GWB GAME AWARDS 2025 KV

GWB GAME AWARDS 2025

MAINRULESPREVIOUS WINNERSMY WORK

PART 01INTRODUCTION

Run by the Tencent Institute of Games, the GWB (Games Without Borders) Game Awards is an international indie and student game competition designed to help discover the best new and in-development games from around the world. If your game was released in 2025 or is still in development, this is your moment to shine.

PART 02TIMETABLE

SUBMISSION
PERIODApril 25 - July 15
PRELIMINARIESJuly 16
-
August 15
SHORTLISTINGAugust 16
-
September 1
FINAL
JUDGINGSeptember 16
-
November 24
LIVE AWARDS
CEREMONYLate
November

PART 03BENEFITS

CASH PRIZES
For several years we have offered a wide range of cash prizes to winning Indie teams. In 2025 we have also added cash prizes for the student awards channel, on top of our existing prizes for the industry channel
PROMOTIONAL EVENTS
Steam events, livestreams, demo days. Finalists, winners and previous winners are all eligible for free inclusion in these events.
FREE SIGN UP
It's completely free to sign up and submit your games. There are no hidden costs. It's that simple. We believe in open access for all.
COLLABORATION
From university courses to knowledge-sharing seminars, the Tencent Institute of Games runs various events that support the industry. If you're interested, awards participation is a great first step to get involved in our journey.
(MOSTLY) ONLINE
Submit your game online and then just...keep making your game! Attendance is not required unless you'd like to join us for the live Awards ceremony in November.
2025 GWB GAME AWARDS

PART 04PRIZES

INDUSTRY AWARDS CHANNEL
  • X1
    GoldGold
    $10,000 USD$10,000 USD
  • X2
    SilverSilver
    $5,000 USD EACH$5,000 USD EACH
  • X3
    BronzeBronze
    $3,000 USD EACH$3,000 USD EACH
  • X6
    Special CategoriesSpecial Categories
    $2,000 USD EACH$2,000 USD EACH
  • X1
    Small Team GoldSmall Team Gold
    $3,000 USD$3,000 USD
  • X1
    Small Team SilverSmall Team Silver
    $2,000 USD$2,000 USD
  • X1
    Small Team BronzeSmall Team Bronze
    $1,000 USD$1,000 USD
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SPECIAL PRIZE CATEGORIES
  • Gameplay InnovationGameplay Innovation

    for a game with unique and innovative gameplay.

  • Play Together (Co-op)Play Together (Co-op)

    for a game that encourages people to play together.

  • Short But SweetShort But Sweet

    for a game that can be completed in less than 3 hours.

  • For all AgesFor all Ages

    for an accessible game that everyone can play, young or old.

  • Had us HookedHad us Hooked

    for a game with a compelling narrative that grabs us.

  • Stop and ThinkStop and Think

    for a game with the power to make a player think.

STUDENT AWARDS CHANNEL
  • X1
    GoldGold
    $10,000 USD$10,000 USD
  • X1
    SilverSilver
    $5,000 USD$5,000 USD
  • X1
    BronzeBronze
    $3,000 USD$3,000 USD
  • X4
    Special CategoriesSpecial Categories
    $1,000 USD EACH$1,000 USD EACH
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SPECIAL PRIZE CATEGORIES
  • Gameplay InnovationGameplay Innovation

    for a game with unique and innovative gameplay.

  • Play Together (Co-op)Play Together (Co-op)

    for a game that encourages people to play together.

  • For all AgesFor all Ages

    for an accessible game that everyone can play, young or old.

  • Stop and ThinkStop and Think

    for a game with the power to make a player think.

PART 05HOW TO TAKE PART

Just click the Take Part button to submit your game. First-time applicants will need to create an account and log in to submit a game. After that you can submit multiple titles individually in either the Industry or Student awards channels (or both!).