The Computer Entertainment Association (CEA), a general incorporated association, has released details regarding the " Japan Game Awards 2026," which selects and honors game titles worthy of representing the year.
It was also announced that the Game Designers Award will come to a close following its announcement at this year’s “Japan Game Awards 2026,” which marks its 16th edition.
The Game Designers Award at the “Japan Game Awards 2026” Will End This Year.
日本ゲーム大賞2026「年間作品部門」一般投票受付中！
抽選で最新ゲーム機など豪華賞品が約350名様に当たる！
投票はこちらから→ https://t.co/cvqWFZ6Gq0#日本ゲーム大賞— 日本ゲーム大賞／Japan Game Awards (@JGA_official_JP) June 12, 2026
It was announced that the Game Designers Award, founded by Masahiro Sakurai in 2010, will come to an end following its presentation at this year’s “Japan Game Awards 2026,” which marks its 16th edition.
The organizers stated that this year’s awards ceremony will provide a grand stage befitting this final occasion.
The announcement and awards ceremony for the Annual Works category of the “Japan Game Awards 2026”—marking its 30th anniversary this year—will take place at Hulic Hall Tokyo on September 15, 2026,(Tue) at 6:00 p.m., while the Future Division awards ceremony will be held at the Tokyo Game Show 2026 Event Stage (Makuhari Messe Hall 1) on September 20 (Sun) at 1:00 p.m.
Both award ceremonies will be streamed live (online), and you can watch the live streams for free without prior registration.
Here’s how to watch the live streams:
- Japan Game Awards Official Website
- Tokyo Game Show Official Website
- TOKYO GAME SHOW Official YouTube Channel ( @tokyogameshow )
"Japan Game Awards 2026" Game Designers Award: 11 Judges Announced!
This year’s panel of 11 judges—led by Chair Masahiro Sakurai ( @Sora_Sakurai ) and including Keiichiro Toyama ( @K_Toyama ) and Shinji Mikami ( @shinji_mikami )—will evaluate entries for this year’s Game Designers Award.
At the Annual Works Category Announcement and Awards Ceremony, Head Judge Masahiro Sakurai (@Sora_Sakurai) will serve as the presenter, announcing the Grand Prize winner and highlighting the appeal of the winning titles.
Game Designers Awards 2026 Judges
- Kazutoshi Iida ( @iidakazutoshi )
- Jiro Ishii ( @jiro_ishii )
- Fumito Ueda ( @fumito_ueda )
- Hideki Kamiya ( @HidekiKamiya_X )
- Kazutake Kodaka ( @kazkodaka )
- Goichi Suda ( @suda_51 )
- Toby Fox ( @tobyfox )
- Keiichiro Toyama
- Shinji Mikami
- Taro Yokoo ( @yokotaro )
Toshiya Miyata and Harami-chan Take the Stage at the Game of the Year Awards Ceremony!
The “Game of the Year”announcement and awards ceremony to be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Hulic Hall Tokyo.
Toshiya Miyata will take the stage as the presenter of the Grand Prize, while Harami-chan will liven up the awards ceremony with a performance during the Grand Prize announcement.
Public voting for the Future Category will begin online on Thursday, September 17, at 10:00 a.m.
It has been decided that all voting for the Future Division will take place online from 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026, through 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
A total of 200 voters will be selected by lottery to win software and original merchandise from the winning titles of the “Japan Game Awards: Future Division.”
Please see the “Japan Game Awards 2026: Future Division” page for voting details.
Sorry, this article is only available in Japanese and 繁體中文. at the moment.
