Kristal Piksel 2024: A New Era for Turkish Game Awards
16 May 2024 marked a milestone for the Turkish gaming scene. Kristal Piksel, a tradition since 2012, returned this year with a reimagined vision that could stand alongside the world’s most respected game awards. The event was open to all, free of charge, and carried a sense of accessibility and celebration that drew both industry veterans and newcomers.
As Setimedia, we were entrusted with bringing this refreshed edition to life in a way that honored its heritage while signaling its leap forward. A few days have passed since the lights dimmed and the applause faded, yet the conversations, clips, and heartfelt messages from the community are still going strong.
A Stage That Felt Alive
The 2024 ceremony was hosted by Talha Aynacı and Dost Kayaoğlu, whose easy rapport and humor kept the room engaged from start to finish. Their chemistry gave the night a natural flow, balancing moments of heartfelt recognition with lighthearted breaks that drew genuine laughter.
Our role began months before the stage lights came on. From shaping the event’s public identity to coordinating with developers, press, and community channels, we worked to ensure that Kristal Piksel’s renewed face was reflected in every touchpoint. We planned and managed the pacing of announcements, gave media early access to visuals and statements, and kept a close watch on community discussion before, during, and after the night. On-site, our team supported the live program, managed transitions between categories, and ensured creators and outlets had the access they needed to capture the atmosphere in full.
Record Participation, Warm Reception
The numbers told their own story. A record 71 games applied for nomination, an all-time high for Kristal Piksel. That surge of participation was matched by strong sentiment online: players, studios, and journalists alike remarked on the improved production quality, the sense of inclusivity, and the energy of the evening. Coverage flowed quickly across gaming media and social channels, with clips from key moments being shared well into the following days.
Honoring Excellence
The night’s honors reflected the diversity and creativity of the Turkish game development community. Core Engage’s New Cycle emerged as a standout, taking both Best PC Game and Game of the Year. Stratera Games claimed Best Game Design with Cardboard Town and Best Visual Art for Havsala: Into the Soul Palace. Phew Phew Games earned both Best Audio Art and Best Console Game for Anomaly Agent. Cultic Games’ Cats and the Other Lives took Best Narrative, while Remoob’s Pile Up! was recognized for Innovative Game Idea, with the studio also named Promising Studio. Mindlabor’s Quadrata won Best Mobile Game, and DBK Games’ SpaceBourne 2 received the Jury Special Award.
Looking Ahead
Kristal Piksel 2024 proved that a national awards show can reflect global standards without losing its local heart. For us at setimedia, the success of the evening rests in the connections it strengthened — between developers and players, between studios and media, and within the community itself.
We thank every partner, from the organizers who trusted the new vision to the hosts who gave it voice, and most of all the creators whose work inspired the celebration. The energy around this year’s event has set a new baseline, and we look forward to helping build on it in the years ahead.
You can watch the full event from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SstAUX2mrAo
