The Computer Entertainment Association (CEA) has opened public voting for the "Game of the Year" category of the Japan Game Awards 2026, which selects and honors game titles worthy of representing the year, starting Friday, June 12, 2026.
Voting will close at 11:59 PM on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Public Voting for the Japan Game Awards 2026 "Game of the Year" Category Begins!
Public voting for the "Game of the Year" category of the Japan Game Awards 2026, organized by the Computer Entertainment Association, has begun on Friday, June 12, 2026.
The "Game of the Year" category of the Japan Game Awards selects the most acclaimed title that has excited gamers the most among games released in Japan during the specified period.
This year, titles released between Sunday, June 1, 2025, and Sunday, May 31, 2026, are eligible for voting.
The voting deadline is Friday, July 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
Please review the voting guidelines below and be sure to cast your vote!
| Voting Guidelines | |
|---|---|
| Eligible Titles | All computer entertainment software titles released in Japan between Sunday, June 1, 2025, and Sunday, May 31, 2026 *All platforms are eligible, including home consoles, handheld consoles, PCs, smartphones, etc. *This includes Japanese ports of overseas titles. |
| Voting Period | From 1:00 PM on Friday, June 12, 2026, to 11:59 PM on Friday, July 17, 2026 |
| Voting Eligibility | Open to all regardless of gender, age, nationality, location, gaming experience, or whether you own the game. * However, only one vote per person for a single title is valid. * The prize draw for this voting campaign is open only to residents of Japan. |
| How to Vote | |
|---|---|
| Online Voting | Vote via the Japan Game Awards official website Access the site from a smartphone or PC, enter the required information, and submit. |
| Voting by Postcard | 1. Full Name 2. Gender 3. Age 4. Address 5. Phone Number 6. Occupation 7. Email Address (if available) 8. Game Title 9. Game Console (the console corresponding to the game title you are voting for) 10. Reason for Voting 11. Name of the prize package you wish to receive (for Packages A and B, please include your preferred prize) Please fill out the above information and mail it to the address below. 101-0032 Tokyo, Chiyoda-ku, Iwamotocho 1-3-1, New Nakano Building, 6th Floor, "Japan Game Awards" |
Vote for a chance to win a game console in our drawing!
Once again this year, we will hold a drawing among all voters to award prizes including various game consoles such as the PlayStation 5 Pro, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X, as well as software that won the "Game of the Year" category and related merchandise!
There are five prize tiers as follows:
- Prize Category A: PlayStation 5 Pro (3 winners), Nintendo Switch 2 (Japanese version, for domestic use only) (3 winners), Xbox Series X (3 winners)
- Prize Category B: Apple Gift Card or Google Play Gift Card (10,000 yen each) – 20 winners
- Prize Category C: Japan Game Awards 2026 "Game of the Year" winning titles or related merchandise (100 winners total)
- Prize Category D: Tokyo Game Show 2026 admission ticket *Valid for entry on any one of the public days: September 19 (Sat), 20 (Sun), or 21 (Mon, Holiday)
- Prize E: Special invitation to the Japan Game Awards 2026 "Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award" and "Game of the Year" announcement and awards ceremony
Please check the Japan Game Awards official website for details on this event and the prizes.
| Japan Game Awards 2026 "Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award" "Game of the Year" Announcement and Awards Ceremony Overview | |
|---|---|
| Name | Japan Game Awards 2026 "Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award" "Game of the Year" Announcement and Awards Ceremony |
| Organizer | Computer Entertainment Suppliers Association (CESA) |
| Date | Tuesday, September 15, 2026 |
| Venue | Hulic Hall Tokyo (11F, Yurakucho Marion, 2-5-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) |