, accepted the award, adding to the mystery by stating, “I didn’t make this game. I don’t even think this is a real game.”
Volvy is a recurring inside joke for Devolver, a fictitious retro gaming mascot frequently appearing in their promotional materials. The publisher has a history of inserting Volvy into games where he doesn’t belong and even released a mockumentary-style video last year detailing the fake Volvy series’ development. Perhaps Volvy does exist, and the rest of us are simply unaware of his greatness.
The Devolver Delayed Awards provided a humorous take on the often disappointing news of game delays. While fans might have to wait a little longer for these titles, the publisher’s lighthearted approach certainly softens the blow.
