"Listening to players changed the way I thought about the impact a game can make on someone's life." - Marina Kutt (Player Support Content Manager, King)
NOMINATE SOMEONE SHAPING THE FUTURE OF GAMES
The Players & Makers Awards 2026 celebrate people, games and projects that reflect the values of the “Do I Look Like A Gamer?” campaign: inclusion, creativity, community, and sustainable pathways into games.
And for the first time, we are inviting you to nominate someone else who deserves recognition across one of our four award categories. That could be a developer, mentor, community builder, indie team, educator, organiser, or creative who is making a meaningful difference in games culture or the wider industry.
If someone comes to mind while reading the categories below, we want to hear about them.
AWARDS CATEGORIES
How judging works
The awards will be judged by the mayamada team, alongside participants from the “Do I Look Like A Gamer?” campaign.
Together, the judging group will review nominations and decide who is selected in each category based on the strength of the nomination, the nominee’s fit with the category criteria, and how their work reflects the spirit of the campaign.
Rising Star
Recognising exceptional developers under 25 (at the time of thier nomination) who are already making their mark. Someone who represents the kind of emerging talent the games industry should be paying attention to
Breakthrough Game
Celebrating an exceptional first release from indie developers. A game that has connected with players and communities, showing promise for what the developer may do next
Community Impact
Recognising individuals fostering positive, inclusive communities. Someone who uses games to bring people together and open doors whether locally, online, or across a wider community.
Industry Mentor
Celebrating individuals who support emerging talent. Someone who supports underrepresented or overlooked talent helping others understand the industry and find their next steps.
NOMINATE SOMEONE TODAY
Timeline
Nominations open: Summer 2026
Submissions reviewed: Autumn 2026
Shortlist announced: October 2026 @ MCM Comic Con
Winners announced: December 2026 @ Next 1UP Livestream
Do you know someone who deserves to be recognised?
Nominate them for the Campaign Awards 2026 and help us spotlight the people and projects making games more creative, inclusive, and inspiring for the next generation.
