Origins Awards
Promoting innovation & excellence in games since 1975.
Since 1975, the Origins Awards have been celebrating excellence in the tabletop gaming industry. Although we took a brief hiatus, we are ready to continue highlighting the amazing work industry professionals are doing. To align with our expanded membership, we have added a few awards to ensure the amazing work of artists and media professionals are also represented.
ORIGINS AWARDS ENTRY RULES
The Origins Awards’ mission is to annually recognize achievement within the game industry. The awards will be conducted with integrity, impartiality, and with clearly defined categories. The awards’ juries will be composed of knowledgeable professionals, cultivating a celebration of excellence within our industry.
These principles guide all aspects of the Awards and are integrated into all of the concepts laid out in this document.
Eligibility
In order to be considered for an award, a product must meet these requirements:
Release Window
Products available to consumers between Jan 1, 2024 and Dec 31, 2024 are eligible for these awards
Submission Window
The submission window for the 2024 Origins Awards (presented at Origins 2025) will be announced soon!
Sample Provision
To be eligible for an award, 7 copies of a product must be delivered to the coordinator, 258 E. Campus View Blvd., Columbus, OH 43235.
Attn: Origins Awards
Game Manufacturers Association
258 E. Campus View Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43235
USA
+1(614)255-4500
Digital submissions for the Creative category must also be submitted by this date to originsawards@gama.org.
Multiple Submissions
Any individual product may only be submitted for entry in a single category. Elements of a product submitted for another award (eg art, writing) may also be submitted in the Creative category.
New Release Product
For a product to be eligible for nomination, it must be a new release for the year of submission. Reprints of existing games should have significant changes from previous editions to be eligible.
Expansions
Submissions for expansions must be accompanied by an equal number of copies of the base game they belong to. This ensures that all Jurors can evaluate the full play experience.
Entry Fee
Each submission to the Awards attracts a $35 processing fee. GAMA members receive one free entry per category
All submissions are subject to review by the committee of the Origins Awards
CATEGORIES
Products
Product of the Year (Randomized)
Product of the Year (Fixed)
MINIATURES
Miniatures Game of the Year
Paint/Hobby Accessory of the Year
Miniature of the Year
ROLEPLAYING GAMES
Roleplaying Game of the Year
Roleplaying Supplement of the Year
NOTE: Special recognition awards may be given out on a case by case basis based on recommendations of the juries and implementation by the Origins Awards
BOARD GAMES
Gateway Game of the Year
Cooperative/Solo Game of the Year
Heavy Strategy Game of the Year
Light Strategy Game of the Year
Party Game of the Year
Constructable Game of the Year
Overall Recognition
Game of the Year
Origins Awards
Announced at Origins Game Fair, they reward excellence in game design. Nominees determined by Jury, winners determined by Academy vote.
Rising Star & Vanguard Awards
Recognizes exceptionally innovative people and products. Intended to inspire colleagues and designers to achieve new heights in their creations.
Hall of Fame
Honors people and products who have made critical contributions to gaming. New members are inducted during the Origins Award ceremony.
The Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts & Design (AAGAD) is a peer based network of gaming industry professionals whose mission is to promote innovation and excellence in design and production of games and game related materials.