The nominations for The Game Awards 2025 are officially live, and The Alters has secured a spot in the Best Sim/Strategy Game category. 11 bit studios' unique blend of survival mechanics and philosophical introspection has resonated with the industry, earning recognition for its distinctive approach to base management.
A Strategy Game of One
While many strategy titles focus on commanding massive armies or building sprawling civilizations, The Alters narrowed the scope to a single man: Jan Dolski. The strategic depth comes not from conquering territory, but from managing the divergent personalities of Jan's alternate selves. Since its release in June 2025, players have navigated the complex web of relationships between different versions of Jan—from the hardened survivor to the scientist who never left home.
This nomination acknowledges that managing a crew of your own clones requires just as much tactical foresight as any traditional RTS. Balancing the emotional needs of the "Jans" alongside the physical requirements of the mobile base creates a tension that defines the gameplay loop. It is a validation of the risk 11 bit studios took by merging the survival genre with a deep, character-driven narrative.
How can I vote for The Alters?
The developers have reached out to the community—affectionately dubbed the "Jans"—to thank them for supporting the story thus far. If you want to see Jan Dolski take home the trophy, voting is currently open on the official Game Awards website. The winner will be revealed during the live broadcast later this year.