The TIGA Games Industry Awards 2026 nomination window has been extended to 1pm on 29 July, giving UK developers, publishers and industry partners more time to submit entries for this year's event
The TIGA Games Industry Awards 2026 will now accept nominations until 1pm on Wednesday, 29 July, following a surge in interest from across the UK games sector. This extension offers additional time for developers, publishers, educators, and service providers to put forward their best work for recognition in one of the industry's most established annual events. The awards are designed to highlight excellence in creativity, innovation and business achievement within the UK's games industry, with categories spanning a wide range of disciplines and company sizes.
What the Extension Means for Entrants
By extending the deadline, TIGA aims to ensure that studios and organisations of all scales have the opportunity to participate, especially those who may have needed extra time to prepare their submissions. Last year's awards saw notable winners including Fireproof Games, Secret Mode, Playground Games, Sony Interactive Entertainment, the BBC and Norwich University of the Arts. The 2026 edition is expected to attract a similarly diverse field, reflecting the breadth of talent and expertise within the UK's games ecosystem.
Entrants are encouraged to review the updated timeline and finalise their nominations ahead of the new cut-off. The awards remain open to UK-based developers, publishers, educational institutions, and technology or service partners. The judging process will continue as scheduled after the new deadline, with shortlisted nominees to be announced in the following weeks.
Sponsorship and Industry Support
The TIGA Games Industry Awards are supported by a range of sponsors, including Abertay University, Eaton Smith, Lee & Thompson, Supermassive Games and University of Staffordshire as Silver Sponsors, and Bournemouth University, Code Wizards, Flix Interactive, Lockwood Publishing, Playground Games, Plus Accounting, Price Bailey, Quantic Lab, Stevens & Bolton and Testronic as Bronze Sponsors. SpecialEffect returns as the Charity Partner, continuing its mission to improve accessibility for physically disabled players through technology. A limited number of additional sponsorship opportunities remain available for organisations seeking to support the event.
For those interested in sponsorship or partnership, TIGA has provided a direct contact for further information. The event's ongoing partnerships reflect the collaborative nature of the UK games industry and its commitment to recognising both creative and technical achievement.
Accessing Assets and Industry Resources
Nominees and industry professionals can access official assets and PR contacts via Games Press, which serves as a central hub for media resources and communication within the sector. Registration is available for those working in games media, development, publishing or PR, ensuring broad access to event materials and updates. This approach mirrors the structure of other major industry showcases, such as the winter edition of INDIE Live Expo, which also combines awards with new reveals and sector-wide engagement-see the recent coverage of that event in our report on the December showcase.
With the nomination window now closing at 1pm on 29 July, all prospective entrants are advised to confirm their eligibility and prepare their submissions promptly. The awards ceremony itself is set to highlight the ongoing evolution of the UK games industry, with a focus on both established leaders and emerging talent.
Industry awards such as the TIGA Games Industry Awards play a key role in recognising achievement and fostering community within the games sector. Unlike commercial launches or technical showcases, these events are structured around peer recognition, independent judging and sector-wide participation. For many studios, a nomination or win can provide valuable visibility, support recruitment, and strengthen industry relationships, while also highlighting the importance of collaboration and innovation in game development.
