The Ivors Academy (formerly BASCA) has launched a new annual Ivors Composer Awards ceremony, dedicated exclusively to composers of all genres and media, including a new video game music category. This expanded event marks the culmination of 71 years of composer recognition, uniting past Ivors composer traditions into one celebration. Below we explain every detail: what the awards are, why they were created, how they differ from the traditional Ivor Novello Awards, the 2026 event specifics, categories (including video games), submission rules, industry impact, and more.
What Are the Ivors Composer Awards and Why Were They Created?
The Ivors Composer Awards are a brand-new ceremony created by The Ivors Academy to “celebrate outstanding composition” in the UK and Ireland. Unlike the existing Ivor Novello Awards (which focus largely on songwriting and pop music), the Composer Awards focus solely on composers and original music.
The Academy explains that this new event brings “71 years of celebrating compositional excellence” into “an elevated and unified moment” to honor composers and their craft across all genres. In announcing the awards, CEO Roberto Neri said it is “the culmination of 71 years of championing compositional excellence”. In other words, the Ivors Composer Awards were created to give composers – including those in film, television, theatre, dance, and video games – a dedicated platform where their work is the sole focus.
The Ivors Academy Introduces a New Awards Ceremony for Composers Explained
In April 2026 The Ivors Academy officially announced details of this new ceremony. The Composer Awards are a standalone event, separate from the spring Ivors (songwriting) ceremony. This new ceremony will “recognize sustained contributions to music through a number of nominated award categories”, meaning it will honor composers for creative excellence in their field. The Academy highlights that the awards will celebrate composers “across all genres and disciplines,” bringing together composers of orchestral, choral, film/TV, community, experimental and video game music.
In essence, The Ivors Academy is broadening its scope: instead of music by songwriters and recording artists, the Composer Awards will spotlight original scores and compositions in many forms. The official announcement emphasizes that more original music will be eligible, “from stage to screen, games, streaming, radio, festivals, in communities and beyond,” reflecting the full breadth of contemporary composition.
Ivors Composer Awards 2026 Date, Venue, and Event Details
The first Ivors Composer Awards will take place 17 November 2026 in London. According to The Ivors Academy, the awards ceremony is booked for Grosvenor House on Park Lane, London. This follows the successful 2025 Ivors ceremony at the same hotel (when it was sponsored by Amazon Music), but now in a new November slot. The Composer Awards will be part of a larger “Ivors Composer Week” running 16–20 November 2026. Composer Week includes a full-day Composer Summit on 16 November (with panels and workshops) and likely other events to “broaden the celebration and empowerment of composers”.
The official site notes: “The Ivors Composer Awards 2026 will take place at Grosvenor House on Park Lane, London, welcoming composers, the film, TV, games and music industries”. In short, composers and industry professionals from across media will gather in London in mid-November 2026 for this new event. Submissions for works (see below) will open on 1 June 2026, after which finalists will be announced and winners revealed at the November ceremony.
Why Video Game Music Is Now Recognized at the Ivors Composer Awards
One of the headline changes is that video game music has its own place at the Composer Awards. Historically, game soundtracks were mostly overlooked in song-focused awards. But in recent years, composers and critics have argued that video game scores deserve recognition on par with film/TV scores. The Ivors announcement explicitly includes video games among the categories of original music to be honored. The Academy states that eligible works now include those “heard by UK audiences for the first time” in formats like film, TV and video games.
This change reflects broader industry trends. Game soundtracks have grown hugely popular and sophisticated – some now “fill concert halls” like pop music does, as BBC Proms even dedicated a gaming music concert in 2022. Meanwhile, major awards bodies have started adding game music categories: the Grammy Awards introduced a “Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games” category in 2022, and the Oscars/Gobel (British Game Awards) also honor game music.
By recognizing video games, The Ivors Academy acknowledges that composers creating game music are producing art as creatively valuable as film or TV composers. As composer Joris de Man (Killzone 2) reflected, winning an Ivor in 2010 was “recognition for the whole video games music industry”. The new category continues that trajectory, signaling that video game scores are now taken as seriously by the British composing community as any other form of new music.
Full List of Ivors Composer Awards Categories Including Video Games
The Ivors Composer Awards will feature multiple nominated categories spanning classical, screen and community music. According to the official release, categories will include:
- Small-Scale Composition (e.g. chamber, solo, electroacoustic works)
- Large-Scale Composition (e.g. symphonic, large ensemble works)
- Vocal and Choral Composition
- Community and Participation Composition (works involving community or educational groups)
- Original Music for Documentaries
- Original Music for Television
- Original Music for Film
- Original Music for Video Games
- Performance (dance, theatre, opera)
The Video Game category is explicitly listed as “Original Music for Video Games”. Winning works in each of these categories will receive an Ivor Novello Award statuette (the bronze Euterpe muse statue). Notably, there will also be awards “in the gift of The Ivors Academy” – likely lifetime achievement or outstanding contribution awards – as in past ceremonies. Overall, this lineup means that a video game composer’s score will compete alongside film and TV scores and even concert compositions, all under one roof.
