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Entry Criteria & Category Guide
The core categories are split across games development disciplines, with additional categories celebrating great leadership, positive actions and achievements.
Discipline Categories: Individuals who deserve recognition for exceptional skill in their role, plus the support of both their team and the wider company. People who have made significant & valued contributions to development or studio processes.
Business Development Hero: Someone who has forged meaningful partnerships, orchestrated growth and is a driven, BD-orientated ambassador for their company.
Leadership Hero: An individual who has consistently shown excellent vision, leadership and management ability in their field, supporting, developing and encouraging others.
Progression Advocate: An individual recognised for their efforts as a key influencer, campaigner, activist or role model for the betterment of people working in the games industry, including equality, diversity, working life, inclusivity, mental health and more.
Rising Star: An individual who’s recently entered the games industry, has made a noticeable impact and is fast becoming essential to their colleagues and studio.
Unsung Hero: An individual who may or may not fit into any of the other categories, but deserves recognition for their efforts behind the scenes, whether long-term or for particular achievement(s).
People + HR: An individual who works in HR, Recruitment, L&D or other people-focused roles. Showcasing outstanding support and competence in their role.
Nominations close on 4th May 2026.
The Game Dev Heroes 2026 eligibility period is loosely between June 2025 – May 2026. We don’t mind if things fall slightly outside of that range or if nominations are based on long-term achievement.
Game Dev Heroes is a UK-based event, though welcomes nominations from anywhere in the world. The awards event will be taking place in Brighton, UK, coinciding with the Develop: Brighton conference in July 2026.