At the Games for Change Awards 2026, "South of Midnight" has been honored with the titles of Game and Experience of the Year

The Games for Change awards for 2026 have been announced, with Compulsion Games' "South of Midnight" receiving the top honor as Game and Experience of the Year. "Consume Me" by Hexecutable distinguished itself by receiving the Best Narrative, Best Gameplay, and Indie Breakout accolades. Paintbucket Games garnered recognition in the education category with "The Darkest Files," which was awarded Best in Learning.

Thatgamecompany was acknowledged with the Industry Leader Award, while Jenn Panattoni, CEO of Aizle Impact, was honored with the Vanguard Award for her pivotal contributions, including the formation of the Xbox Social Impact team in 2018, which has accumulated over $250 million for global initiatives.

This year's selections emanated from submissions across 42 countries, with the winners unveiled at the Games for Change Festival held in New York. According to Susanna Pollack, President of Games for Change, the variety of winners reflects a remarkable year for purpose-driven gaming, showcasing the global spread and the diverse intentions behind these innovative projects.

The complete list of the 2026 Games for Change Award winners includes:

• Game/Experience of the Year: "South of Midnight" (Compulsion Games)
• Best Narrative, Best Gameplay, Indie Breakout Award: "Consume Me" (Hexecutable)
• Best in Impact: "And Roger" (TearyHand Studio)
• Best in Learning: "The Darkest Files" (Paintbucket Games)
• Best in Community Empowerment: "Relooted" (Nyamakop)
• Best in Environmental Impact: "Faceminer" (Wristwork)
• Best in Health & Wellness: "ARWell Pro" (Augment Therapy)
• Best in XR & Emerging Media: "A Long Goodbye" (Timescapes & Polygoat)
• Best Platform-based Project: "Planet Planners on Roblox" (Playerthree & BBC Bitesize)
• Best Board Or Tabletop Game For Impact: "Ciclo do Poder / Cycle of Power" (Fiocruz)
• Vanguard Award: Jenn Panattoni
• Industry Leader Award: Thatgamecompany
• Giving Award: Special Effect
• Accessibility Award: "EA Sports FC 26" (EA Sports)