How the Ivors Composer Awards Differ From the Ivor Novello Awards
While both ceremonies are presented by The Ivors Academy, they serve different purposes. The Ivor Novello Awards (often simply called “The Ivors”) occur each spring and focus on songwriting and popular music composition. In contrast, the Ivors Composer Awards (newly launched) occur each November and concentrate exclusively on composed music (classical, screen, community, game, etc.). As one industry article notes, The Ivors Academy is “perhaps best known for the Ivor Novello Awards, but will soon host a new ceremony to specifically celebrate composers and their craft.”.
In practical terms, think of the Composer Awards as an outgrowth of The Ivors that shines a spotlight on composers of theatrical, film/TV, classical and game music, whereas the May Ivors remain the premier awards for songwriters and pop/rock albums. The Composer Awards are sponsored by PRS for Music and broadcast on BBC Radio 3, highlighting their focus on composition. In summary, the Ivors Composer Awards elevate composer-focused genres that were only a subset of the old Ivors, effectively giving composers their own dedicated ceremony.
Eligibility Rules for the Ivors Composer Awards and Who Can Apply
The eligibility criteria mirror those of past Ivors composer competitions. To enter, a composer must be British, Irish, or a UK resident. The work submitted must be an original composition that was heard by UK audiences for the first time during the eligibility period (typically the previous year). In other words, the work should have premiered or been released in the UK in the relevant time window.
There are no genre restrictions beyond the category definitions: whether it’s orchestral, electronic, jazz, or game music, it can be submitted if it fits a category. Composers usually submit via the Ivors Academy website, providing score details and recording/production credits. (As always, composers should ensure all collaborators are credited and that they hold the rights to submit the work.) The main points are nationality/residency and first UK performance: only UK/Ireland-based composers of newly debuted music can apply. This makes the awards nationally focused, celebrating local composers who have reached audiences in the UK.
When Submissions Open for the Ivors Composer Awards 2026
The Ivors Composer Awards 2026 submissions open on 1 June 2026. That means composers should prepare to enter eligible works starting that date. The deadline for entries has not been announced in the press release, but historically Ivors entry periods run for a few months. Composers will be able to log into the Ivors Academy entry portal (on their website) on 1 June to upload scores and supporting materials. Winners will then be announced after judging in the autumn. In short, mark calendars for 1 June 2026 as the opening of the entry period. (Exact deadlines and category forms will be confirmed on The Ivors Academy site closer to the time.)
How Video Game Composers Can Submit Their Work for Ivors Recognition
Video game composers follow the same process as others. Once submissions open on 1 June, composers of game soundtracks should submit under the Original Music for Video Games category. They will need to provide information about the game title, platform, composer(s) name, and proof of UK release or first performance. The Ivors Academy will likely provide specific instructions on category selection and file formats on its entry portal.
As the press noted, “Composers wishing to submit their works … will be able to do so from June 1, 2026”, so game composers should prepare their material in advance. In practice, a video game composer should compile the score recordings and documentation of the game’s release date, then enter via the online form selecting the video game category. By June 1, eligible composers of game soundtracks can submit their work for Ivors consideration.
Why the Gaming Industry Is Gaining Recognition in Major Music Awards
Video game music’s rise reflects the medium’s huge cultural and economic impact. Games now rival films and music in revenue, and their soundtracks often feature full orchestras and top composers. This has led major awards to take notice. For example, in 2022 the Recording Academy (Grammys) announced a brand-new category for Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media. Similarly, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences and BAFTA have long recognized game music.
The Ivors Composer Awards follow this trend by formally including game music alongside film and TV. Industry veterans point out that game music is everywhere – streaming, vinyl releases, concert tours – making its recognition by traditional music bodies logical. As Brian Schmidt (founder of the Game Audio Network Guild) notes, the fact that untold hours of game music are being pressed to vinyl and covered by live musicians shows how the industry now values game scores. In summary, the gaming industry’s creative achievements have led to growing respect: game soundtracks now appear on charts and concert halls, so major awards (Grammys, Ivors, etc.) are adding dedicated categories to honor that artistry.
