Independent Games Festival 2026
As the 28th annual celebration honoring independent games and their creators, the IGF will be held concurrently with the 2026 Game Developers Conference (GDC), which marks its 40th anniversary.
Award Categories & Selection Process
This year’s IGF will nominate six finalists in each of the following six main categories:
- Excellence in Visual Art
- Excellence in Audio
- Excellence in Design
- Excellence in Narrative
- Best Student Game
The Nuovo Award, which aims to honor games that “make the jurors think differently about games as a medium,” will feature eight finalists. Six finalists will compete for the top Seumas McNally Grand Prize, named in memory of the independent developer.
The Wings Award returns this year, focusing on outstanding games where women and other gender-marginalized developers hold key roles. All finalists in the competition will also be eligible for the IGF Audience Award, determined by public voting.
The alt.ctrl.GDC Award will once again be presented during the ceremony, dedicated to showcasing the most unique and unconventional innovative controllers in modern gaming. GDC attendees can experience these games at the Expo and vote for their favorites.
Finalists will be selected by hundreds of peers from the game development and media industries, with winners decided by specially appointed juries. Last year, Consume Me, led by developer Jenny Jiao Hsia, won the Seumas McNally Grand Prize, the Nuovo Award, and the Wings Award for its darkly humorous interpretation of dietary culture.
Special Support Program
Creators of innovative or experimental games who may be deterred by the $75 submission fee can apply for a fee waiver by Friday, October 10. The application process for IGF 2026 judges will open on September 17—stay tuned for further announcements.
Key Dates
- Finalists Announcement: January 2026
- Main Event Dates: March 9–13, 2026
- Venue: Moscone Convention Center, San Francisco
For more details on submission guidelines, rules, and FAQs, please visit the official IGF website:
https://igf.com
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