[Event news] TIGA Awards open for nominations

This is a press release posted in addition to our usual editorial content.

TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry, has announced that the TIGA Games Industry Awards (www.tiga.org/awards) are back for 2026, with nominations now open to game developers and publishers, educators, and technology and service providers. Entries will close at midnight on Friday July 24^th.

The TIGA Games Industry Awards recognise excellence across the UK games sector, celebrating outstanding creativity, innovation and business success. Last year’s awards saw leading studios and organisations such as Fireproof Games, Secret Mode, Playground Games, Sony Interactive Entertainment, the BBC and Norwich University of the Arts take home top honours. Could it be you this year?

The Awards are divided into two main groups: the ‘Games Awards’, open to the entire industry, and the ‘Business of Games Awards’, which are reserved for TIGA members.

In addition, two special accolades will be presented: Outstanding Individual of the Year, selected by TIGA; and Game of the Year 2026, which will once again be decided by attendees at the awards ceremony.

The Games Awards categories include:

• Social Game
• Casual Game
• Educational, Serious or Simulation Game
• Strategy Game
• Puzzle Game
• Arcade Game
• Creativity in Games Award
• Heritage in Games Award
• VR/AR/XR/MR Game
• Action and Adventure Game
• Diversity Award
• Audio Design
• Visual Design
• Narrative/Storytelling
• Best Use of a Licence

The Business of Games Awards categories include:

• Best Small Studio
• Best Large Studio
• Publisher
• Co-Development Partner
• Educational Institution
• Technical Innovation
• Legal Services Supplier
• QA and/or Localisation Provider
• Recruitment Agency
• Tax and Accountancy Firm
• Services Provider
• Commitment to ESG Award
• Commitment to Workplace Wellbeing
• Education Initiative
• In-House Recruitment & Talent Development
• Audio Services Provider
• Art/Animation/Trailer Supplier
• Outstanding Leadership Award

The special awards categories include:

• Outstanding Individual Award
• Game of the Year 2026

Shortlists and winners will be determined by a panel of industry experts, except for the Game of the Year Award, which will be voted for by ceremony attendees, and the Outstanding Individual Award, which will be selected by TIGA.

TIGA CEO Dr Richard Wilson OBE said:

“The TIGA Games Industry Awards celebrate the very best of our sector – from world-class games and technical innovation to outstanding studios, educators and service providers. Whether you are an established studio or an emerging developer, the Awards provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase your achievements, demonstrate excellence, gain recognition and inspire others.

“I encourage companies, teams and individuals across the industry to enter the Awards, join us at the ceremony, and celebrate excellence together. With thanks to our sponsors who make the event possible – including Abertay University, Eaton Smith, Plus Accounting, Supermassive Games and University of Staffordshire (Silver); Bournemouth University, Flix Interactive, Lockwood Publishing, Playground Games, Price Bailey, Quantic Lab, Stevens & Bolton and Testronic (Bronze); SpecialEffect (Charity Partner).”

The TIGA Games Industry Awards 2026 will take place in London in November, with further details to be announced soon.