The 2026 GDC Awards are set to honor Don Daglow and Rebecca Heineman

The organizers behind the Game Developers Choice Awards have unveiled the honorees for this year's prestigious Lifetime Achievement and Ambassador Awards.

Don Daglow, a seasoned veteran of the gaming industry, is set to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Rebecca Heineman, co-founder of Interplay Productions, will be honored posthumously with the Ambassador Award.

Daglow's career spans over fifty years, beginning as one of the five initial Intellivision game developers at Mattel. He is credited with the creation, design, and production of over 100 games, contributing significantly to numerous industry advancements. He established Stormfront Studios in 1988, originally known as Beyond Software.

Rebecca Heineman, who passed away last year, dedicated 45 years to the gaming world and was involved in the development of more than 250 games. Her notable works include The Bard's Tale 3, Dragon Wars, Wolfenstein 3D, and Doom (3DO). In 1999, she launched Contraband Entertainment, which was instrumental in the development of games like Myth 3, Baldur's Gate 2, and Icewind Dale. Heineman also spearheaded programming initiatives for giants like Electronic Arts, Amazon, and Sony.

The Ambassador Award, which honors significant contributors who promote the growth and improvement of video games, recognized Heineman for her staunch advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community and her efforts to underscore the importance of accessibility and diversity in the industry.

GDC president Nina Brown remarked, "Recognizing creators who have played pivotal roles in shaping the gaming industry is a special part of our awards. Daglow and Heineman were trailblazers in defining the potential of games, and their contributions continue to guide how developers innovate today. Even as the GDC Festival of Gaming adapts to an ever-evolving industry, their legacy serves as a reminder of the vital role of creativity, determination, and innovation."

In the previous year, Remedy's Sam Lake was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award, with the Pioneer Award going to indie designer Lucas Pope.

January marked the announcement of nominations for the 26th Game Developers Choice Awards, where Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 led with eight nominations in nine categories, including Game of the Year.

The ceremony is set to be held on March 12 during the GDC Festival of Gaming in San Francisco.