The Dutch Game Awards 2026 will take place on November 19 at the Chassé Theater in Breda, as part of Dutch Game Week. The ceremony brings together the Dutch game industry for an evening celebrating the achievements of Dutch game developers, with plenty of networking opportunities.
The Dutch Game Awards recognize the creativity, skill, and business insight of the Dutch game industry. Each year, awards are presented to companies and entrepreneurs who have distinguished themselves nationally and internationally.
Submissions now openDevelopers can now submit their games for consideration. Eligible titles must have their first release between September 1, 2025 and July 31, 2026, and be publicly available in the Netherlands during the submission period. Open beta releases are also allowed. The submission deadline is July 31, 2026. Nominations for the Special Awards will open at a later date.
Recognizing the best in Dutch gamesThis year, the Dutch Game Awards will present ten regular awards and four special awards, celebrating the creativity, skill, and achievements of Dutch game developers. Nominees and winners will be selected by a dedicated jury of experts from the game industry.
- Best Game: A game that overall brings the highest quality to its audience. First release between September 1, 2025 and July 31, 2026. 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 or project of a game studio located in the Netherlands.
- Best Audio: From beautiful game soundtracks or high-quality voice acting to game-enhancing audio effects. The Best in Audio enhances the game experience and can truly move players.
- Best Art: A game that shows excellence in gameplay art, animation, cutscenes, or other forms of visual art, and how it enhances the gameplay experience.
- Best Technology: Best use of hardware or software technology in game development, pushing boundaries and showing the path forward in optimal and innovative use of game tech.
- Best Game Design: Game design that takes the player to the edge of their seat, with groundbreaking controls, user onboarding, unique gameplay, puzzles, or novel design implementation. Originality, accessibility, innovation, and perfection are key.
- Best Narrative: Excellent in compelling storytelling or innovative ways of implementing narrative design, used to enhance or enrich characters and worldbuilding.
- Best Applied – Impact: Best game developed for a specific impact e.g. education/training, medical appliance, therapy, etc. Submitted work needs to display digital gameplay elements and clear motivation on the (potential) aimed impact. Judging criteria include innovation and general excellence in concept and execution.
- Best Applied – Playful Experience: Playful Experiences excel at delivering curiosity, and a strong sense of play. These applied games invite players to experiment, explore, and interact in creative or surprising ways through innovative mechanics and charming design. These experiences make play itself the central focus of the game.
- Inclusion Award: Given to an initiative, person, organization, or company that has significant impact in improving inclusivity for the game industry.
- Best in Business: Best worldwide business success realized in the past year by a Dutch game, project, or company.
- Best Studio: This award focuses on being the best place to make games. Criteria include employee health/benefits, creative environment, leadership, and teamwork.
- Career Achievement: Given to a person who has made a significant contribution to the Dutch game industry through leadership, guidance, or their projects.