A flagship annual literary awards programme presented by Celenic Earth Publications.
Where Video Games Inspire Extraordinary Stories
Celebrating original fiction that draws inspiration from the worlds, emotions, mechanics, and unforgettable experiences of video games.
Presented annually by Celenic Earth Publications, the Celenic Game Inspired Fiction Awards (CGIFA – pronounced See-Gee-Fuh with a hard G like in Game) recognise authors who transform the magic of interactive storytelling into compelling original novels.
Whether your work was directly inspired by a video game or captures the immersive experience of playing one, CGIFA offers two unique international competitions designed to celebrate the growing connection between gaming and literature.
Join authors from around the world, showcase your creativity, gain international exposure, and compete for official CGIFA recognition.
Entries Now Open
Early Bird Deadline: 15 September 2026
Final Entry Deadline: 31 October 2026
Choose Your Competition
- 🎮 Game Inspired Fiction Awards – For novels directly inspired by one or more video games.
- 📚 Books Like Games Awards – For novels that recreate the feeling and experience of playing unforgettable games.
Original Stories. Human Judging. Global Recognition.
Table of Contents
Welcome to CGIFA
Welcome to the Celenic Game Inspired Fiction Awards (CGIFA), an international annual literary awards programme created to celebrate one of the most exciting intersections in modern storytelling: the relationship between video games and original fiction.
For decades, video games have transported players into unforgettable worlds, introduced iconic characters, challenged us with meaningful choices, and delivered stories that remain with us long after the credits roll. These experiences have inspired countless writers to create original novels that capture the emotion, atmosphere, adventure, mystery, and imagination found within interactive entertainment.
CGIFA was established to recognise and celebrate those authors.
Unlike traditional literary awards, CGIFA focuses exclusively on original fiction connected to the creative influence of video games. Whether your novel was directly inspired by a particular game or recreates the immersive experience of playing one, CGIFA provides a platform to showcase your work, gain international exposure, and compete for prestigious recognition.
Presented by Celenic Earth Publications, CGIFA is built on the principles of originality, creativity, transparency, and respect for authors. Every eligible entry is reviewed by human judges, every accepted entrant receives promotional exposure throughout the awards season, and every winner earns official CGIFA recognition for their achievement.
We invite authors from around the world to share the stories that prove video games are more than entertainment—they are a powerful source of creative inspiration capable of shaping unforgettable works of literature.
Original Stories. Human Judging. Global Recognition. Welcome to CGIFA.
Why CGIFA Exists
Video games have become one of the world’s greatest storytelling mediums. Every day, authors draw inspiration from unforgettable worlds, unforgettable characters, emotional journeys, atmospheric settings, and innovative gameplay mechanics. Yet there has never been an international literary award dedicated to celebrating this unique creative relationship.
The Celenic Game Inspired Fiction Awards (CGIFA) was established to recognise original fiction shaped by the artistry of video games while honouring the creativity and originality of the authors who transform those experiences into new worlds of their own.
Choose Your Competition
The Celenic Game Inspired Fiction Awards (CGIFA) features two distinct competitions, each celebrating a different relationship between video games and original fiction. While both recognise exceptional storytelling, they are judged independently using different criteria.
🎮 Game Inspired Fiction Awards
Celebrating the creative influence of video games.
This competition recognises original novels that have been directly inspired by one or more video games during the creative writing process. Authors are invited to explain how specific gameplay mechanics, atmosphere, characters, music, worldbuilding, emotions, or memorable moments influenced the development of their own original story.
The focus is not on similarity or imitation, but on the creative journey that transformed inspiration into something entirely new.
Ideal for authors who can say:
- “This game inspired my novel.”
- “This mechanic inspired my magic system.”
- “This atmosphere inspired my setting.”
- “This character or moment inspired my protagonist.”
📚 Books Like Games Awards
Celebrating novels that feel like playing unforgettable games.
