Origins Game Fair

Gen Con Highlight: Celebrating Origins Awards Winners

One of the highlights of Gen Con was delivering the awards to two of this year's Origins Awards winners.

Pictured below:
Gateway Game: Railroad Tiles- Horrible Guild
Designers- Hjalmar Hach and Lorenzo Silva,
Artists- Francesco De Bendittis and Barla Tranquilli

Randomized Constructable Game: Gudnak: Expansion Bundle- Chaotic Great Games
Designers- Tim O'Brien and Ian Oliver
Artist: Vittoria Pompolani

Congratulations again to this year's outstanding winners!

Save the date for Origins Game Fair 2027!
June 9-13th, 2027

For a limited time, you can purchase your Origins Game Fair 2027 badge at 2026 pricing! This special pricing is available through AUGUST 31, 2026, making it the best time to reserve your spot for next year's convention! Head to the link to register today! https://bit.ly/4y8kaMz

📣 GAMA members only 📣

Calling all Publishers and Creators, the Winter Wishlist is back for 2026!

Help retailers discover this season's must-have products by submitting up to three titles per category:
Hottest New Releases (released after April 30, 2026, with delivery guaranteed before November 30, 2026)
Coolest Seasonal Favorites (winter/holiday-themed products).
To submit or for more information head to https://wkf.ms/4wWWglQ
Submissions are due Friday, August 15, 2026.

Not a GAMA member, head to https://bit.ly/whyjoingama

Do you have a favorite local game store? Here is your chance to celebrate them.

Every great game store has a story, and now is your chance to help tell it. Think about the retailer or café that welcomes new players, builds an incredible community, hosts memorable events, and helps you discover your next favorite game. Share what makes their business stand out, whether it is exceptional customer service, innovative programming, a unique atmosphere, or a commitment to growing the tabletop hobby.

Your nomination could help shine a spotlight on the businesses that inspire, connect, and grow the tabletop community every day.

Nominate Your favorite local store or cafe here: https://bit.ly/2RL0DA3

The 49th Annual Origins Awards Winner for Sustainability Award

Kavango.
Published by Mazaza Games, and designed by Matt Brown and Zara Reid.

This award recognizes games with thoughtful production and the publishers that take strides towards sustainable manufacturing to reduce the impact on the natural environment.

The 49th Annual Origins Awards Winner for Fan Favorite Game of the Year

Shard Bugs
Publisher: Shard Bugs LLC
Designer: Luis Silva, Nathan Pelchat, and Greg Sakoff
Artist: Kundu Del Castillo

Since 1975, The Origins Awards recognize excellence in game and product design, increase awareness and sales for the nominees, finalists, and winners, and elevate the Origins Game Fair convention, and hobby games in general. Each day, we will be highlighting a new winner of the 49th Annual Origins Awards.

The 49th Annual Origins Awards Winner for Randomized Constructible Game of the Year

Gudnak: Expansion Bundle
Publisher: Chaotic Great Games
Designer: Tim O’Brien and Ian Oliver
Artist: Vittoria Pompolani

Since 1975, The Origins Awards recognize excellence in game and product design, increase awareness and sales for the nominees, finalists, and winners, and elevate the Origins Game Fair convention, and hobby games in general. Each day, we will be highlighting a new winner of the 49th Annual Origins Awards.

The 49th Annual Origins Awards Winner for Fixed Constructible Game of the Year

Riftbound: Proving Grounds
Publisher: UVS Games & Riot Games
Designers: David Smith and Jon Moormann

Since 1975, The Origins Awards recognize excellence in game and product design, increase awareness and sales for the nominees, finalists, and winners, and elevate the Origins Game Fair convention, and hobby games in general. Each day, we will be highlighting a new winner of the 49th Annual Origins Awards.