The GDCA is the profession’s most trusted honor – peer-nominated, peer-recognized – and the stage where the year’s standards are set across craft, creativity, and innovation. From Game of the Year to Design, Narrative, Visual Art, Audio, and Innovation, this is where the work that moved the medium earns its moment.

GDC Festival of Gaming

Transcript of the 26th Annual Game Developers Choice Awards ceremony held at GDC 2026. Claire Obscure: Expedition 33 by Sandfall Interactive dominated the night, winning Game of the Year, Best Debut, Best Visual Art, Best Narrative, and Best Audio. Blue Prince won Best Design and Best Innovation. Death Stranding 2 took Best Technology. The ceremony featured commentary on industry layoffs, studio closures, AI in games, and the importance of indie games. Don Daglo received the Lifetime Achievement Award for 55 years of pioneering game design. The show also touched on themes of creative passion amid industry turbulence.