This competition recognises original novels that successfully recreate the immersive experience of playing a video game, while not originally inspired by games. Entries are judged on how effectively they capture the atmosphere, exploration, progression, tension, worldbuilding, and emotional engagement that readers associate with their favourite games.
Authors nominate the game or games their novel most closely resembles, while remaining completely original and independent of any existing intellectual property.
Ideal for authors who can say:
- “Readers compare my novel to this game.”
- “My book captures the feeling of exploring an open world.”
- “My story recreates the tension of survival horror.”
- “My novel delivers an RPG-style adventure through fiction.”
Which Competition Should You Enter?
Choose Game Inspired Fiction if your novel was creatively inspired by one or more video games during the writing process.
Choose Books Like Games if your novel recreates the experience of playing a memorable video game, regardless of whether that game directly inspired its creation.
If your novel genuinely satisfies the eligibility requirements for both competitions, you are welcome to submit separate entries to each award.
Why Enter CGIFA?
The Celenic Game Inspired Fiction Awards (CGIFA) offers more than the opportunity to win an award. It is a platform designed to celebrate original storytelling, connect authors with new readers, and recognise the growing influence of video games on modern literature.
Whether you’re an independent author, traditionally published writer, or debut novelist, CGIFA provides international exposure, professional recognition, and the chance to become part of a unique community where gaming and fiction come together.
What You Receive as an Accepted Entrant
🌍 International Exposure
Your novel becomes part of an international awards programme presented by Celenic Earth Publications, introducing your work to readers, writers, and gaming enthusiasts around the world.
📖 Official Entrants Showcase
Accepted entries are featured on the official CGIFA Entrants Page, allowing visitors to discover your novel, learn about your inspiration, and explore your work.
📣 Promotional Marketing
Throughout the awards season, accepted entrants may be promoted through the CGIFA website and Celenic Earth Publications’ social media platforms, helping increase awareness of both you and your book.
🏆 Professional Recognition
Compete for Gold, Silver, Bronze, Finalist, and Official Selection honours while becoming part of a growing international literary awards programme dedicated to game-inspired storytelling.
🎖 Official Certificates & Laurels
Winners and recognised entrants receive official CGIFA digital certificates and award laurels that can be displayed on book covers, websites, author profiles, promotional materials, and marketing campaigns.
⚖ Human Judging
Every eligible submission is reviewed and scored by human judges using a transparent judging framework. Your work is evaluated for its creativity, originality, storytelling, and how effectively it fulfils the objectives of its chosen competition.
🤝 A Community That Celebrates Creativity
CGIFA exists to recognise authors who transform their passion for video games into compelling original fiction. By entering, you become part of a community that values imagination, innovation, and the evolution of storytelling across different creative mediums.
Join the Inaugural CGIFA Awards
Become one of the founding authors of the Celenic Game Inspired Fiction Awards and help establish a new international tradition celebrating the extraordinary relationship between video games and literature.
Your story could inspire the next generation of readers—and become part of CGIFA history.
Important Dates
The inaugural Celenic Game Inspired Fiction Awards (CGIFA) follows a structured annual schedule designed to provide every accepted entrant with meaningful exposure before judging begins. Throughout the awards season, accepted entries may be showcased across the CGIFA website and Celenic Earth Publications’ promotional platforms, ensuring that every participating author receives recognition before the winners are announced.
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| 📢 Awards Launch & Entries Open | 6 August 2026 |
| 🐦 Early Bird Entry Deadline | 15 September 2026 |
| 📝 Standard Entry Deadline | 31 October 2026 |
| ✅ Eligibility Review & Entry Confirmation | 1–30 November 2026 |
| 📚 Entrants Showcase & Promotion | November – December 2026 |
| ⚖️ Official Judging Period | 1 January – 31 January 2027 |
| ⭐ Finalists Announced | 14 February 2027 |
| 🏆 CGIFA Winners Announced | 28 February 2027 |
A Season of Recognition
Unlike many literary competitions, CGIFA is more than a single awards announcement. From the moment entries open until the final winners are revealed, the awards celebrate participating authors through promotional opportunities, entrant showcases, and community engagement.
