Correction, 5 November 2026: the independent application remains live, but its eligibility page says the submitting publisher must be an Academy member in good standing. Our previous guide cited a nonmember craft-category route from the rules without clearly flagging this form restriction. We could not reverify the complete linked rules during this check, so availability is unconfirmed, not closed, and the October 25 verification timestamp is preserved. Confirm the correct route before paying.
The 30th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards independent form still gives a deadline of 9 December 2026 at 01:00 UTC (8 December, 17:00 PST). The ceremony is scheduled for 18 February 2027 in Las Vegas.
Check release and membership eligibility
This is an awards entry for games with a final general release in North America between 1 January and 31 December 2026, not a route for unreleased concepts. The rules cover console, handheld, Windows, Mac, commercial network, mobile, tablet, browser and VR/XR games. Remakes need demonstrable technical, gameplay or artistic changes; simple remasters and ports are not eligible.
The current independent form requires Academy membership and leaves final eligibility decisions to AIAS. Do not assume the earlier nonmember craft-category guidance provides an exemption from that form's membership requirement.
Budget for the fee and review package
The standard submission fee is US$1,000. A verified independent developer or publisher may receive a US$250 rate, subject to AIAS approval, when entering Outstanding Achievement for an Independent Game. The fee is nonrefundable unless the Academy refuses the submission.
Applicants should expect to supply 22 copies or access credentials, with additional sets for added categories where required, plus two-to-three minutes of 1080p footage per category, at least six in-game screenshots, box art, a game logo and a 100-word description. Each title can choose one genre and at least one craft category. Wumbo Games did not submit, pay or contact the organizer.
Original sources
- Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences — submissions announcement
- 30th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards — official rules and procedures
- 30th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards — independent submission form
Release plans and availability can change. Check the original source for the latest information.