It is with the utmost of hoity-toity dignity, and absolutely not whilst doing a pratfall and landing face-first into a banana cream pie, that I accept the Bernie DeKoven Big Fun Award. I bow deeply and use my cummerbund to wipe some whipped cream off my digital trophy. (Hm, how did that get there?)

Here’s what the website says: “Bernie DeKoven Big Fun Award: This annual honorary award was created in collaboration with Bernie DeKoven, to honor his legacy and to recognize creators significantly furthering the field and impact of new, big, and physical games. We love big, pervasive games, because of the way they bring people together and forge connections on a large scale.”

Kidding aside (mmm, this pie is delicious), to be honored with this recognition in particular, which has deep meaning for me, by this festival, which has been such a haven of joy and a vital community in my professional and artistic development, makes me feel amazing. Being Head Honcho during the 2020’s has had highs and lows, but this award fills my bucket and galvanizes me to keep doing what feels important: making the world a more playful place by sharing my voice and engaging those around me in Big Fun.

Here’s the announcement on the IndieCade website: https://www.indiecade.com/festival-2024/awards/#bigfun

And here’s a link to my acceptance video.

(I think I understood the assignment especially well)