The possible categories for the awards are:

  • Game Of The Year
  • Best Indie Game
  • Best Mobile / Tablet game
  • Most Anticipated Game
  • Best Original Game
  • Best Visual Art
  • Best Storytelling
  • Best Music Sound Effect
  • Best Action Adventure Game
  • Best Rogue Game
  • Best Puzzle Game
  • Best Simulation Game
  • Best Multiplayer Game
  • Best Development Team
  • Most Socially Valuable Award

Games can be submitted for the awards here until 31 May 2026. All studios who are nominated will receive a complimentary ticket for the expo. 

The Steam Game Festival will be jointly hosted by Game Connection, ChinaJoy, Steam, and Steam China. Submissions can be send in here until 30 June 2026.

Early-bird booth reservations for the Expo are now also open and will remain available until February 7, 2026.

ChinaJoy 2026 kicks off from July 31 to August 3 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. The indie game expo is a cooperation between ChinaJoy and french gaming expo Game Connection. The 2025 edition featured 123 booths, showcased over 1,100 games, and welcomed teams and organizations from 35 countries and regions.

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Pascal Wagner
Pascal Wagner
Pascal Wagner is Chief of Relations of GamesMarket and Senior Editor specialised in indie studios, politics, funding and academic coverage.
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