Virtual Photography Competition
The PhotoMode Awards
Celebrating the world's finest video game photography. Judged by industry professionals. Open worldwide.
- CountriesFrom every continent
- 80+
- EntriesAcross all PMAs to date
- 8,000+
- ImpressionsAcross our socials
- 1.05M+
- Community VotesIn the 2026 PMAs alone
- 5,850+
Supported by
The Art of Virtual Photography
Where reality ends & imagination begins
Photo mode transforms every player into an artist. Pause, frame, light, compose, and capture moments that rival traditional photography.
The Photo Mode Awards celebrates the creators pushing this craft forward, from quiet character studies to cinematic landscapes.
- Curator2 Apr
- Nominate7 Apr
- Enter1 Jun
- Vote29 Jun
- Judging30 Jun
- Winners15 Aug
And the categories are...
Alan Wake 2People
This style of photography is all about trying to capture the personality, expressions, and emotions/connections of an individual (person or fantasy) or group of individuals by utilizing the background atmosphere, poses, and lighting.
Cyberpunk 2077Architecture
Architecture photography generally means photography that focuses on buildings, structures, and urban/fantasy environments, showcasing creativity in composition and design. It can include shooting building exteriors and interiors, as well as bridges, other structures, and cityscapes.
Armored Core VIAction
Captures will contain a high intensity scene with dynamic moments, showcasing movement, energy, and vitality in various contexts, from sports to a fight scene.
Death Stranding Director's CutClose Up
The Close Up category focuses on capturing detailed and intimate shots of a subject. This type of photography allows for a deeper exploration of texture and fine details.
Assassin's Creed ShadowsNature
Nature photography is focused on elements of the outdoors. Specific subjects may include landscapes, wildlife, flora, and other elements of the environment.
The AltersIndie
This category focuses on the unique and visually stunning worlds crafted by independent game developers.
Control Resonant is OUT NOW!
The signal is coming through. Step into the next chapter of the Control universe as reality begins to fracture across a twisted Manhattan.
Learn More →
From the editorial All stories →
Photo Mode ReviewKingdom Come: Deliverance II Photo Mode Review
You can move the sun and light Henry like a studio portrait. You just can't take the camera more than five metres from him.
13 Oct 2026 · 6 min read
GuideHow to Photograph Alien: Isolation, Twelve Years On
Alien: Isolation never shipped a photo mode. Cinematic Tools gives you a free camera, real focus control, and enough time to hold the xenomorph still and photograph Sevastopol the way it was built to be seen.
6 Oct 2026 · 9 min read
Photo Mode Review007 First Light Photo Mode Review: IO Interactive Finally Hands Over the Camera
IO Interactive has been building photographable worlds for a decade and never handing over a camera. Four lights, twenty-two poses and a real f-stop later, Bond is finally worth photographing properly.
2 Oct 2026 · 8 min read
For developers and publishers
Photo mode.Player creativity.A global stage.
Players are already capturing your game at its best. The PMAs put that work in front of a worldwide audience, from the entries to the live awards show.
- A yearly global awards show built around photo mode
- 1.05M+ impressions a year across gaming and virtual photography audiences
- High-quality, brand-safe community art from your game
- Partnerships shaped around your game and your launch
Featured: DOOM: The Dark AgesThe PMAs 2026 in numbers
- Submissions
- 2,800+
- Countries
- 80+
- Community votes
- 5,850+
Amazing activation and looking forward to seeing the next year's awards.
Marcin MomotGlobal Community & Social Media DirectorCD PROJEKT REDOne of my favourite things to witness is people coming together to share their passion and creativity. The Photo Mode Awards raised the bar on presentation!
Kevin MacAllisterBrand & Communications ManagerBend StudioWhat an incredible event! It is such a brilliant way to celebrate the games and the art people are capturing.
Laura BeitzelSenior Community & Social Media ManagerCD PROJEKT RED
Every Choice Creates a New You
Every choice creates a different you. In The Alters, create alternate versions of Jan Dolski, manage your crew, and survive on a hostile planet in this unique sci-fi survival adventure from 11 bit studios. Available now on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.
Learn More →
Every screenshot is a decision: about light, about framing, about the story you want to tell. That's what makes it art.
Creativity with Purpose
The PMAs is proud to support the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. 100% of funds raised through our community go directly to the hospital, supporting children and families when they need it most.
