Question 1

Is there a fee to apply?

Accepted Answer

Yes. An entry fee is applicable. Student categories pay Rs. 1,000 + GST ($100 international). Professional/Studio categories pay Rs. 3,000 + GST ($100 international) per entry.

Question 2

What devices are stocked for the Upcoming Game of the Year pitches?

Accepted Answer

None. Developers must arrange their own devices, laptops, phones, or development kits to showcase their games to the jury during pitch sessions.

Question 3

I submitted my game for the Upcoming Games Awards last year and it released this year — can I nominate it for another category?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If the game was released within the current eligibility period (1 April 2025 – 31 March 2026), it can be submitted in any other relevant category.

Question 4

My game was developed in India. What are the requirements for the main categories?

Accepted Answer

For Indian Competition categories, the work must be owned by an Indian entity and developed primarily in India. It must be an original work, free of objectionable content, containing no IP/privacy infringement, and compliant with all Indian laws.

Question 5

What is an 'Indian entity'?

Accepted Answer

A company, partnership, studio, or individual legally registered and operating within India — where the primary studio or developer is based in India and adheres to Indian legal and tax frameworks.

Question 6

Indie Game of the Year eligibility?

Accepted Answer

The game must be owned by a self-funded Indian entity with fewer than 15 members AND annual revenue ≤ Rs. 1.50 crore in the previous financial year. It must also satisfy all general eligibility criteria.

Question 7

What does 'self-funded' mean?

Accepted Answer

Development financed primarily by the creators, personal funds, or crowdfunding, without significant external-publisher financial backing, investment, or creative control.

Question 8

Student Game of the Year requirements?

Accepted Answer

Proof of enrollment for the current or last academic year is mandatory. You must upload a bonafide student ID card, enrollment letter, or official academic transcript. The game must be developed primarily by students without significant professional assistance.

Question 9

What is the 'pitch' requirement for Upcoming Game of the Year nominees?

Accepted Answer

Nominees for Upcoming PC/Console and Upcoming Mobile Game of the Year must pitch in person to the jury on Day 1 of IGDC (28 October 2026). Non-participation in the physical pitch leads to automatic disqualification from those categories.

Question 10

International Game Award eligibility?

Accepted Answer

The game must be owned by a non-Indian entity and developed anywhere other than India. It must be an original work with no objectionable content, no IP/privacy infringement, and lawful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is there a fee to apply?

Q2. What devices are stocked for the Upcoming Game of the Year pitches?

Q3. I submitted my game for the Upcoming Games Awards last year and it released this year — can I nominate it for another category?

Q4. My game was developed in India. What are the requirements for the main categories?

Q5. What is an 'Indian entity'?

Q6. Indie Game of the Year eligibility?

Q7. What does 'self-funded' mean?

Q8. Student Game of the Year requirements?

Q9. What is the 'pitch' requirement for Upcoming Game of the Year nominees?

Q10. International Game Award eligibility?

Still have questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is there a fee to apply?

Q2. What devices are stocked for the Upcoming Game of the Year pitches?

Q3. I submitted my game for the Upcoming Games Awards last year and it released this year — can I nominate it for another category?

Q4. My game was developed in India. What are the requirements for the main categories?

Q5. What is an 'Indian entity'?

Q6. Indie Game of the Year eligibility?

Q7. What does 'self-funded' mean?

Q8. Student Game of the Year requirements?

Q9. What is the 'pitch' requirement for Upcoming Game of the Year nominees?

Q10. International Game Award eligibility?

Still have questions?