Game Maker’s Sketchbook, the annual celebration of artistry in interactive entertainment, powered by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS), iam8bit, and fortyseven communications, has revealed the official selections for its fifth annual showcase.
Honoring the imagination, craftsmanship, visual storytelling and creativity in the beautiful interactive surfaces and game worlds that players love, this year’s collection invites fans and collectors alike to celebrate the enduring power of art in and around games. The works are now available to view through the Game Maker’s Sketchbook online gallery and will also be exhibited during Summer Game Fest: Play Days from Saturday, June 6, 2026, through Monday, June 8, 2026, in Los Angeles, CA.
“Game Maker’s Sketchbook exists to honor the incredible artists whose work defines how we experience games – the images, worlds, and visual identities that stay with players for a long time,” said Meggan Scavio, president of the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, in a press release. “For our fifth year, we’re proud to spotlight the art that makes every bit of interactive entertainment so compelling.”
This year’s selections spotlight an extraordinary range of artistic contributions from across the global games industry – from evocative concept paintings and richly imagined environments to iconic character designs and striking storyboards that capture the emotion and energy of interactive storytelling. Featured works include works from artists at Capcom, Double Fine Productions/Xbox Game Studios, Gearbox Software/2K Games, Out of Space, O. & Co. Games, DotEmu, Guard Crush Games, Supamonks, Bellring Games/Skystone Games, ustwo games, We Are Muesli, Speculative Agency, Soft Rains, Zapdot, and Warhorse Studios/Deep Silver.
“We’re deeply grateful to our jurors for the care, insight, and thoughtfulness they brought to this year’s selections, and incredibly thankful to the players, fans, and collectors whose support helps uplift charitable programs that directly benefit the people and communities behind the art of games,” Scavio added. “Through these prints, fans are not only celebrating extraordinary works of interactive art, but also helping support the next generation of creators who bring these worlds to life.”
Fans, collectors, and supporters can pre-order high-quality prints through the iam8bit store until June 25. Every purchase directly supports nonprofit initiatives led by the Day of the Devs and AIAS Foundation, celebrating the art of games while fostering a more inclusive and creatively vibrant future for games through scholarships, mentorships, educational programs, and opportunities that champion emerging voices in the industry.
The comprehensive list of 2026 Game Maker’s Sketchbook selections can be viewed on the Game Maker’s Sketchbook website.