- Premier Winner: BitNine Studio’s meta-adventure tERRORbane secured the “Best Italian Game” title, outperforming heavy hitters like Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope.
- Industry Powerhouse: Ubisoft Milan was recognized as the “Outstanding Italian Company,” while Cristina Nava received the “Outstanding Individual Contribution” award for her leadership.
- Innovation Leader: Saturnalia by Santa Ragione won the “Best Innovation” award, a title that by 2026 has become a benchmark for stylized survival horror on modern subscription services.
As we look back from the perspective of 2026, the 2023 Italian Video Game Awards (IVGA) remain a pivotal moment in the Mediterranean development scene. Held against the historic backdrop of the “First Playable” event in Florence in July 2023, the ceremony didn’t just hand out trophies; it signaled a shift in the Italian industry from niche indie experimentation to global AA dominance. The night celebrated the courage of developers who dared to break the fourth wall and the corporate titans that have turned Milan into a European development hub.
The atmosphere at Nana Bianca was electric, marking a post-pandemic renaissance for Italian creators. While global audiences were focused on blockbuster patches and system updates, such as the WWE 2K26 Update v1.014, the IVGA reminded the world that raw creativity often blossoms in the smaller, more agile studios of Florence, Milan, and Rome.
Complete List of Winners: 2023 Italian Video Game Awards
The following table captures the winners and nominees across the five primary categories. In the three years since these awards were presented, many of these titles have transitioned into “cult classic” status on platforms like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus Extra.
| Category | Winner | Key Nominees |
|---|---|---|
| Best Italian Game | tERRORbane | Saturnalia, Soulstice, Batora: Lost Haven |
| Best Italian Debut Game | Venice 2089 | Freud’s Bones, Vajont, IMAGO |
| Best Innovation | Saturnalia | Hell is Others, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope |
| Outstanding Italian Company | Ubisoft Milan | Nacon Studio Milan, Reply Game Studios |
| Outstanding Individual Contribution | Cristina Nava | Antonio Cannata, Valerio Di Donato |
The Big Winner: Why tERRORbane Took the Crown
In a year where Milestone’s MotoGP™22 and Ubisoft’s Mario + Rabbids showcased technical polish, the jury opted for the subversive brilliance of tERRORbane. Developed by BitNine Studio, the game is a comedic meta-commentary on the game development process itself, filled with intentional “bugs” and fourth-wall-breaking humor. Its victory highlighted the IVGA’s commitment to rewarding artistic risk over mere commercial scale.
For players who enjoy the intellectual stimulation of puzzle-solving and meta-narratives, the success of titles like tERRORbane and Saturnalia paved the way for the broader acceptance of experimental mechanics, much like the trend we’ve seen with modern Wordle alternatives that dominate mobile engagement in 2026.
Retrospective: The Evolution of the Italian Scene
Speaking at the event, IIDEA (Italian Interactive Digital Entertainment Association) General Director Thalita Malagò noted: “Our industry is growing and thriving each year, and we are delighted to see it continue to flourish.”
Fast forward to today, and her prediction has held true. The 2023 winners served as a catalyst for major investments. We’ve seen Soulstice developer Reply Game Studios expand into the AAA space, while Milestone continues to dominate the racing genre with tech that rivals the visual fidelity seen in the latest Forza Horizon 6 updates.
“It’s such an honor for us to host the Italian Video Game Awards each year and to be a part of putting a spotlight on the excellence within our industry,” – Thalita Malagò, IIDEA.
Where to Play These Winners Today
If you are looking to catch up on these historical winners, here is the 2026 availability status:
- Saturnalia: Now widely available on all major consoles and frequently featured in Halloween-themed subscription rotations due to its unique rotoscoped art style.
- Soulstice: A staple of action-RPG libraries, often cited for its high-performance combat mechanics.
- Venice 2089: This “Best Debut” winner has become a must-play for fans of cozy, narrative-driven exploration games.
For a deeper dive into the official stats and the full history of the ceremony, you can visit the primary source at the IIDEA Official Industry Report.
