Mixtape Wins Big at 2026 Australian Game Developer Awards

Ever dreamed of making a game that wins Game of the Year? Well, Melbourne-based studio Beethoven & Dinosaur just lived that dream with their music-themed adventure, Mixtape, at the 2026 Australian Game Developer Awards (AGDAs).

Mixtape wasn't just a one-hit wonder—it also snagged Excellence in Visual Art and Excellence in Sound Design. The game's director, Johnny Galvatron, was clearly emotional about the win: "Mixtape was the outcome of an amazingly talented team. To go from wanting to make a game around Devo to creating something that resonates with so many people is mind blowing. We're lucky to be part of such a talented community, and I'm so proud of Mixtape and my team."

The AGDA judges were equally impressed, calling Mixtape "a triumph in virtual storytelling, pairing a distinct visual identity with heartfelt music to deliver one of the most memorable experiences in recent memory." And if that wasn't enough, IGN's May review dubbed it a "musical delight from start to finish" and said it "sets a new standard for coming-of-age stories in video games and does so with a masterful sense of style." The soundtrack features tracks from Devo, The Smashing Pumpkins, Silverchair, Iggy Pop, and more, so you know it's got some serious tunes.

But Mixtape wasn't the only winner. Rhythm game Bits & Bops from Tempo Lab Games took home both Excellence in Gameplay and Excellence in Accessibility. Puzzle platformer Schrodinger's Cat Burglar from Abandoned Sheep won Excellence in Narrative. And the coveted Studio of the Year award went to Canberra-based Uppercut Games.

The AGDAs have been celebrating Aussie game development since 2002 and are presented by the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association. These days, they're part of Melbourne International Games Week, which is wrapping up this weekend with PAX Aus 2026. So if you're in Melbourne, you might just bump into some of these talented devs!

It's awesome to see so much creativity coming out of Australia, from music-infused adventures to rhythm games and puzzle platformers. Whether you're into narrative-driven experiences or just want to jam out to a killer soundtrack, there's something for everyone.

What do you think of this year's winners? Will you be picking up Mixtape or any of the other award-winning games? Let us know in the comments!