This extended awards season gives readers the opportunity to discover exciting new books while allowing authors to build visibility long before the judging process begins.
Please note that while every effort will be made to adhere to the published schedule, Celenic Earth Publications reserves the right to amend dates where necessary to ensure the fair administration and continued success of the awards. Any changes will be communicated through the official CGIFA website and social media channels.
Entry Fees
CGIFA has been created as an independent international literary awards programme dedicated to celebrating original game-inspired fiction. Entry fees help support the professional administration of the awards while enabling Celenic Earth Publications to promote participating authors throughout the awards season.
Early Bird Entry
US$15 (Available until 15 September 2026)
Take advantage of the discounted Early Bird rate by submitting your entry before the deadline.
Standard Entry
US$20 (16 September – 31 October 2026)
The standard entry fee applies to all eligible submissions received after the Early Bird period.
What Your Entry Fee Supports
Your entry fee contributes towards:
- Professional administration of the awards.
- Human judging and evaluation of every eligible submission.
- Entry verification and eligibility review.
- The official CGIFA Entrants Showcase.
- Promotional articles and social media marketing for accepted entrants.
- Design of official certificates and digital award laurels.
- Website maintenance and competition management.
- The continued development and future growth of the Celenic Game Inspired Fiction Awards.
No Cash Prizes
CGIFA is an awards programme built on recognition, exposure, and literary achievement, rather than financial rewards.
Instead of a cash prize, winners receive official CGIFA recognition, digital award certificates, prestigious CGIFA laurels, promotional exposure, and the distinction of becoming part of the inaugural class of winners in a unique international literary awards programme.
Payment Information
An entry is only considered complete once:
- The online submission form has been completed in full.
- The required supporting material has been received.
- The applicable entry fee has been paid.
- A valid payment reference or transaction ID has been provided.
Incomplete submissions or unpaid entries will not be accepted for judging.
Refund Policy
Entry fees are non-refundable once a submission has been received and the eligibility review process has commenced, except where required by applicable law or where Celenic Earth Publications cancels the awards programme.
Judging
At the Celenic Game Inspired Fiction Awards (CGIFA), every eligible submission is evaluated through a transparent, structured, and entirely human judging process. Our goal is to recognise originality, creativity, and exceptional storytelling while celebrating the unique relationship between video games and literature.
Human Judging
All entries are reviewed and scored by appointed human judge(s).
For the inaugural CGIFA Awards, submissions will be judged by Shaun M. Jooste, founder of Celenic Earth Publications, international author, publisher, screenwriter, narrative designer, game writer, and lifelong gamer.
No artificial intelligence is used to analyse manuscripts, determine scores, or make award decisions.
Independent Authors First
The Celenic Game Inspired Fiction Awards (CGIFA) has been established to recognise and celebrate independent authors who are exploring the exciting relationship between video games and original fiction.
For the inaugural awards, eligibility is limited to:
- Self-published novels.
- Independent publisher titles.
- Boutique publisher titles.
- Hybrid publisher titles.
Novels published through large traditional publishing houses are not eligible for the current awards programme.
This decision reflects CGIFA’s mission to provide greater visibility, recognition, and promotional opportunities for independent authors and small publishers who may not have access to the same marketing resources, industry exposure, or award platforms available to larger publishing organisations.
By focusing on the independent publishing community, CGIFA aims to create a dedicated international platform where emerging voices, innovative storytelling, and original game-inspired fiction can thrive.
As the awards continue to grow, Celenic Earth Publications reserves the right to review and amend eligibility criteria in future editions.
Fair and Independent Assessment
Every eligible submission is assessed against a published judging framework appropriate to its chosen competition.
Entries are evaluated on criteria such as:
- Originality
- Storytelling
- Character development
- Worldbuilding
- Writing quality
- Atmosphere
- Immersion
- Competition-specific criteria
The Game Inspired Fiction Awards also assess how effectively an author has transformed genuine video game inspiration into an original literary work.
