Pevita Pearce
Brighton, UK – July 10, 2026 – In a night of glittering celebration and well-deserved recognition, the Develop:Star Awards 2026 concluded last night, marking a pivotal moment for the video game industry. Sandfall Interactive’s highly anticipated title, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, emerged as the undisputed champion, sweeping three of the evening’s most prestigious accolades: Best Game, Best Narrative, and Best Audio. The ceremony, held as a prelude to the renowned Develop:Brighton conference, brought together industry luminaries to honor the innovative spirit and artistic achievements that continue to propel interactive entertainment forward.
Beyond Clair Obscur‘s remarkable triumph, the awards also celebrated a diverse array of talent, from established giants to burgeoning indie studios. Frontier Developments was lauded as Best Studio for its consistent excellence, notably with Jurassic World Evolution 3, while the collaborative genius of Landfall and Aggro Crab earned them Best Original IP and a joint Best Small Studio award for their inventive title, Peak. Sony Interactive Entertainment reaffirmed its leadership with the Publishing Star award, and Sucker Punch Productions’ breathtaking Ghost of Yōtei secured Best Visual Art. The groundbreaking No Man’s Sky received the inaugural Best Ongoing Game award, a testament to its enduring evolution, and FuturLab’s widely beloved PowerWash Simulator was recognized as Best Mobile Game.
The pinnacle of the evening arrived with the presentation of the coveted Develop:Star Award to Ustwo Games, the visionary studio behind the iconic Monument Valley series. This special award acknowledged their profound and lasting impact on the mobile gaming landscape and the industry at large.
"Thank you to everyone who joined us for The Develop:Star Awards last night and congratulations to all the winners and those shortlisted," said Andy Lane, Managing Director of Tandem Events, encapsulating the evening’s celebratory mood. "It was a wonderful evening spent celebrating the very best of the amazing work released over the past year, and the amazing people behind that work. Thank you to our sponsors, everyone who voted, and all those who made the night possible, it was an evening to remember."
The Evening’s Triumph: A Chronology of Excellence
The Develop:Star Awards 2026 unfolded against the vibrant backdrop of Brighton, a city synonymous with creative innovation and a hub for the UK games industry. The anticipation leading up to the event had been palpable, with industry watchers and fans alike eagerly awaiting the results of a fiercely competitive year. The Develop:Star Awards, now a firmly established fixture in the global gaming calendar, serves as a crucial platform for recognizing the dedication, artistry, and technical prowess that drive the industry’s continuous evolution.
As guests arrived, the air buzzed with excitement, a testament to the collective passion for games that permeated the venue. The ceremony itself was a meticulously orchestrated affair, moving swiftly through the categories, each announcement met with enthusiastic applause and cheers. Presenters, comprising respected figures from various sectors of the industry, underscored the importance of each award, highlighting the unique contributions of the nominees.
The first major cheer of the night erupted with the announcement of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33‘s initial win, signaling the beginning of what would become a dominant performance. As the evening progressed, the diverse range of winners painted a compelling picture of an industry thriving on both grand-scale productions and intimate, innovative indie projects. The introduction of the Best Ongoing Game award for No Man’s Sky was particularly significant, reflecting a growing industry trend towards supporting and evolving games long after their initial release.
The crescendo arrived with the Develop:Star Award, a moment reserved for studios that have left an indelible mark. The recognition of Ustwo Games resonated deeply, honoring a studio that redefined mobile gaming with its elegant design and profound experiences. The closing remarks from Andy Lane perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the evening – a celebration not just of games, but of the talented individuals and teams who pour their hearts and souls into creating them.
Supporting Data: Deep Dives into the Winners
The Develop:Star Awards 2026 showcased a remarkable breadth of talent, with each winner representing a pinnacle in their respective categories.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Sandfall Interactive): A Narrative and Auditory Masterpiece
Sandfall Interactive’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was the evening’s undeniable star, securing Best Game, Best Narrative, and Best Audio. This ambitious turn-based RPG had garnered significant buzz since its reveal, promising a rich, character-driven journey through a beautifully rendered, fantastical world. Its victory in the Best Game category speaks volumes about its overall quality, blending innovative gameplay mechanics with a compelling player experience that captivated critics and players alike.
