Level Up KL SEA Game Awards page during 2025 edition
Written by: Level Up KL team
Publication: Level UP KL website
Date published: Circa 2025
Conquer the Southeast Asian Gaming Frontier
LEVEL UP KL is hosting the SEA Game Awards for the 8th year running since 2017. The SEA Game Awards aims to recognise and celebrate the creativity, innovation, and technical excellence of the finest game developers from the Southeast Asian region.
The award winners will be announced during the SEA Game Awards Ceremony at LEVEL UP KL 2025 on 7th October 2025
===
SEA GAME AWARDS TIMELINE
- 4 July - 3 August
Call for submission
- 4 August - 4 September
Evaluation & Selection Process
- September
Announcement of Finalists
- 7 October
LEVEL UP KL
SEA Game Awards Ceremony
===
BENEFITS
40 Finalists will receive
- 1 metre Showcase Booth at the LEVEL UP KL Expo (7 – 8 October 2025)
- Chance to participate in the LEVEL UP KL Pitch Day (6 October 2025)
- 1x Business Pass for LEVEL UP KL 2025
- 1x Conference Pass for LEVEL UP KL 2025
- Listing in SEA GAME AWARDS 2025 Steam Sale
- Winners will receive a prestigious SEA Game Awards trophy
===
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE
- Game Developer
Open to all Game Developers, Studios and Companies
- AlI SEA Countries
Submissions from SEA countries are eligible for ALL award categories
- Global Countries
Submissions from global countries are only eligible for 'Best International Game Awards'.
===
AWARD CATEGORIES
- Audience Choice Award
Given to the game that receives the most public votes from the attendees at the Level Up KL Conference.
- Rising Star Award
Given to the game that is deemed the most anticipated to be released by a new Studio that has not won any awards before.
- Best Technology Award
Given to the game that showcases cutting-edge technology advancements in game programming, graphics, physics, artificial intelligence, networking and other technical aspects that push the boundaries of interactive entertainment.
- Best Visual Art Award
Given to the game that displays excellence in art direction, visually stunning graphics, characters and world design, technical excellence and artistic cohesion.
- Best Game Design Award
Given to the game that showcases a harmonious cohesion between innovative gameplay mechanics and overall user experience, resulting in an immersive and engaging interactive experience.
- Best Audio Award
Given to the game with the most outstanding use of audio in a game, inclusive of sound effects, sound design and voice acting that brings game worlds to life.
- Best Score & Music Award
Given to the game with the most memorable themes and melodies associated with the game’s world and characters, as well as technical excellence in music production to deliver a professional soundtrack.
- Best Storytelling Award
Given to the game with the best use of narrative, storytelling, complex characters, world-building and emotional impact.
- Best Student Game Award
Given to the best Game developed by student(s) from the Southeast Asia region.
- Grand Jury Award
Given to the best Game unanimously selected by the Jury from the list of finalists.
- Best International Game Award
Given to the game to recognise the best overall game in terms of gameplay, quality of direction, popularity and critical acclaim across any country around the world.
- Sponsored Award
Selected by the Sponsor for the game that most suits their business objectives and direction.
LEVEL UP KL is hosting the SEA Game Awards for the 8th year running since 2017. The SEA Game Awards aims to recognise and celebrate the creativity, innovation, and technical excellence of the finest game developers from the Southeast Asian region.
The award winners will be announced during the SEA Game Awards Ceremony at LEVEL UP KL 2025 on 7th October 2025
===
SEA GAME AWARDS TIMELINE
- 4 July - 3 August
Call for submission
- 4 August - 4 September
Evaluation & Selection Process
- September
Announcement of Finalists
- 7 October
LEVEL UP KL
SEA Game Awards Ceremony
===
BENEFITS
40 Finalists will receive
- 1 metre Showcase Booth at the LEVEL UP KL Expo (7 – 8 October 2025)
- Chance to participate in the LEVEL UP KL Pitch Day (6 October 2025)
- 1x Business Pass for LEVEL UP KL 2025
- 1x Conference Pass for LEVEL UP KL 2025
- Listing in SEA GAME AWARDS 2025 Steam Sale
- Winners will receive a prestigious SEA Game Awards trophy
===
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE
- Game Developer
Open to all Game Developers, Studios and Companies
- AlI SEA Countries
Submissions from SEA countries are eligible for ALL award categories
- Global Countries
Submissions from global countries are only eligible for 'Best International Game Awards'.
===
AWARD CATEGORIES
- Audience Choice Award
Given to the game that receives the most public votes from the attendees at the Level Up KL Conference.
- Rising Star Award
Given to the game that is deemed the most anticipated to be released by a new Studio that has not won any awards before.
- Best Technology Award
Given to the game that showcases cutting-edge technology advancements in game programming, graphics, physics, artificial intelligence, networking and other technical aspects that push the boundaries of interactive entertainment.
- Best Visual Art Award
Given to the game that displays excellence in art direction, visually stunning graphics, characters and world design, technical excellence and artistic cohesion.
- Best Game Design Award
Given to the game that showcases a harmonious cohesion between innovative gameplay mechanics and overall user experience, resulting in an immersive and engaging interactive experience.
- Best Audio Award
Given to the game with the most outstanding use of audio in a game, inclusive of sound effects, sound design and voice acting that brings game worlds to life.
- Best Score & Music Award
Given to the game with the most memorable themes and melodies associated with the game’s world and characters, as well as technical excellence in music production to deliver a professional soundtrack.
- Best Storytelling Award
Given to the game with the best use of narrative, storytelling, complex characters, world-building and emotional impact.
- Best Student Game Award
Given to the best Game developed by student(s) from the Southeast Asia region.
- Grand Jury Award
Given to the best Game unanimously selected by the Jury from the list of finalists.
- Best International Game Award
Given to the game to recognise the best overall game in terms of gameplay, quality of direction, popularity and critical acclaim across any country around the world.
- Sponsored Award
Selected by the Sponsor for the game that most suits their business objectives and direction.