The Game Republic Awards are officially open, with votes already being cast across this years categories. The Game Republic Awards celebrate the talent of individuals, teams and studios who create or support the production of games in The North! The Awards form part of the events programme for 2026 supported by Game Republic’s Official Partners Red Kite Games, Double Eleven, Xsolla and Strategic Partner Steel City Interactive. Winners will be announced at GaMaYo on 26th November 2026. Closing date for nominations is 30th September 2026.
The awards which will include Best Small Studio to Best Large Studio, Studio Hero, Community Manager, the Martyn Brown Rising Star Award, Innovative Use of Technology and Best Indie Game Made in The North which is subject to a public vote to name a few.
This years awards include two brand new categories – the “Student Star Award” and “Industry Impact Award”
The Industry Impact Award will recognise a company that is making a positive impact on the games industry through innovation, new models, new approaches or new services
The Student Star Award will recognise students that have made an outstanding contribution to their studies relating to games. Speaking on the new award category, Game Republic’s Community and Events Officer Michela Vilinskis, who manages the Game Republic Student Club shared their thoughts:
“Adding the Student Star Award this year is something I’m really excited to see and aligns with our Awards for Inspiring Course Leader and Best Game-Related Research that covers academic staff and educators, and academic and industry researchers. It’s great to be able to recognise students who are going above and beyond in their studies, while also demonstrating incredible talent, passion and commitment to the games industry. Through Game Republic and the Student Club, I see so many talented individuals doing amazing things, and the Student Star Award is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate those who are already making their mark and have such exciting potential for the future.”
Game Awards Nominations Open
This year the award categories include:
Best Small Games Studio (1-20 people)
Sponsored by Silver Lining Interactive
Best Mid-Size Games Studio (21-99 people)
Sponsored by Kudos Games Services
Best Large Games Studio (100+ people)
Sponsored by Eaton Smith Solicitors
Studio Hero Award
Sponsored by Plus Accounting
Games Legend
Sponsored by Red Kite Games
Inclusivity Award
Best Game-Related Research
Sponsored by Steel City Interactive
Most Inspiring Course Leader
Sponsored by Double Eleven
Student Star Award
Industry Impact Award
Most Innovative Use of Technology
Community Manager Award
Martyn Brown Rising Star Award
Best Indie Game Produced in The North Sept 2025-Nov 2026
Sponsored by Xsolla
The closing date for nominations is 30th September 2026. The shortlist will be revealed in October with winners announced on 26th November 2026 at GaMaYo – the largest gathering of indie game developers at WX.
If you are developing or supporting games in The North, you can join GaMaYo, other Northern meet-ups and the Great Northern Games Discord for FREE here
To find out about this and future Game Republic events and webinars as well as games industry events visit the events page.
If you would like to secure a free ticket and get access to other in-person events for free and business support – you can apply to join Game Republic here
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