The Dutch Game Awards 2025 are coming up on December 3! This year, we’re not only moving to a new location in Breda—we’re also adding two new categories to the lineup. Here’s what to expect.
There will be a total of 9 regular awards and 4 special awards:
Best Game
A game that overall brings the highest quality to its audience. First release between July 1st 2024 and August 31st 2025. Open Beta releases are also allowed.
Best Student Game
Submitted game needs to be developed by a student or group of students at a Dutch university, as part of the study curriculum. The game needs to be finished and (beta) published.
Best Debut Game
First game/project of a game studio located in the Netherlands. First release between July 1st 2024 and August 31st 2025. Open Beta releases are also allowed.
Best Audio
From beautiful game soundtrack or great quality in voice acting to game-enhancing audio effects. The Best in Audio has the power to enhance a game experience and truly move people.
Best Art
A game that shows excellence in gameplay art, animation, cutscenes or any other form of visual art and the way it enhances the gameplay experience. Either by pushing the boundaries of what is technically possible, or by breaking away from the beaten path in originality.
Best Technology
Best use of hardware/software technology in game development. Pushing the boundaries and showing the path forward in optimal and innovative use of game tech.
Best Game Design
Game Design that takes the user to the edge of their seat, shows groundbreaking controls and user onboarding, unique gameplay and puzzles, or novel design implementation. Originality, accessibility, innovation and perfection are key.
Best Narrative Award (NEW!)
Excellent in compelling storytelling or innovative ways of implementing narrative design, used to enhance or enrich the characters and worldbuilding in the game. A game that shows outstanding narrative elements, ranging from dialogue and story beats to informative texts.
Best Applied Game
Best game developed not for the primary purpose of entertainment, but for education, training, medical appliance, therapy. Criteria include the achieved impact and general excellence in concept and execution. The jury will need to be able to play the game (by themselves or on location) so exhibitions that were only playable for a limited time are excluded.
Special Awards (by nomination only)
Inclusion
Given to an initiative, person, organization or company that has significant impact in improving inclusivity for the game industry. We accept nominations for this award, and we will also be on the lookout for nominees ourselves.
Best in Business (NEW!)
Best worldwide business success realised in the past year by a Dutch game, project or company. This could include live-ops and game updates, game revenues, marketing campaigns, business revenues, acquisitions, IPOs, etc. Applicants need to deliver adequate proof of claims in business success (which will not be shared publicly, but only for jury reference).
Best Studio
This award is not about making the best games, but more about being the best place to make games. Criteria include (but are not limited to) employee health/benefits, creative environment, good leadership, teamwork. The studio doesn’t need to have a physical location, a remote studio is also eligible for this award. Applicants do not need to own (part of) the studio, but they do need to have a clear link with the studio. For example, being an employee or client.
Career Achievement
Given to a person who has made a significant contribution to the Dutch game industry, either through their leadership, guidance, or their projects. Award is meant to celebrate their lifetime’s work, but does not necessarily have to be given at the end of their career.
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Please stay tuned for more news about the opening of the game submissions soon! Find all the info on dutchgameawards.nl