Past Video Game Music Winners at the Ivors and Their Impact
Although the Ivors Composer Awards are new, The Ivors Academy has previously honored game music on several occasions, showing a history of game composer recognition. The first Ivors for video game music came in 2010 when Killzone 2 composer Joris de Man won the inaugural Ivor Novello Award for Best Original Video Game Score. He later won again in 2018 for his score to Horizon Zero Dawn. More recently, British composer John Konsolakis won Best Original Video Game Score at The Ivors 2025 for the game Farewell North.
These wins had a wider impact. De Man has said that winning his first Ivor was incredible and that it “was recognition for the whole of the video games music industry”. Such accolades have helped legitimize video game composition in the eyes of the public and media. (For example, after his Ivor wins, Joris’s Horizon score was performed in halls worldwide).
Similarly, John Konsolakis’s recent Ivor highlighted a genre – adventure games with original scores – that previously flew under the radar. Each time a game composer wins an Ivors award, it raises awareness that game music is on par with film/TV music. In sum, the Ivors have already helped shine a spotlight on game composers, paving the way for the new Composer Awards to celebrate them more fully.
What This Means for the Future of Video Game Soundtracks
The inclusion of video games in the Ivors Composer Awards is a positive sign for the future of game music. It means that game composers can now earn the same level of industry recognition as film and TV composers. Many expect this will encourage even higher-profile music for games: developers may allocate bigger budgets to orchestral scores, and composers may take more creative risks knowing their work can win prestigious awards.
For the audience and industry, this move helps blur the line between game music and other media. Composers like Joris de Man note that modern game music is written so it “not only enhances the game but can also work outside of this setting”. As game music receives accolades, more listeners pay attention – perhaps streaming game soundtracks or attending live concerts of game themes. One observer noted that seeing game music pressed on vinyl and performed live is “all validating” for composers.
With the Ivors now firmly recognizing games, we can expect game soundtracks to become even more sophisticated and integrated into mainstream music culture. In short, this heralds a future where great video game scores are common competitors for major music awards and enjoy a wider audience.
How the Ivors Composer Week Expands Opportunities for Composers
Beyond the awards night itself, Ivors Composer Week (16–20 November 2026) will create new opportunities for networking, learning and collaboration. The week is designed to “broaden the celebration and empowerment of composers”. In practice, this means a series of events: for example, the full-day Composer Summit on 16 November will likely feature panels, workshops and masterclasses with award-winning composers and industry experts. (In past Ivors events, summits have included sessions on composing for film, rights management, and technology. We can expect similar content for composers of screen and game media.)
By bringing together established and emerging composers from film, TV, games, classical and other fields, the Ivors Composer Week fosters cross-genre collaboration. Composers can network with directors, producers and fellow musicians, potentially landing new scoring projects. The Ivors Academy has run successful composer/songwriter summits in the past to connect creators. With this new focused week, video game composers in particular gain a chance to engage with film/TV composers – a rare spotlight moment. Overall, the expanded week of events elevates the role of composers in the industry and creates concrete support (learning resources, mentorship, industry access) that goes beyond handing out trophies.
Industry Reactions to the Ivors Composer Awards Announcement
The announcement of the Ivors Composer Awards has been met with enthusiasm in both the games and music communities. Industry publications quickly highlighted the expansion. For instance, Game Developer magazine noted that the new ceremony will “welcome composers across the movie, television, video game, and music industries”, underscoring how broadly the awards will cast their net. The Violin Channel (a classical music news site) emphasized that the awards will “recognize sustained contributions to music through a number of nominated award categories”, reflecting the prestige of the event.
On social media and forums, many video game composers and fans have celebrated the news, calling it long overdue. Veteran game composers who have lobbied for more recognition in the past have publicly praised the Ivors Academy for this step. While there have been no official quotes from composers released yet, the community consensus is clear: the dedicated video game music category has been welcomed as overdue recognition. Even GamesIndustry.biz (through a WN Hub summary) pointed out that The Ivors Academy has historically honored game scores since 2010 and now continues that tradition. In summary, music and game industry observers see this as a positive, progressive change that validates the contributions of game composers on a world-class stage.
How the Ivors Composer Awards Elevate Film, TV, and Game Music Globally
By creating a single platform for film, TV, classical and game music, the Ivors Composer Awards help elevate all these art forms on the world stage. Winners of these awards will “join a roll call of the most talented composers” including legendary names like John Barry, Stephen Sondheim, Anoushka Shankar and Brian Eno. That association gives game and screen composers instant prestige. It signals to the global industry that a composer from a video game or indie film can now stand alongside Oscar-winning film composers as an Ivors honoree.
Moreover, The Ivors Academy has international visibility; British-Irish composers often score American films and games. By recognizing them at home, the awards highlight British/Irish talent globally. This also aligns with other international awards: for example, the Oscars have long honored film scores, and now the Ivors will similarly honor game scores, reinforcing the medium’s legitimacy. In short, the Ivors Composer Awards put composers of screen media, including video games, under a global spotlight – a clear message that music for film, TV and games is on equal footing in the art of composition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are the Ivors Composer Awards?
