About the PMAs

We Celebrate
the Art of
Virtual Photography

Games became canvases. Players became photographers.

Our Story→

What Is

Virtual Photography?

Virtual photography in video games is a captivating form of art that leverages in-game photo modes to capture and immortalise the breathtaking visuals and moments within digital landscapes.

Much like traditional photography, virtual photographers use their skills to frame, compose, and capture scenes, characters, and environments within video games.

“It’s creativity. It’s passion. It’s a global movement.”

Alan Wake 2

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater

Resident Evil Requiem

About the Award

More Than an Awards Show

The Photo Mode Awards is a celebration of both the artistry of virtual photographers and the visionary game developers who have shaped the future of in-game photography. We honour and amplify the remarkable world of photo mode, where players capture breathtaking snapshots, turning video games into stunning visual landscapes.

Our mission is to shine a spotlight on the creative brilliance that thrives within the gaming community. We recognise the skilled photographers who use virtual environments to create works of art and the game developers who design powerful, intuitive photo mode features.

Each year, the Photo Mode Awards highlights the best and most captivating entries from around the world, celebrating both established talents and new voices in virtual photography.

This is more than just an awards event — it's a community where virtual photographers unite, share their vision, and demonstrate how the world of gaming photography is evolving.

Championing Indie

The Hardest Game
is Getting
Discovered

Independent developers pour years of passion, creativity, and limited resources into building worlds that deserve to be seen. Yet in an industry dominated by multi-million dollar marketing budgets, discoverability remains one of the biggest challenges they face.

That’s a responsibility we take seriously. The Indie Category exists because we believe platforms like ours have a genuine obligation to amplify the voices that need it most.

2026 Featured Indie Titles

CairnThe Game Bakers

Grounded 2Obsidian Entertainment

Sword of the SeaGiant Squid

The Alters11 Bit Studios

OutboundSquare Glade Games

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33Sandfall Interactive

HerdlingOkomotive

Fast FusionShin'en Multimedia

Our Mission

Why the PMAs Exist

Celebrate Creativity

We celebrate the incredible talent of virtual photographers worldwide — every frame, every composition, every story told through a lens.

Spotlight Developers

We shine a light on the studios and photo modes that make this art form possible — amplifying their work to a passionate, engaged audience.

Build a Community

We bring together a global community of thousands that inspires, supports, and grows together across platforms and continents.

Push the Artform Forward

We aim to elevate virtual photography to the recognition it truly deserves — proving that games are one of the most powerful creative mediums of our time.

Impact

The PMAs by the Numbers

Countries

Global reach across all PMAs

Entries

Across all PMAs to date

0K+

Website Views

Per year

0.00M+

Impressions

Across our socials

Community Votes

In PMA 2025 alone

Meet the Team Behind the PMAs

Three co-founders. One shared mission.

@CoalaBR14

CoalaTV

Co-Founder

Program & Execution

Virtual photographer and creative director based in Australia. Leads the structure, strategy, and execution of the Photo Mode Awards — from category design and judge selection to partner relationships with studios including NVIDIA GeForce, Ubisoft, PlayStation Studios, CD Projekt Red, and Bandai Namco.

All-time Favourite

Red Dead Redemption 2

@Sarokeye

Sarokeye

Co-Founder

Creative & Visual Identity

Virtual photographer based in Canada and the creative force behind the PMAs visual identity, graphics, and aesthetic direction. PlayStation Playmaker and Red Bull Capture Point winner. Sara ensures every touchpoint of the awards — from nominee cards to social assets — reflects the artistry at the heart of the community.

All-time Favourite

The Last of Us Part II

@KeenEyeVP

KeenEyeVP

Co-Founder

Community & Communications

Virtual photographer and Ubisoft Partner Creator from Australia. Troy leads the PMAs social presence, community engagement, and communications — building the bridges between the awards and the global virtual photography community. He has spent years fostering creativity and connection across the space.

All-time Favourite

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Our Journey

2023

The idea is born

A small community with a big dream.

2024

The PMAs launch

First awards season with incredible support.

2025

Going global

Thousands of entries from over 70 countries.

2026

People's Curator

A new way for the community to be part of the journey.

2027+

The future

Continuing to grow, evolve and inspire.

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.