All games that were released onto the Japanese market between April 1, 2012, and March 31, 2013.

1. All computer entertainment games are eligible, including those operable on consumer-oriented home video game consoles (stationary or portable-type) or personal computers, regardless of platform type.
2. Games produced by non-members of the Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association are also eligible.(Games must, however, comply with CESA ethics codes).
3. The Japanese versions of foreign game titles are also eligible.

• Grand Award (1 title)
• Award for Excellence (number unspecified)
• Global Award / Japanese Product (1 title) Foreign Product (1 title)
• Best Sales Award (1 title)
• Special Award (awarded only if there are appropriate recipients)
• Game Designers Award (1 title)

After the general voting is completed, the Japan Game Awards selection committee will be called to select the winners on the basis of the following selection criteria. The product evaluated highest as the game of the year will be presented with the "Grand Award", and the "Award for Excellence" will be presented to other games which receive high ratings.
The "Global Award" will be presented for both the Japanese title and foreign title most highly appraised overseas.The "Best Sales Award" will be presented for the best-selling title sold in Japan during the specified period.The "Special Award" may be given to titles or producers which the committee deems appropriate for the award.

Winners for each award are selected in accordance with the evaluation of the following five game elements as well as the evaluation of users.

1.Design

The plan and organization of the game are evaluated.

2.Programming

Programming techniques used to create the game software are evaluated.

3.Graphics

Imaging and graphics used in the game are evaluated.

4.Sound

Sound quality and effects used in the game are evaluated.

5.Scenario

The development of the storyline in the game is evaluated.

6.User evaluation

The following two types of data will be used as references in the judging session.
※1.The result of general voting will be used as an evaluation reference to determine the winner of the "Grand Award" and the "Award for Excellence".
※2.Sales volumes will be used as an evaluation reference at the judging session.（※Depending on the type of award, numerical data from both inside and outside of Japan may be referenced.）

To select the award a screening panel consisting of creators separate from the Japan Game Awards Selection Committee was established.
The entries are awarded points on a scale of 1 to 10 by each judge and then the winner is selected based on the point totals.
The final winner is determined with the approval of the Japan Game Awards Selection Committee.

The awards are selected based on the following selection criteria 1 and 2 below, which are used for the detailed judging and evaluation.

1. Creativity：Incorporates new ideas that are a clear departure from existing works.
2. Originality：Works that expand the form of game software by presenting new ways for the user to enjoy and play with the game.

The above evaluations 1 and 2 are combined to select excellent titles that have the potential to become an indicator of future market development.