MAGFest Indie Retro is proud to reveal the esteemed panel of judges for the, 2025 Indie Retro Homebrew Showcase who will select the best games featured at this year’s event. This diverse group of gaming industry veterans, retro enthusiasts, and influencers brings unparalleled expertise and passion to the showcase.

Mike Tucker – Co-founder, Bitmap Bureau

Mike is a veteran game developer who began his career in 1995 as a games tester at Sales Curve Interactive. He later helped pioneer early mobile games at "IOMO," one of Europe’s top mobile game studios. In 2008, he founded "Megadev," known for Flash and Steam games like Super House of Dead Ninjas. In 2016, he co-founded "Bitmap Bureau," creating hits like Xeno Crisis, Battle Axe, and Final Vendetta for modern and retro platforms.

Justin Silverman – Creative Director, Retroware

Justin Silverman is the Creative Director at Retroware, which creates modern retro games. With over 15 years of experience staffing gaming conventions like TooManyGames and producing content for The Angry Video Game Nerd at Cinemassacre, Justin has been immersed in gaming culture for years. He also brings a background in film, having worked as an editor at NFL Films, but his passion remains rooted in the world of gaming.

Langel Bookbinder – Owner of Lobast

Langel Bookbinder is a retro wizard focused on creating lofi experiences with backwards tech through his business, LoBlast. He has also been the sole developer and maintainer for Battle of the Bits, a chiptune competition website, for nearly 20 years.

Sean Robinson – VGS Community Manager &
GB Magazine Copy Editor

Sean is a gamer with a special love of homebrew games. He is on the homebrew staff of Video Game Sage, where he posts his blogs A Homebrew Draws Near! and The Mega Cat Chronicles. He enjoys hanging out with developers and other fans, learning about their latest projects, and exploring the cities where gaming conventions are held.

Simon Butler – Veteran Video Game Artist & Developer

Born in Liverpool, UK, in 1957, Simon is a pixel artist and game designer who loves games. And while making them is getting harder, mainly due to his age, he will attempt to keep doing so as long as possible. Simon would like to think he’ll be found slumped over his mouse or game controller, having slipped happily away making or playing games. You can listen to Simon’s podcast, Retro Gaming Roundup, here.

Dale Coop – Indie Retro Developer

Dale Coop is an indie retro game developer known for creating homebrew games for the NES and Famicom. He is active in the NESmaker community and contributes through guides and collaborations. Passionate about retrogaming, Dale regularly attends events and conventions, including speaking on panels about the homebrew scene.

John Riggs – Retro Game Influencer

John Riggs hosts a YouTube channel centered around retro video game nostalgia. He also loves to showcase and feature new indie titles with a retro vibe that play on modern consoles.

JOIN THE CELEBRATION!

The Indie Retro Showcase is the heart of retro gaming at MAGFest, bringing together passionate developers, creators, and fans to celebrate the artistry of homebrew and indie retro games. For seven years, Indie Retro has championed the creativity of developers who breathe new life into classic gaming platforms like the NES, SNES, Game Boy, and more.

DISCOVER THE BEST IN INDIE RETRO

From January 23–26, 2025, at the National Harbor, MD, the Indie Retro Showcase will feature 20 exceptional finalists competing for awards in the following categories:

• Best Gameplay
• Best Art Direction 
• Best Sound Design
• Best in Show

For more details about the Indie Retro Showcase, visit the Indie Retro page.