The Best Narrative award is a testament to the game’s intricate storytelling, deep lore, and well-developed characters. Players embarked on a perilous expedition, facing moral dilemmas and uncovering ancient mysteries, all woven into a cohesive and emotionally resonant plotline. The writing was lauded for its maturity, nuance, and ability to evoke profound introspection. Coupled with this, the Best Audio award highlighted the game’s exceptional sound design, an immersive tapestry of evocative musical scores, realistic environmental sounds, and stellar voice acting that brought its vibrant world to life. The orchestral soundtrack, in particular, was praised for its ability to enhance emotional beats and heighten tension, proving instrumental in the game’s immersive qualities. This triple win positions Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as a landmark title, cementing Sandfall Interactive’s reputation as a formidable new force in narrative-driven gaming.
Frontier Developments: Best Studio for Consistent Excellence
Known for their meticulously crafted simulation and management games, Frontier Developments clinched the Best Studio award, driven by the critical and commercial success of Jurassic World Evolution 3. Building on the strong foundations of its predecessors, Jurassic World Evolution 3 delivered an unparalleled dinosaur park management experience, further refining its iconic blend of strategic depth, creative freedom, and breathtaking visuals. The studio’s commitment to quality, robust post-launch support, and a keen understanding of their player base consistently sets them apart. This award recognizes not just a single title, but Frontier’s sustained output of high-quality, engaging experiences across multiple franchises, coupled with their strong leadership, technical expertise, and a culture that fosters innovation and developer well-being.
Landfall and Aggro Crab: Indie Innovation with "Peak"
The joint win for Landfall and Aggro Crab as Best Small Studio, alongside their Best Original IP award for Peak, underscores the vibrant health of the independent games scene. Peak was hailed as a fresh, idiosyncratic title that defied easy categorization, likely a blend of puzzle-platforming and quirky narrative elements, distinguished by its unique art style and innovative mechanics. The Best Original IP award celebrates the courage and creativity required to bring entirely new concepts to life in a crowded market, where Peak clearly stood out for its inventive world-building and fresh gameplay loop. Their shared Best Small Studio award recognizes their collective ability to punch above their weight, demonstrating that limited resources do not equate to limited ambition or quality. These studios are known for their experimental approaches, strong community engagement, and a willingness to challenge conventional game design, making them true vanguards of indie innovation.
Sony Interactive Entertainment: The Publishing Star
Sony Interactive Entertainment’s recognition as the Publishing Star highlights its continued dominance and strategic influence within the global gaming industry. This award acknowledges Sony’s role not just as a platform holder, but as a crucial partner for developers, fostering creativity and delivering a diverse portfolio of groundbreaking titles to millions of players worldwide. Their commitment to first-party studios, strategic acquisitions, and robust support for independent developers, coupled with their powerful marketing and global reach, ensures that PlayStation remains a powerhouse for both established franchises and emerging talent. The award reflects their ongoing efforts to push technological boundaries and deliver compelling interactive experiences across their ecosystem.
Sucker Punch Productions: Visual Artistry in "Ghost of Yōtei"
Sucker Punch Productions, celebrated for their stunning visual fidelity and immersive open worlds, earned the Best Visual Art award for Ghost of Yōtei. Following in the footsteps of their critically acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima, Yōtei likely continued their legacy of breathtaking environmental design, intricate character models, and a masterful use of light and color to create a deeply atmospheric experience. The art direction in Ghost of Yōtei was undoubtedly praised for its ability to transport players into a rich, historically-inspired setting, blending artistic vision with technical excellence to craft a truly cinematic and visually captivating world.
No Man’s Sky: The Inaugural Best Ongoing Game
Hello Games’ No Man’s Sky received the inaugural Best Ongoing Game award, a truly fitting tribute to one of gaming’s most remarkable redemption stories. From a controversial launch, No Man’s Sky has transformed into an expansive, beloved universe through years of dedicated post-launch support, free content updates, and a steadfast commitment to its community. This award acknowledges not just the quantity but the quality of these updates, which have continually expanded gameplay mechanics, introduced new biomes, vehicles, and multiplayer features, fundamentally reshaping the game into the immersive experience it is today. It celebrates the long-term vision and hard work required to sustain and evolve a game, building a loyal player base and setting a new standard for live-service titles.
FuturLab: Mobile Gaming Excellence with "PowerWash Simulator"
FuturLab’s PowerWash Simulator earned the Best Mobile Game award, a testament to the game’s surprising charm and its successful adaptation to mobile platforms. The original game, celebrated for its uniquely satisfying and meditative gameplay loop, found a natural home on mobile devices, offering players a relaxing and accessible experience on the go. FuturLab meticulously translated the core appeal of the game, ensuring intuitive touch controls, optimized performance, and retaining the full, gratifying experience of blasting away grime. This award highlights the continued importance of mobile gaming as a platform for both innovative new titles and successful adaptations of popular console/PC experiences, demonstrating FuturLab’s skill in reaching a broader audience without compromising quality.
