NEW categories for the MCV/DEVELOP Awards 2026 (and nominations are now open!)

The MCV/DEVELOP Awards return on Thursday, June 18, 2026, heading back to the glorious Royal Lancaster Hotel, overlooking London’s Hyde Park. 

The awards have been around for over 20 years and aim to recognise the successes of the UK games industry in every area that it excels, from innovations in game creation to accomplishments in recruitment, PR, retail and the media. They’re a key industry event in the games calendar and bring together its exceptionally talented people for a night of celebration and enjoyment.

Last year’s MCV/DEVELOP Awards were the largest ever, both in terms of nominations and attendance, and this year it intends to go even bigger, with two new categories, including – for the first time – an award voted for by the gaming community: the Players’ Choice Award.

You can nominate for the awards right now.

Below is a list of all of the MCV/DEVELOP Awards that are up for grabs in 2026, along with more information on what the two new awards are all about:

DEVELOPMENT ESSENTIALS

• Creative (Content) Partner of the Year 
• Service Partner of the Year
• Strategic Partner of the Year

INNOVATION IN GAMES

• Hardware Innovation of the Year
• Visual Innovation of the Year
• Audio Innovation of the Year
• Accessibility Innovation of the Year
• Narrative Innovation of the Year
• Gameplay Innovation of the Year
• Ongoing Innovation of the Year

STUDIOS & PUBLISHING

• Major Studio of the Year
• Indie Studio of the Year
• Co-development Studio of the Year
• Major Publisher of the Year
• Indie Publisher of the Year

REACHING AUDIENCES

• Media Brand of the Year
• PR Agency of the Year
• Campaign of the Year
• Outstanding Association Award

DISTRIBUTION & RETAIL

• Distributor of the Year
• Retailer of the Year

NEW! Best Financial Services Provider to the Games Industry

This category recognises a financial services provider that has delivered outstanding support to games businesses over the past year. From funding and investment to banking, payments, and specialist advice, the award celebrates organisations that demonstrate a deep understanding of the games industry and play a vital role in helping studios and publishers grow, innovate, and succeed.

NEW! Player’s Choice Award

New for this year, the Player’s Choice Award puts the power directly into the hands of the gaming community. Voted for by the public, this category celebrates the game that players themselves believe delivered the most outstanding experience. From innovation and gameplay to emotional impact and community connection, this award recognises excellence as judged by the people who matter most — the players.
Criteria – mobile, PC or console game which was released in 2025

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Please nominate through the form on our official awards website.

There’s no limit on the number of nominations you can send or on how many categories you can be nominated in. We look forward to all nominations across our categories, but as usual, please nominate responsibly.

Your nominations must reach us by 9AM on Monday, March 23, 2026 to be considered.

If you (or your brand) would like to sponsor the MCV/DEVELOP Awards show itself, please reach out to Alex Boucher or Vanessa Joyce. 

Want to get tickets? They are also available right now!