The Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association (CESA) has selected and awarded outstanding computer entertainment software products for all computer platforms including home video game consoles and personal computers since 1996 based on the spirit of "openness", "fairness" and "justness".

Considering computer entertainment software to be a cultural form, the event is held to contribute to its growth and also to vitalize the computer entertainment software industry. By encouraging voting by the public and publicizing nominated and awarded products, it is hoped that the social recognition of the computer entertainment software industry will be expanded and advanced.

The Japan Game Awards holds a more open and significant awards program by presenting awards for both "titles" and "people." The three awards for "titles" are the "Games of the Year Division," for existing released titles, "Future Division" for unreleased titles, and "Amateur Division" for original works that have not been commercially marketed whether created by a juridical entity, organization, or individual. 　In addition, starting in 2010 the "Game Designers Award" for original, innovative, and creative titles that could become an indicator of future market development has been newly added to the "Games of the Year Division." 　Further, the "Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award" has been awarded since 2008 to people who have contributed to the development of the industry.