DARE Academy
Application

Submit your application below. The closing date for submissions is Friday 29 May 2026 by 23:59.

Judging criteria

Your application will be assessed against four criteria.

Creativity and originality

We want games that push design forward, not rehashes of familiar genres. Show us something new: fresh experiences, original aesthetics, or inventive mechanics. We also want to see that you understand the design challenges ahead and have a clear plan to tackle them.

Audience awareness

Know who your game is for and design accordingly, even if your aim is to challenge your audience. We're also interested in your thinking around business model, revenue streams and how you'd market your game. How will you reach your audience and stand out?

Viability and scope

Demonstrate a realistic development plan with contingency built in. Show us your team has the skills to deliver a polished, audience-ready experience by the end of the competition.

Diversity and accessibility

We want games (and teams) that reflect the diversity of the people who play them. These games will be shown to the public, so inclusive, accessible design matters. Tell us how you're considering the widest possible range of players.

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