The Books Like Games Awards evaluate how successfully a novel recreates the experience and immersion of playing memorable video games while remaining completely original.
Judging Philosophy
CGIFA does not seek novels that imitate existing games or reproduce copyrighted material.
Instead, the awards celebrate authors who:
- Transform inspiration into original storytelling.
- Create memorable characters and worlds.
- Deliver immersive reading experiences.
- Demonstrate creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation.
Originality remains one of the highest priorities throughout the judging process.
Transparency
Judging is conducted independently and professionally using a structured scoring system.
All decisions made by the judge(s) are final.
To protect the integrity of the awards, individual score sheets, rankings, comments, and judging notes are confidential and will not be disclosed unless expressly stated by Celenic Earth Publications.
Conflicts of Interest
Any submission presenting a genuine conflict of interest may be withdrawn from judging or assessed using an alternative process at the discretion of Celenic Earth Publications to preserve the fairness and integrity of the awards.
Our Commitment
CGIFA was created to recognise exceptional authors who bring the spirit of video games into original fiction.
Every submission receives the time, attention, and professional consideration it deserves, ensuring that each award reflects creativity, originality, and excellence in storytelling.
AI Transparency Policy
The Celenic Game Inspired Fiction Awards (CGIFA) and Celenic Earth Publications (CEP) are committed to transparency regarding the use of artificial intelligence throughout the administration and promotion of the awards.
Our priority is to protect authors’ intellectual property while ensuring that every submission is evaluated fairly, professionally, and by human judgement.
Human Creativity Comes First
CGIFA celebrates the creativity, imagination, and originality of human authors.
Every submitted novel, manuscript, and supporting document remains the intellectual property of its creator and will be treated with the respect and confidentiality it deserves.
No AI Review of Submitted Works
CGIFA does not submit entrants’ manuscripts, unpublished novels, Game Inspiration Statements, Books Like Games Statements, or any other submitted creative material to artificial intelligence systems.
Submitted works will not be:
- Analysed by AI.
- Summarised by AI.
- Edited by AI.
- Evaluated by AI.
- Used to generate AI content.
- Uploaded to AI services for interpretation or assessment.
All judging, scoring, and award decisions are conducted solely by appointed human judge(s).
Promotional Use of AI
CGIFA may use artificial intelligence solely to create original promotional graphics for marketing purposes.
These graphics may be used to promote:
- Accepted entrants.
- Finalists.
- Award winners.
- Competition announcements.
- Social media campaigns.
- Official CGIFA website content.
These promotional images are created independently and are not generated from, or based upon, entrants’ manuscripts or unpublished creative works.
Protecting Your Intellectual Property
Authors retain full copyright and ownership of their submitted work.
CGIFA does not claim ownership of any manuscript, story, or supporting material submitted as part of the awards programme.
Only the promotional information voluntarily provided by entrants (such as book titles, book covers, author names, promotional blurbs, and author photographs) may be used for promotional purposes in accordance with the competition rules and the permissions granted during the submission process.
Our Commitment
Transparency is one of the guiding principles of the Celenic Game Inspired Fiction Awards.
By clearly defining how artificial intelligence is—and is not—used within the awards programme, we aim to provide authors with confidence that their work will be handled professionally, respectfully, and with integrity.
At CGIFA, human creativity is celebrated, human judgement is trusted, and authors’ original work remains their own.
Eligibility
The Celenic Game Inspired Fiction Awards (CGIFA) welcomes original works of fiction from independent authors around the world. To ensure fairness, transparency, and consistency, all submissions must meet the following eligibility requirements.
Eligible Works
Entries must be:
- Original works of fiction.
- Written in English.
- Complete novels
- Self-published, published by an independent publisher, or currently unpublished.
- Submitted by the copyright holder or an authorised representative of the copyright holder.
Both previously published and unpublished novels are welcome, provided they satisfy all competition requirements.
Publishing Eligibility
CGIFA has been established to celebrate and support the independent publishing community.
