The developers are leveraging the game's heavy focus on psychological narrative—centered on an investigation officer piecing together fragmented memories—as the primary reason for the nod. The announcement, framed playfully as a directive from "MOTHER," highlights the game's intricate themes of love, loss, and sacrifice.
Recognizing Narrative Depth
For a game where players wake up with no name, voice, or memory, relying on a strange tape and an old man's guidance to reconstruct their identity, the narrative serves as the core mechanic. Pollard Studio chose the "Story Rich" category specifically because the experience prioritizes atmospheric storytelling and psychological tension over traditional action loops. The studio emphasizes that the story is "complicated," requiring players to actively engage with the surreal environment to understand the truth behind the dark world.
Why does this nomination matter?
For indie titles like Karma, the Steam Awards represent a massive signal boost. Pollard Studio noted that a nomination is crucial to "gain visibility necessary for future development." In the crowded horror genre, securing a finalist spot in a major community vote can validate the studio's direction and secure resources for future projects. If the surreal journey through fragmented memories resonated with you, the developers are asking for your support on the Steam store page now.