Gaming
Sakurai Ends Game Designers Award After 16 Years
Word Game, a Traditional Chinese text puzzle localized for Japan, becomes the final winner after an overwhelming judging vote.
The Japan Game Awards' Game Designers Award will not return after 16 years. Masahiro Sakurai explained the decision during a presentation at the 2026 Japan Game Awards ceremony, saying he could not find a suitable successor.
Sakurai founded the award in 2010 to recognize creativity and originality. He said he searched for a replacement for several years, including making presentations to find a candidate, but nobody stepped forward. The award required someone with experience directing innovative games, and the existing judges could not take over the role.
Word Game is the final winner
The final award went to Word Game, a text-based puzzle game from independent studio Team9. Originally made with Traditional Chinese characters, it was localized for Japanese players. The 11-member judging committee included Hideki Kamiya, Yoko Taro, and Toby Fox, and the game won by an overwhelming majority in the second round of judging.
That makes Word Game the last title to receive the award. Recent winners included Viewfinder, Indika, and RPG Time: The Legend of Wright. Sakurai also said he hopes players will continue to take an interest in creative games after the award is gone. The report on the decision includes his explanation of why the award could not continue.