Eligible submissions include:
- Self-published novels.
- Independently published novels.
- Completed unpublished manuscripts intended for publication.
At this time, novels published through major traditional publishing houses are not eligible for entry.
Originality Requirements
All submissions must be the entrant’s own original work.
The following are not eligible:
- Fan fiction.
- Licensed novels based on existing games, films, television series, books, or other intellectual property.
- Unauthorised adaptations.
- Works containing copyrighted characters, settings, stories, or substantial protected content owned by another individual or organisation.
- Incomplete manuscripts.
For the Game Inspired Fiction Awards, entrants must demonstrate how one or more video games inspired the creative development of their novel while ensuring the finished work remains entirely original.
For the Books Like Games Awards, entrants must demonstrate how their novel recreates the experience of playing one or more video games without copying or adapting protected intellectual property.
Entry Requirements
Each submission must include:
- A completed online entry form.
- The complete novel or manuscript in an accepted file format.
- All required supporting documentation.
- Payment of the applicable entry fee.
Incomplete submissions may be rejected or returned for correction before the entry deadline.
Multiple Entries
Authors may submit multiple novels.
Each novel must:
- Be entered separately.
- Have its own completed submission form.
- Pay the applicable entry fee.
A single novel may be entered into both CGIFA competitions if it independently satisfies the eligibility requirements for each competition. Separate submissions and entry fees are required.
Rights and Permissions
Entrants confirm that:
- They own the copyright to the submitted work or have the legal authority to submit it.
- The work does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any third party.
- All information provided during submission is accurate.
Authors retain full copyright and ownership of their work at all times.
Final Eligibility
Celenic Earth Publications reserves the right to verify eligibility, request additional information, and disqualify any submission that fails to comply with the published rules or is found to contain false, misleading, or incomplete information.
The decision of the organisers regarding eligibility is final.
Current Entrants
Entries opening soon.
Sponsors
The Celenic Game Inspired Fiction Awards (CGIFA) is an independent international literary awards programme presented by Celenic Earth Publications. As the awards continue to grow, we welcome partnerships with organisations that share our passion for storytelling, creativity, gaming, and independent publishing.
Become a CGIFA Sponsor
Sponsoring CGIFA is an opportunity to support a unique international initiative that celebrates the creative connection between video games and original fiction while showcasing your brand to a global audience of authors, readers, gamers, publishers, and creative professionals.
We welcome sponsorship enquiries from:
- Independent and traditional game development studios.
- Publishing companies and independent presses.
- Booksellers and online retailers.
- Gaming hardware and accessory manufacturers.
- Software and creative technology companies.
- Streaming and content creation platforms.
- Educational institutions and writing organisations.
- Businesses that support authors, readers, and the gaming community.
Sponsorship Opportunities
CGIFA offers a range of sponsorship opportunities, including:
- Presenting Sponsor
- Category Sponsor
- Awards Ceremony Sponsor
- Official Media Partner
- Community Partner
- Promotional Partner
- Prize Sponsor
- Digital Partner
Each sponsorship package can be tailored to suit your organisation’s objectives and may include branding opportunities across the CGIFA website, promotional campaigns, social media, awards announcements, entrant showcases, and official winner communications.
Why Sponsor CGIFA?
By partnering with CGIFA, your organisation will help:
- Promote independent authors and original storytelling.
- Celebrate the artistic influence of video games on literature.
- Encourage innovation across the gaming and publishing industries.
- Support an annual international literary awards programme dedicated to emerging and established independent voices.
Supporting the Future of CGIFA
Sponsorship plays an important role in the continued growth of the awards. As additional partners join the programme, sponsorship contributions may help expand promotional opportunities, introduce new award categories, enhance winner recognition, and develop future initiatives that benefit the international independent author community.
Partner With Us
If your organisation is interested in becoming an official CGIFA sponsor or partner, we would be delighted to discuss how we can work together to celebrate creativity, storytelling, and the future of game-inspired fiction.
To discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact Celenic Earth Publications through our official contact page.
