Northern Forge Studios and Runaway Play lead Green Games Jam Awards 2026
The 2026 Green Games Jam Awards, hosted by Playing for the Planet, celebrated achievements in sustainable game development and environmental storytelling at an event held at BFI Southbank. The ceremony presented eleven awards recognizing developers’ commitment to environmental responsibility and meaningful environmental narratives.
Northern Forge Studios and Runaway Play emerged as leading honorees, each receiving two awards. Northern Forge Studios won Best Small Studio and UNEP’s Choice for Orna: The GPS RPG, while Runaway Play claimed Best Storytelling for Flutter: Butterfly Sanctuary and Google’s Choice for Splash – Fish Aquarium. Both studios’ winning titles demonstrate how interactive media can engage players with environmental themes.
Beyond competitive categories, the event recognized prominent industry figures for their broader impact. CD Projekt Red received the Changemaker award for its commitment to sustainable practices, while Ustwo CEO Maria Sayans was honored with the Champion award for her leadership and advocacy in promoting environmental responsibility within the gaming industry.
The awards underscore the gaming industry’s growing focus on environmental sustainability and the role games can play in environmental education and storytelling. By recognizing studios of varying sizes and established industry leaders, the Green Games Jam Awards highlight expanding momentum toward sustainable game development practices across the sector.