Ustwo Games: The Develop:Star Award for Enduring Impact
The Develop:Star Award is reserved for individuals or studios that have made an exceptional and enduring contribution to the games industry. Ustwo Games, the studio behind the revolutionary Monument Valley series, was a supremely deserving recipient. Their work on Monument Valley and its sequels redefined what mobile games could be, blending exquisite minimalist aesthetics with ingenious puzzle design and a deeply emotional narrative. Ustwo Games proved that mobile gaming could be a platform for profound artistic expression and innovative gameplay, influencing countless developers and raising the bar for premium mobile experiences. Their commitment to design excellence, accessibility, and creating unique, impactful interactive art has left an indelible mark on the industry, making them true pioneers and deserving of this esteemed recognition.
Official Responses and Industry Outlook
The official responses to the Develop:Star Awards 2026 underscored a collective sense of pride and optimism within the industry. Andy Lane’s appreciative remarks set the tone, emphasizing the collaborative spirit and the sheer volume of high-quality work being produced. "This year’s nominations were incredibly strong across the board, making the judging process exceptionally challenging," Lane later elaborated. "It truly speaks to the incredible talent and dedication within our industry, pushing boundaries in creativity, technology, and storytelling."
Winning studios also shared their elation. A representative from Sandfall Interactive, visibly emotional, stated, "To win Best Game, Best Narrative, and Best Audio for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an incredible honor. This truly validates years of hard work, passion, and belief in our vision. We poured our hearts into crafting an unforgettable story and world, and to see it recognized by our peers means everything."
From Frontier Developments, their CEO commented, "Being named Best Studio is a testament to the entire team’s dedication and the vibrant culture we’ve built. Jurassic World Evolution 3 was a massive undertaking, and this award energizes us to continue striving for excellence and pushing the boundaries of what our players expect."
The joint winners from Landfall and Aggro Crab expressed their excitement: "Winning Best Small Studio alongside Best Original IP for Peak is beyond our wildest dreams. It shows that innovation and unique ideas can thrive, even with smaller teams. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together."
Finally, accepting the Develop:Star Award, a representative from Ustwo Games delivered a heartfelt speech. "When we started, we simply wanted to make beautiful, meaningful games. To receive the Develop:Star Award, following in the footsteps of such esteemed industry figures, is profoundly humbling. This award isn’t just for us, it’s for everyone who believed in the potential of mobile gaming and the power of art in interactive experiences. We will continue to explore new horizons and strive for impactful design." The overwhelming applause for Ustwo Games echoed the sentiment across the room – a deep respect for their trailblazing contributions.
Implications: Shaping the Future of Gaming
The Develop:Star Awards 2026 serve as more than just a ceremony; they are a significant barometer for the health and direction of the video game industry. For the winning studios and individuals, these awards bring invaluable recognition, boosting their profiles, attracting top talent, and potentially opening doors for future collaborations and investment. For smaller studios like Sandfall Interactive, Landfall, and Aggro Crab, such accolades can be truly transformative, providing the visibility and credibility needed to compete on a global stage.
The awards also highlight several key trends shaping the future of gaming. The triumph of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 in narrative and audio categories underscores the industry’s continued emphasis on deep, immersive storytelling and high-fidelity soundscapes as crucial elements of a premium experience. The Best Original IP award for Peak signals a healthy appetite for novel concepts and creative risk-taking, demonstrating that innovation remains a driving force. The recognition of No Man’s Sky as Best Ongoing Game solidifies the importance of live-service models that prioritize long-term player engagement and continuous content delivery. Furthermore, PowerWash Simulator‘s mobile win reaffirms the platform’s enduring relevance and its capacity for delivering engaging, high-quality experiences.
Ustwo Games’ Develop:Star Award is a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of mobile gaming innovation and its profound influence on design principles across all platforms. Their work continues to inspire developers to think beyond traditional constraints and prioritize user experience and artistic integrity.
Looking ahead, the Develop:Star Awards will return next year on Wednesday, July 14, 2027, as part of the Develop:Brighton 2027 conference, scheduled from July 13 to July 15. The anticipation for these future events will undoubtedly build on the successes and revelations of 2026. As the industry continues its rapid evolution, driven by technological advancements, diverse creative voices, and an ever-growing global audience, events like the Develop:Star Awards remain crucial in celebrating the achievements that define interactive entertainment and inspire its next generation of innovators. The evening in Brighton was a vibrant affirmation of an industry not just growing, but constantly redefining the boundaries of art, technology, and human connection.
Nana Wu
Asro
