01
People
Personality, expressions and emotions of individuals or groups.
Winner
@niinakaniin.vpGhost of Yōtei · Sucker Punch ProductionsRunner-up
@Photomode.enjoyerPragmata · CAPCOM
Hall of Winners
Photo Mode Awards 2026
Capture of the Year
@amich_vpAlan Wake 2 · Remedy Entertainment
This capture stood out for its incredible use of negative space, texture and light. The sweeping composition draws your eye beautifully across the feathers, creating something incredibly atmospheric and memorable.
The year in review
Photo Mode Awards 2026
Our biggest year yet: 2,800 entries from more than 80 countries, 243 games and 5,850 community votes. Ghost of Yōtei took People and the community’s Best Adventure vote, and two of the runners-up came from Australia. But 2026 belonged to @amich_vp: the Close Up win, Creator of the Year, and a second Capture of the Year two years after the first.
2,800+Submissions
80+Countries
5,850+Community votes
243+Games entered
Highlights
- 2,800+ entries, a 20%+ increase from 2025 as the community continued to grow globally.
- Cyberpunk 2077 topped submissions for the second year running, out of 243 unique games entered in 2026.
- 5,850+ community votes made 2026 the most engaged voting season to date.
Photo Mode Awards · Judged by the panel
Category winners
6 categories, judged blind by our panel. One winner and one runner-up in each.
02
Architecture
Buildings, structures and urban or fantasy environments.
Winner
@Gamer_XICyberpunk 2077 · CD PROJEKT REDRunner-up
@StancingMatrix Awakens · Epic Games03
Action
High-intensity dynamic scenes: movement, energy, vitality.
Winner
@Horizon_VPSenua's Saga: Hellblade II · Ninja TheoryRunner-up
@summers458.bsky.socialGran Turismo 7 · Polyphony Digital04
Close Up
Intimate, detailed shots exploring texture and fine detail.
Winner
@amich_vpAlan Wake 2 · Remedy EntertainmentRunner-up
@FoxPurpleValor Mortis · One More Level Spólka Akcyjna05
Nature
Landscapes, wildlife, flora and the natural outdoors.
Winner
@Axelis_onlineTom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands · UbisoftRunner-up
@im_faisaIBlack Myth: Wukong · Game Science06
Indie
Unique worlds crafted by independent game developers.
Winner
@JB_JawbreakerLost Records: Bloom & Rage · Don't NodRunner-up
@madduke_ingameSword of the Sea · Giant SquidPeople’s Choice · Voted by the community
Best photo modes
The games the community voted best in each genre. Open one to see every nominee.
Creator of the Yearamich@amich_vp
Also nominated
- Saskia@saskia.s.photo.world
- Artenpixels@artenpixels_
- CapturedByAllister@capturedby.allister
- KHAALS.VP@KHAALS.VP
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The Photo Mode Awards is run by a small independent team. Patreon supporters make the platform, prizes, and editorial possible.
Be Part of the LegacySubmissions for the next Photo Mode Awards open 1 June 2027.