The Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association has released detailed information 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 conclude with its announcement at this year's Japan Game Awards 2026, marking its 17th edition.
Japan Game Awards 2026 Game Designers Award to 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, established by Masahiro Sakurai in 2010, will come to an end with its final presentation at this year's Japan Game Awards 2026, marking its 17th edition.
This year's awards presentation ceremony will provide the finest stage fitting for its grand finale.
Marking its 30th edition this year, the Japan Game Awards 2026 Games of the Year Division Presentation Ceremony will be held at Hulic Hall Tokyo from 6:00 PM on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, while the Future Division Presentation Ceremony will take place on the Tokyo Game Show 2026 event stage (Makuhari Messe Hall 1) from 1:00 PM on Sunday, September 20.
Both award presentation ceremonies will be live streamed online, allowing viewers to watch the live stream free of charge with no advance registration required.
The viewing methods for the live stream are as follows.
- Japan Game Awards Official Website
- Tokyo Game Show Official Website
- TOKYO GAME SHOW Official YouTube (@tokyogameshow)
11 Judges Decided for the Japan Game Awards 2026 Game Designers Award!
This year's judging panel consists of 11 members who will judge the Game Designers Award, led by head juror Masahiro Sakurai (@Sora_Sakurai), alongside Keiichiro Toyama (@K_Toyama), Shinji Mikami (@shinji_mikami), and others.
At the Games of the Year Division Presentation Ceremony, head juror Masahiro Sakurai will serve as presenter to announce the grand prize and introduce the appeal of the winning works.
Game Designers Award 2026 Judges
- Kazutoshi Iida (@iidakazutoshi)
- Jiro Ishii (@jiro_ishii)
- Fumito Ueda (@fumito_ueda)
- Hideki Kamiya (@HidekiKamiya_X)
- Kazutaka Kodaka (@kazkodaka)
- Goichi Suda (@suda_51)
- Toby Fox (@tobyfox)
- Keiichiro Toyama
- Shinji Mikami
- Yoko Taro (@yokotaro)
Toshiya Miyata and Harami-chan to Appear at the Games of the Year Division Presentation Ceremony!
At the Games of the Year Division Presentation Ceremony held at Hulic Hall Tokyo on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, Tokyo Game Show 2026 official supporter Toshiya Miyata (@t_miyata_kmf2) and pianist Harami-chan (@harami_piano) will take the stage.
Toshiya Miyata will appear as a presenter for the grand prize, and Harami-chan will enliven the award ceremony with a musical performance during the grand prize announcement.
Public Voting for Future Division Opens Online from Thursday, September 17 at 10:00 AM
During the voting period for the Future Division from 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 17 to 4:00 PM on Saturday, September 19, 2026, all voting will be conducted online.
A total of 200 voters will be selected by lottery to win game software and exclusive items from winning titles of the Japan Game Awards: Future Division.
For details on voting, please visit the Japan Game Awards 2026: Future Division page.