Run by the Game Developer Association of India, the India Game Awards spotlights the studios, indies, and individuals shaping Indian game development this year. An international and national jury, drawn from across the industry, evaluates every nomination.
18 July 2026
15 August 2026
1 October 2026
10 October 2026
28 October, 2026
Any video game which has been released, and made publicly available to consumers, between 1st Sep 2025 to 15th Aug 2026, is eligible for nomination under all the game award categories except for Upcoming Game of the Year Categories. Upgrades, expansions and mission packs are not eligible.
For the Best Upcoming Gaming Streamer/Influencer category, the creator must have been active and producing content within this same eligibility period.
For the Upcoming Game of the Year (PC/Console & Mobile) categories, only games scheduled to be released by September 2027 are recommended for submission.
The game or nominee submitted should:
All game submissions will be reviewed for content and compliance with these Official Rules before being judged. Entries found to be in contravention of the Official Rules or otherwise deemed by the contest organisers, at their sole discretion, to be inappropriate will be disqualified. The organisers reserve the right to make the final determination as to what games are eligible to take part in this Contest.
One nomination per lifetime. Each game or nominee may be nominated only once across its lifetime — in a single edition of the Awards, across up to three categories in that edition (see Q5). A game or nominee submitted in a past edition may not be submitted again.
Exception: a game entered in an Upcoming Game of the Year category (PC/Console or Mobile) may, once it has released within a later eligibility window, be submitted for the corresponding released Game of the Year category (or another relevant category) in a future edition.
The jury’s decision is final as far as the awards are concerned, and the organisers’ decision is final as far as the organisation of the awards is concerned. Participants understand and acknowledge that the organisers are working with the best intentions to organise the awards. However, due to limited insight or resources, unforeseen mistakes may occur; the GDAI/IGDC Awards team will remain in touch and requests your timely feedback in such scenarios.
Recognition across the full spectrum of Indian game development, from first-time student builds to studios shipping at scale.
For the mobile title that sets the benchmark in gameplay, polish, and player experience.
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For a browser-based or HTML5 game that demonstrates exceptional accessibility, mechanics, and player engagement.
For an outstanding game created by an independent developer or studio.
For a title that achieves excellence in a purpose beyond pure entertainment, such as education, healthcare, corporate training, or social impact.
For the standout title developed by a non-Indian studio.
For the board game that best showcases creativity, engagement, and design excellence.
For an unreleased or in-development PC/console game showing exceptional promise.
For an unreleased or in-development mobile game showing exceptional promise.
Decided by attendees and viewers at the expo. The people’s pick.
For a rising content creator making waves through creativity, impact, and community building.
For the competitive gaming organization or roster that has demonstrated outstanding performance, tournament success, and professional sportsmanship.
For the media outlet, publication, or journalist delivering exceptional coverage, high-quality reporting, and impactful storytelling around the gaming ecosystem.
For a game with visually striking and cohesive artistic vision.
For exceptional creative leadership in game design, narrative, and innovation.
A jury honour recognising a veteran’s lasting contribution to India’s gaming industry.
A jury honour celebrating an exceptional woman making her mark in the industry.
