Celebrating Excellence in World-Building Across Speculative Fiction & Gaming
London, UK – January 5th 2026
Key Facts:
- bridges literature and gaming
- inaugurated at Worldcon 25, Glasgow
- 1st year prize awarded at The World Fantasy Convention 2025, Brighton
- winner: Rogba Payne’s novel The Dance of Shadows
- entries need to have been published in the UK in 2025
- submissions will close at the end of March 2026
The Aldiss Award, dedicated to celebrating exceptional world-building in science fiction and fantasy across literature and gaming, is excited to announce its 2026 submissions window opening. This distinguished annual award honours the rich legacy of Brian Aldiss, a Grand Master of science fiction, by spotlighting visionary creators who transport audiences to extraordinary realms.
Eligibility and Submissions
Submissions are open to UK-based independent publishers and publishing houses. Any eligible speculative fiction or gaming work first published in 2025 may be entered. Full submission guidelines and entry fees are available on the official Aldiss Award website.
“World-building is the foundation on which truly memorable speculative fiction is built. The Aldiss Award exists to recognise those creators who take that foundation seriously and push it in bold, imaginative directions.” – Allen Stroud, Chair of Judges
Winners and shortlisted titles for the 2026 Aldiss Award will be announced later in the year, with updates shared via the Aldiss Award website and official channels.
Key aspects of the awards include:
– Categories: The Aldiss Award will be presented to a Best Novel or Best Game, emphasising extraordinary achievements in world-building.
– Judging Panel: A panel of esteemed judges, including acclaimed authors, gaming & literary industry experts, and influential figures within both communities, will assess the entries.
– Award Ceremony: An annual event, where winners will be celebrated and honoured for their groundbreaking contributions to the genre.
The Aldiss Award seeks to carve out a prestigious place within the science fiction, fantasy and gaming communities, celebrating the profound impact of world-building on culture and storytelling. By recognising and supporting those who excel in the art of world-building, the award aims to inspire future generations of authors, game developers, and story tellers. The not-for-profit initiative is to recognise excellence in a vibrant community, both in the UK and globally, united by a shared passion for speculative fiction.
About The Aldiss Award:
The Aldiss Award celebrates and honours the exceptional skill of world-building in science fiction and fantasy across literature and gaming. Esteemed for its connection to the legacy of Brian Aldiss, a Grand Master of science fiction, this award shines a spotlight on creative works that transport audiences to extraordinary realms. By recognising and supporting visionary creators, The Aldiss Award elevates the genre and fosters a vibrant community dedicated to the art of storytelling.
2025 shortlist: https://thealdissaward.com/the-2025-shortlist/
2025 winner: https://thealdissaward.com/and-the-winner-is-rogba-payne-for-the-dances-of-shadows/
Contact Information:
For more information, please contact:
Tim Aldiss, The Aldiss Award Ltd, +44 (0) 7703291665 info@thealdissaward.com