A' Design Award opens 2026 entries for electronic and video game awards

A' Design Award & Competition has opened submissions for its 2026 International Electronic and Video Game Design Awards, with eligible entries including games and interactive experiences created in the last 10 years. The competition will close entries on Sept. 30, 2026 and announce results May 1, 2027.

Why it matters: - The competition gives game makers, studios and interactive designers a global awards track focused on design, gameplay, sound, interactivity and technical execution. - Winners receive publicity tools and industry exposure that can help projects reach publishers, media outlets and new audiences. - The awards cover electronic games, video games and immersive interactive experiences across multiple platforms.

What happened: - A' Design Award & Competition opened its call for entries for the A' International Electronic and Video Game Design Awards 2026. - The awards are open worldwide to video game designers, game studios, electronic game manufacturers, software engineers, interaction designers, game developers, creative artists, animation artists, sound designers, user experience designers, virtual reality developers, augmented reality developers, mobile game developers, console game developers, game testing companies and research and development firms. - Eligible work includes electronic games, video games and interactive gaming experiences created within the last 10 years.

The details: - The competition uses a two-phase process that starts with a complimentary preliminary evaluation. - Projects that pass the preliminary stage can move on to nomination. - A nominal fee applies for nomination consideration. - Eligible game types include role-playing, adventure, racing, sports, puzzle, strategy, simulation and fighting games. - Entries are judged on innovation, user experience, game mechanics, visual design, sound, interactivity, technical achievement and overall entertainment value. - The entry deadline is Sept. 30, 2026. - Results will be announced on May 1, 2027. - Professional-edition laureates receive the A' Design Prize, which includes a design excellence certificate, a lifetime winner-logo license, a yearbook of best designs, exhibitions in Italy, an exclusive trophy, an invitation to the gala night La Notte Premio A', translation of awarded works, entry to Prime Clubs, and inclusion in World Design Rankings, Designer Rankings, Video Game Design Classifications and Design Legends platforms. - Winners also receive an exclusive interview for Designer Interviews, a press release announcing the win and a press kit with design images, designer photos, logos and high-resolution materials. - The press kits will be distributed to thousands of accredited press members, and dozens of press partners have already agreed to publish selected winning projects. - The press kit preparation and distribution service, along with the A' Design Prize, are provided free of charge to laureates. - Subcategory information is available here. - Participants can register here. - Past winners are listed here.

Between the lines: - The awards package is built as much around promotion as recognition, with media distribution, ranking platforms and exhibition opportunities tied to the win. - The broad eligibility list suggests the competition is targeting the full production chain behind games, not just studio-led releases. - The 10-year eligibility window gives older but still relevant projects a chance to compete.

What's next: - Developers and studios can submit entries before the Sept. 30, 2026 deadline. - Final winners will be announced on May 1, 2027. - Laureates will then receive the prize package, press materials and related publicity support. - More information is available at designaward.com.