The global gaming industry descended upon Brighton this week for the highly anticipated Develop:Star Awards 2026. As the crown jewel of the Develop:Brighton conference, the ceremony serves as a barometer for creative and technical achievement within the sector. This year’s event was defined by a surge of critical acclaim for new IP, a nod to the enduring power of live-service titles, and a prestigious recognition of studio culture. Main Facts: The Triumph of Sandfall Interactive The evening’s undisputed protagonist was Sandfall Interactive, whose breakout title, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, achieved a rare triple-crown victory. The game, which has captivated audiences with its striking art style and deep, turn-based combat mechanics, secured the coveted Best Game award, along with accolades for Best Narrative and Best Audio. The win cements Sandfall Interactive’s position as a powerhouse to watch. In an era where established franchises often dominate the award circuit, the success of Clair Obscur—a project that blends traditional RPG sensibilities with a unique, painterly aesthetic—underscores a growing appetite among critics and players for bold, original creative visions. Chronology of the 2026 Ceremony The gala, held at the historic Brighton Centre, followed a tight, high-energy schedule that celebrated the breadth of the industry. The Opening Acts: The evening kicked off with technical achievements, setting a tone of appreciation for the underlying infrastructure of game development. The Narrative Sweep: Mid-evening saw the momentum shift toward Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, as it methodically collected its three trophies in quick succession. The Industry Recognitions: As the ceremony moved into the latter half, the focus pivoted toward studio-wide excellence. Frontier Developments was crowned Best Studio, a recognition of their operational scale and the successful launch of Jurassic World Evolution 3. The Milestone Awards: The final segments of the night were reserved for legacy and impact. No Man’s Sky, Hello Games’ space exploration titan, was awarded the inaugural Best Ongoing Game award, reflecting the industry’s shift toward honoring long-term commitment to community and content updates. The Star Recipient: The ceremony culminated with the presentation of the "Develop:Star Award," bestowed upon Ustwo Games, the creative force behind the Monument Valley franchise. Supporting Data and The Full Winners’ Circle The 2026 winners represent a diverse cross-section of the industry, ranging from indie collectives to global publishing giants. The following list highlights the key categories that defined this year’s competition: Best Game: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Sandfall Interactive) Best Narrative: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Sandfall Interactive) Best Audio: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Sandfall Interactive) Best Studio: Frontier Developments Best Original IP: Peak (Landfall & Aggro Crab) Best Small Studio: Jointly awarded to Landfall and Aggro Crab Publishing Star: Sony Interactive Entertainment Best Visual Art: Ghost of Yōtei (Sucker Punch Productions) Best Ongoing Game: No Man’s Sky (Hello Games) Best Mobile Game: PowerWash Simulator (FuturLab) The joint recognition of Landfall and Aggro Crab for Best Small Studio and Best Original IP provided a heartwarming moment of camaraderie, illustrating the spirit of collaboration that continues to drive the independent development scene. Official Responses and Industry Sentiment The atmosphere at the event was one of collective relief and celebration, particularly following a challenging period for the global games industry. Andy Lane, managing director of Tandem Events, expressed his gratitude to the attendees during his closing remarks. "Thank you to everyone who joined us for The Develop:Star Awards last night and congratulations to all the winners and those shortlisted," Lane stated. "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." Industry veterans noted that the caliber of entries in 2026 was particularly high. The shift toward recognizing "Ongoing Games" marks a significant evolution in how the Develop:Star Awards views the lifespan of a product. In the past, awards were often skewed toward the "launch window" of a game; by introducing the Best Ongoing Game category, the organizers have acknowledged that a game’s lifecycle—and the studio’s responsibility to its players—does not end at the initial release date. Implications for the Future of Development The 2026 Develop:Star Awards offer several insights into where the industry is heading as we approach the latter half of the decade. 1. The Renaissance of Original IP While licensed titles like Jurassic World Evolution 3 continue to perform well commercially, the critical success of Clair Obscur and the collaborative win for Peak signal that original, risky, and stylized content is currently the most effective way to capture the "prestige" side of the market. Publishers and investors are likely to take note of this trend, potentially leading to increased funding for non-franchise titles in the 2027-2028 cycle. 2. The Evolution of Live Services The inclusion of No Man’s Sky in the winner’s list for Best Ongoing Game is a significant indicator of the industry’s changing values. It suggests that longevity and consistent, high-quality post-launch support are now valued just as highly as the initial product. Developers are being pushed to view their games as "living" projects rather than static products. 3. Studio Culture as a Key Metric The recognition of Ustwo Games as the "Star Recipient" highlights the importance of studio culture. Ustwo has long been lauded not just for their games, but for their commitment to design ethics and the well-being of their staff. By honoring them, the Develop:Star Awards is reinforcing the idea that sustainable, ethical, and creative studio management is the bedrock of long-term industry success. 4. Technical Sophistication The win for Sucker Punch’s Ghost of Yōtei in the Best Visual Art category serves as a reminder that as hardware capabilities increase, the industry’s standard for visual fidelity is also shifting. The expectation is no longer just "photorealism," but rather a distinct, intentional artistic identity that separates a game from the crowd. Looking Ahead: Develop:Brighton 2027 As the confetti settles in the Brighton Centre, the industry is already looking toward the future. The organizers have confirmed that the Develop:Star Awards will return on Wednesday, July 14, 2027. This ceremony will once again be the centerpiece of the broader Develop:Brighton conference, which is scheduled to run from July 13 to July 15. If the 2026 event is any indication, the coming year will be defined by an even greater emphasis on cross-studio collaboration and the pursuit of narrative-driven experiences. For developers, publishers, and fans alike, the message is clear: the industry is resilient, innovative, and deeply committed to the craft of storytelling. As studios return to their desks, the bar has been set high by this year’s winners, setting the stage for what promises to be an equally competitive and celebratory 2027. Post navigation Beyond the Block: How 4J Studios is Attempting to Reinvent the Voxel Genre with Reforj