These are a new annual awards ceremony by The Ivors Academy (starting 2026) dedicated entirely to composers. They honor original compositions (classical, film/TV, community, opera, and game music) by British, Irish or UK-resident composers. The awards celebrate creative excellence in composition and give composers a standalone platform separate from the songwriting-focused Ivors. - When and where is the Ivors Composer Awards 2026 ceremony?
The inaugural Ivors Composer Awards ceremony will be held on 17 November 2026 in London, at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House on Park Lane. The event is part of Ivors Composer Week (16–20 Nov 2026). - Who is eligible to enter?
Eligibility is open to composers who are British, Irish or UK residents, with works that were first heard by UK audiences during the eligibility period. In other words, composers (and their publishers) in the UK or Ireland can submit original scores that premiered in the UK that year. - How and when can composers submit their work?
Submissions open on 1 June 2026. Composers must enter via The Ivors Academy online portal and select the appropriate category (e.g. film, TV, game). They’ll need to upload the score details, recordings and any supporting documentation. The Ivors website will provide the entry forms when entries open. - What is the new video game music category?
Yes – one category is specifically for video games: “Original Music for Video Games.” Eligible game composers should submit under that category once entries open. - What do winners receive?
Winners in each category receive the iconic Ivor Novello Award statuette (a bronze sculpture of the muse Euterpe). This is the same trophy awarded at the traditional Ivors. - How do the Composer Awards differ from the Ivor Novello Awards?
The Ivors Composer Awards are a new, separate ceremony. The traditional Ivor Novello Awards (held in spring) mainly honor songwriting and popular music. The Composer Awards (fall 2026 onward) focus purely on original composition across classical and media genres (film, TV, games, community, etc.). - Why was a video game music category added?
Because video game soundtracks have become a significant art form, widely enjoyed and critically acclaimed. The Ivors Academy wants to recognize game composers just as it does film/TV and classical composers. The press release notes that this expands eligibility to “games” alongside stage and screen, reflecting the medium’s creative maturity (e.g. games now have Grammy categories). - When is the submission deadline?
As of now, only the opening date is announced (1 June 2026). The exact closing deadline will be announced later by The Ivors. In past Ivors entry cycles, deadlines have typically been a few months after opening, so likely summer/autumn 2026. Composers should watch The Ivors website for the final deadline. - Who won the first Ivors award for video game music?
The very first Ivor Novello Award for a video game soundtrack went to Joris de Man for Killzone 2 (May 2010). He called it a historic moment for the industry. Since then, game composers like Joris (again for Horizon Zero Dawn, 2018) and John Konsolakis (for Farewell North, 2025) have won Ivors for game music.
Conclusion
The Ivors Academy’s launch of the Composer Awards with a new video game category is a landmark development for composers. It creates a unified, high-profile celebration of composition that spans from chamber music to blockbuster video games. We now have one ceremony (in November) dedicated entirely to composers’ craft.
This not only honors the Ivors’ 71-year legacy, but also puts British and Irish game composers in the spotlight. With submissions opening on June 1, 2026, composers across film, television, stage and gaming have a new goal – and the gaming industry in particular gains a meaningful seat at the table. Ultimately, these awards will help to elevate the status of all screen and game music, encouraging innovation and celebrating the artistry of composers on a global stage.
Sources and Citations
- The Ivors Academy – press release
https://ivorsacademy.com/news/the-ivors-academy-announces-the-ivors-composer-awards-uniting-71-years-celebrating-composers-in-an-expanded-annual-ceremony/ - The Ivors Academy – The Ivors Composer Awards
https://ivorsacademy.com/the-ivors-composer-awards/ - PRS for Music – Joris de Man on Killzone 2 score
https://www.prsformusic.com/m-magazine/features/joris-de-man-i-wrote-that-killzone-2-horizon-zero-dawn-ivors-video-game-music - PRS for Music – The Ivors 2025 winners
https://www.prsformusic.com/m-magazine/news/the-ivors-2025-winners - Game Developer – Ivors Composers Awards video game composers
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/audio/newly-launched-ivors-composers-awards-will-honor-video-game-composers - The Violin Channel – Ivors Academy Announces New Ivors Composer Awards
https://theviolinchannel.com/ivors-academy-announces-new-ivors-composer-awards/ - WNHub/GamesIndustry – Ivors Composer Awards video game music
https://wnhub.io/news/other/item-50657 - Wikipedia – Ivor Novello Awards
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivor_Novello_Awards
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