UK Games Expo Awards Rules
The 2024 UK Games Expo Awards submissions are now closed.
The Deadline has passed for entries.
There are the rules and criteria for the UK Games Expo Awards.
Eligibility for entry
- The product or game’s release date must be between 13th March 2023 and 2nd June 2024.
- The product or game must be on show at and available for sale at UK Games Expo 30th May to 2nd June 2024 and be represented by an exhibitor present at the show.
- Games which are only on running on kickstarter and other crowd funding options and not published or available to buy by Sunday 2nd June are not eligible. They may be entered into the following year however.
- The exhibitor who is at the show must be the one who submits the entry.
- Manufacturers and publishers may suggest which category, in which to enter their products, however the Expo judges will make the final decision. Only ONE category per product is permissible.
- A Game may only be entered for the awards in ONE year. Sometimes a given category will NOT be used one year in which case we will fit the game in the nearest category.
- For all categories games must be original designs and not just reprints or merely with updated artwork unless there is very significant change in the design or game play between editions.
- To enter the awards you MUST send a copy/mock-up or sample by 29th February 2024. IF YOU MISS THE DEADLINE YOUR GAME WILL NOT BE ENTERED. There are NO exceptions to this rule. If the game is a Legacy Game or an escape room style game them you must send 3 copies to allow different judges to experience the game. If your are sending an expansion where the original game is needed to play you must also send the original game. In addition you MUST fill in an application form online. Visit your exhibitor portal here and click on awards and fill in the form. This link will only work if you have booked a stand at the show and have linked your account to it. See this FAQ.
- Post your game or games to:
- Paul Laming
UK Games Expo Ltd
Third Floor, Suite 12 Elgar House Green Street Business Centre
Green Street, access via Dixon Street.
Kidderminster
DY10 1JF
If a phone number is needed use 0044 (0)1562 69391. We recommend avoiding the use of DPD due to delivery issues. - If you do not have a production copy of the game available by 29th February 2024, a mock-up is fine if a full version is unavailable. (Alternatively you may decide to submit the game in the 2025 award year providing it was/will be published after 29th February 2024)
- Submitted games are NOT returned to you and will be used in our game library or occasionally auctioned/sold for charity or given out as prizes.
- You must also upload a high res image of the game box to the awards entry on your portal. This should be a flat image of the box from straight in front - not angled. This image is the one we will put in the programme if your game is selected to the short list and we want all of them to be the same style - the box cover.
Categories and nominations for 2024
These are the provisional categories for the awards for 2024. Games for evaluation are being sent to a panel of judges whose vote will be part of the final result. To this will be added the results of the public vote on the weekend. Good luck to all our nominees.
- Best Abstract Game An abstract game is a game that minimises luck and does not rely on a theme. It typically focuses on strategy where skill and careful planning is the key.
- Best Accessory Anything gaming related not covered in the other areas e.g. game storage solutions, dice bags etc.
- Best Boardgame (American-Style ) Generally feature a prominent theme, encourage direct conflict between players and have a significant degree of luck. American-style games often have longer playtimes and have mechanics designed to suit the theme. Sometimes referred to as Ameritrash. (Games with a target ages of 12+ and specifically not for young children.)
- Best Boardgame (Euro-Style ) Generally these games will have less direct player interaction, limited elements of luck and less conflict. Sometimes called a Eurogame or German-style board game. (Game with a target ages of 12+ and specifically not for young children.)
- Best Boardgame (Strategic) These are games which involve tactical and strategic game play, involve direct player interaction, often involve elements of competition, conflict and sometimes military themes. Miniatures may be involved or tokens representing characters or units(Game with a target ages of 12+ and specifically not for young children.)
- Best Card Game (General) Generally these games will not involve a board, but cards will be the predominant feature. This category includes lighter and more family orinetated games.
- Best Card Game (Strategic) Generally these games will not involve a board, but cards will be the predominant feature. This category features a high degree of tactical or strategic play. Examples may include Collectible Card Games (Game with a target ages of 12+ and specifically not for young children.)
- Best Children's Game A game which is specifically designed for younger children (10 years or below) to play with or without adult supervision but not a game adults would play on their own.
- Best Dice Game Generally these games will not involve a board, but dice will be the predominant feature.
- Best Expansion The category covers expansions to a game which introduce new components or new mechanics. Typically the base game is required to play.
- Best Family Game A game which is ideal for children (perhaps older children) and adults to play together and all enjoy equally. Something for parents and kids to have fun together with.
- Best Gaming Novelty The category covers items and products which are not directly used in or with games but are themed or related to the world of gaming. Examples would include clothing, food and drink, books and journals, jewellery etc
- Best Miniatures Range A miniatures range for use in wargames or roleplaying games.
- Best Miniatures Rules A rules system where the core part of the game is using miniature figures to fight out battles.
- Best Party Game A game which is usually light and easy to play, with simple rules and designed for larger groups or a party. May include escape room and murder mystery style games.
- Best Role-playing Game Adventure An adventure, scenario or campaign or campaign setting for roleplaying games.
- Best Role-playing Game Expansion An expansion or supplement for roleplaying games which expands or adds to an existing game system.
- Best Role-playing Game The main rules set for a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting and where the main thrust is players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a story generally run by a games master.
- Best Variant The category covers variants such as new boards and maps or new themes applied to an existing game system or design. Typically the base or original game is not required for play.
Judging
The winner in each category will be determined by a combined system of a public vote and the opinion of a Panel of Judges.
Firstly all games are rated by a panel of judges chosen by UK Games Expo. This process will produce short lists of the top games in each category where there are more than 3 entries. The short lists will be selected according to the judge's ratings and published on 2nd May 2024.
Judges may use various criteria to judge the entries.
They are at liberty to use their own judgement but may include giving consideration to:
- The originality of theme or idea.
- How well the entries play or function and how broad or niche use the product is.
- Value for money. Gamers have a limited budget so Judges do look at the price tag.
- Quality of the art, design or components.
- Is it fun to play or use?
One of these 3 games will be chosen as the Judges' Award winner and this will be announced on 9th May 2024.
All games in the shortlist are eligible for a public vote at UK Games Expo to choose the Peoples Choice Award winner.
The Peoples Choice Awards will be announced on Sunday 1st June at 3pm.