Entry Forms Open for the Inaugural Celenic Game Inspired Fiction Awards (CGIFA)
Shaun M Jooste 
Video games have become one of the most influential storytelling mediums of the modern era. From unforgettable characters and immersive worlds to emotional narratives and innovative gameplay, they have inspired millions of players—and countless writers—to create original works of fiction. To celebrate this unique creative relationship, Celenic Earth Publications is proud to announce the launch of the Celenic Game Inspired Fiction Awards (CGIFA), an annual international literary awards programme dedicated to recognising exceptional independent authors whose stories have been shaped by the magic of gaming.
A New Home for Game-Inspired Literature
For many years, literary awards have recognised excellence across genres such as fantasy, horror, science fiction, romance, and historical fiction. Yet there has been very little recognition for authors whose creativity has been influenced by the experiences found within video games.
Whether it is the haunting atmosphere of a psychological horror game, the sense of discovery found in an open-world adventure, the tension of survival gameplay, or the emotional journey of an unforgettable RPG, video games have become a powerful source of artistic inspiration. CGIFA has been created to celebrate authors who transform those experiences into original novels.
Presented annually by Celenic Earth Publications, the awards focus exclusively on originality, creativity, and the connection between gaming and literature. This is not a competition for licensed game novels or fan fiction, but for authors who create entirely new worlds inspired by interactive storytelling.
Two Unique Competitions, One Shared Passion
The inaugural CGIFA introduces two distinct competitions, each recognising a different relationship between books and video games.
The Game Inspired Fiction Awards celebrate novels that were directly inspired by one or more video games during the creative writing process. Authors are invited to explain how specific gameplay mechanics, atmosphere, worldbuilding, music, emotional moments, or other elements helped shape their original stories.
The Books Like Games Awards recognise novels that recreate the feeling and experience of playing memorable games. These stories immerse readers in adventures that capture the excitement, progression, exploration, and atmosphere of gaming while remaining completely original.
Authors may enter one or both competitions, provided their novel satisfies the eligibility requirements.
Highlights of the inaugural CGIFA include:
- Two dedicated competitions celebrating different forms of game-inspired storytelling.
- International recognition for independent authors and publishers.
- Human judging using transparent evaluation criteria.
- Promotional exposure for accepted entrants throughout the awards season.
- Official CGIFA certificates and award laurels for recognised authors.
Supporting Independent Authors Around the World
CGIFA has been created with independent authors at its heart. Self-published writers, independent publishers, and authors with completed unpublished manuscripts often produce extraordinary stories, yet many lack access to the recognition and promotional opportunities available within traditional publishing.
Rather than competing directly with large publishing houses, CGIFA focuses on providing a platform where independent voices can be discovered, celebrated, and promoted. Every accepted entrant has the opportunity to be showcased through the official CGIFA website and Celenic Earth Publications’ promotional channels before judging even begins.
Transparency is another cornerstone of the awards. Every eligible submission is evaluated entirely by human judges, while artificial intelligence is used only to create promotional graphics for social media and marketing. Manuscripts and supporting creative documents are never submitted to AI systems for analysis, editing, or judging, ensuring that every author’s work remains respected throughout the process.
Be Part of CGIFA History
Entries for the inaugural Celenic Game Inspired Fiction Awards are now officially open, with an Early Bird deadline of 15 September 2026 and a final submission deadline of 31 October 2026. Judging will take place during January 2027, with finalists announced on 14 February 2027 and the inaugural winners revealed on 28 February 2027.
Whether your novel was inspired by the unforgettable moments of your favourite game or delivers an immersive experience that feels like stepping into a virtual world, CGIFA invites you to share your story with an international audience and become part of a brand-new literary tradition.
Ready to enter or learn more? Visit the official 2026 Celenic Game Inspired Fiction Awards (CGIFA) page to explore the competitions, review the eligibility requirements, submit your entry, and discover how your novel could become one of the inaugural CGIFA winners.
The next great game-inspired story could be yours. We look forward to celebrating it.
