The Indie Premier has announced the five judges who will sit on the panel, Matthew White, Justin Woodward, James Deighan, Roxiekat, and Alpha Beta Gamer. The judges will be dishing out awards based on aesthetics, gameplay, sound design, and an overall best. For full details, read the information below:
PITTSBURGH — June 5, 2026 — The Indie Premier, a new hybrid showcase celebrating independent games, has revealed the judges who will score submissions for its inaugural event, which takes place from July 2–5 both online and in person at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh.
The Indie Premier's panel of five judges brings together trusted leaders and voices from across the indie gaming space, with backgrounds spanning development, publishing, content creation, and community advocacy.
Meet The Indie Premier’s judges below:
Matthew White | CEO, Whitethorn Games
A respected voice in indie games, Matthew brings experience across development, publishing, entrepreneurship, and mentorship. Through Whitethorn Games and his broader industry work, he has helped creators bring their ideas to life.
Justin Woodward | Co-Founder & Director, Media Indie Exchange (The MIX)
As Co-Founder of The MIX, Justin has spent years helping independent developers connect with players, press, and industry professionals. His work has helped countless emerging games gain visibility and industry recognition.
James Deighan | Founder & CEO, Mega Cat Studios
A lifelong gamer turned studio founder, James understands what it takes to turn ambitious ideas into memorable games. As an indie creator and publisher, he is passionate about celebrating developers who take creative risks and stay true to their vision.
Roxikat | Twitch Variety Streamer & VR Content Creator
A content creator, performer, and community advocate, Roxikat brings a player-focused perspective shaped by years of engaging with gaming communities. Her work celebrates creativity, connection, and the experiences that make games memorable.
Alpha Beta Gamer | Indie Game Curator
Dedicated to discovering and showcasing games in development, Alpha Beta Gamer has become a trusted platform for highlighting promising indie projects and connecting them with eager players.
Awards & Recognition
Selected titles will have the opportunity to participate in both the in-person showcase and the Indie Premier Steam Event. Studios participating in the event will compete for both physical trophies and digital award laurels across four categories:
Grand Indie Champ - Honoring the standout title of the showcase across all dimensions.
Gameplay Mastery - Recognizing exceptional mechanics, design, and player experience.
Visual Virtuoso - Celebrating outstanding artistry, aesthetics, and visual design.
Master Mix Award - Awarded for excellence in audio design, sound, and music.
Those interested in submitting their projects can do so until June 10.Submit Your Game
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