Leading games localization company Alpha Games is proud to announce the winner of its inaugural Carmello Loves Indies localization grant: VORON, a Norse-inspired open-world adventure created by Serbia-based developer Merk Games.

The Carmello Loves Indies program supports independent developers by offering £5,000 (USD $5,000/€5,000/¥1,000,000 JPY) in professional localization services to help bring distinctive indie titles to global audiences.

Chosen from a wide range of international submissions, VORON stood out for its emotive storytelling, accessible gameplay, and unique approach to exploration and worldbuilding. In this flight-based adventure, players embody a raven on a journey through life, death, and the search for meaning, guiding lost souls to the World of Gods while unravelling the mysteries of an ancient evil.

Jack Simpson, Marketing Manager at Alpha Games, commented, “Competition for this year’s Carmello Loves Indies grant was incredibly strong, but VORON immediately resonated with our team. Its beautiful visual style, coupled with its almost meditative gameplay in which you gradually discover new words, perfectly reflects the values we champion as a localization agency: creativity, accessibility, and storytelling that transcends borders.”

Aleksandr, from Merk Games, said, “Huge thanks to Alpha Games for this opportunity and for supporting indie developers. It really means a lot to see VORON resonate with the team and be recognized. As an indie developer, professional localization is an enormous step for me, and I’m genuinely excited to bring the game to more players around the world and let them experience its Norse-inspired story in their own language through professional translation.”

Alpha Games will collaborate closely with Merk Games to bring VORON to new global audiences through tailored localization services, ensuring that players everywhere can experience the game’s narrative depth and charm in their own language.

The Carmello Loves Indies initiative underscores Alpha Games’ ongoing commitment to independent development talent worldwide, helping creators on tight budgets expand their reach without compromising artistic or cultural authenticity.

About Alpha Games

Alpha Games is a games localization company that believes every player deserves an authentic and immersive experience, no matter their language or location. With a team of passionate gamers and localization experts, Alpha Games helps developers capture the cultural nuance, humour, and emotion that make games resonate worldwide.