Contact
Have a question about the Celenic Game Inspired Fiction Awards (CGIFA)?
Whether you need clarification about eligibility, the submission process, judging, entry fees, sponsorship opportunities, or any other aspect of the awards, we’d be happy to assist.
📧 shaunmjooste@celenicearthpublications.com
We aim to respond to all enquiries as promptly as possible. Please include CGIFA in the subject line of your email to help us direct your enquiry efficiently.
Thank you for your interest in the Celenic Game Inspired Fiction Awards. We look forward to celebrating your creativity and welcoming you to the CGIFA community.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is CGIFA?
The Celenic Game Inspired Fiction Awards (CGIFA) is an annual international literary awards programme presented by Celenic Earth Publications. It celebrates original fiction that is either inspired by video games or recreates the experience of playing them.
2. What competitions are available?
CGIFA currently offers two competitions:
- 🎮 Game Inspired Fiction Awards – For novels directly inspired by one or more video games during the creative process.
- 📚 Books Like Games Awards – For novels that recreate the feeling and experience of playing memorable video games.
3. Who can enter?
Authors from any country may enter, provided they meet the published eligibility requirements.
4. Can unpublished manuscripts be entered?
Yes. Completed unpublished novels are eligible for entry.
5. Can self-published books be entered?
Absolutely. CGIFA was created specifically to support and celebrate independent authors and publishers.
6. Are traditionally published books eligible?
No. At this time, CGIFA accepts entries from self-published authors, independent publishers, and completed unpublished manuscripts only. The awards were established to provide greater recognition and promotional opportunities for the independent publishing community.
7. Can I enter more than one novel?
Yes.
Each novel must be submitted separately, accompanied by its own entry form and entry fee.
8. Can I enter the same novel into both competitions?
Yes, provided your novel independently satisfies the eligibility requirements for each competition.
Separate submissions and entry fees are required for each competition entered.
9. Do I keep the copyright to my work?
Yes.
You retain full ownership and copyright of your manuscript and all associated intellectual property.
10. Will my manuscript be shared with AI?
No.
CGIFA does not submit manuscripts, unpublished novels, or supporting creative material to artificial intelligence systems for analysis, editing, summarisation, judging, or any other purpose.
11. Is AI used at all?
Yes, but only for creating promotional graphics for the awards, entrants, finalists, and winners.
AI is never used to judge entries or review manuscripts.
12. How are entries judged?
Every eligible submission is read and evaluated by appointed human judge(s) using a structured scoring framework appropriate to the selected competition.
13. Is the judging anonymous?
The inaugural CGIFA awards are not blind judged, as the submission process includes promotional information and supporting documentation used throughout the awards season.
All entries are nevertheless assessed fairly, professionally, and according to the published judging criteria.
14. What file formats are accepted?
Accepted file formats and upload requirements are listed within the official submission forms, mainly Doc or PDF.
15. Why is there an entry fee?
Entry fees help support the administration of the awards, human judging, promotional activities, website management, entrant showcases, award materials, and the continued growth of CGIFA.
16. Are there cash prizes?
No.
CGIFA focuses on recognition, exposure, and literary achievement rather than financial rewards.
17. What do winners receive?
Depending on their placing, recognised authors may receive:
- Official CGIFA digital certificates.
- Digital award laurels.
- Winner and finalist recognition.
- Promotional exposure through Celenic Earth Publications.
- Permanent recognition within the CGIFA Winners Archive.
18. Will every entrant receive promotion?
Every accepted entry may be featured on the official CGIFA Entrants Showcase and may be promoted through Celenic Earth Publications’ website and social media platforms during the awards season.
19. Can my entry be disqualified?
Yes.
Entries may be disqualified if they fail to meet the published eligibility requirements, contain false information, infringe intellectual property rights, or breach the competition rules.
20. How can I contact CGIFA?
All enquiries should be directed to:
shaunmjooste@celenicearthpublications.com
Please include CGIFA in your subject line to help us process your enquiry efficiently.