The “RPG Magnifico” award takes its inspiration from the Goblin Magnifico award in terms of its format and objectives, and aims to become an international benchmark for those who write, publish and play tabletop role-playing games. Its aim is to identify, recognise and promote the most deserving works in the sector.
Created by Ludo Labo and hosted by Play – The Games Festival, “RPG Magnifico” has two goals: informing the public about the common methods and forms of tabletop role-playing games; rewarding international excellence.
A jury – composed of industry experts – proposes, selects, tests and evaluates new releases, regardless of their country of origin.
Based on five criteria (coherence, aesthetics, playability, originality and solidity, as detailed in the rules) the jury selects a shortlist of role-playing games that have stood out during the indicated period.
At the end of the selection process, during Play – The Games Festival, a single game is awarded the title of RPG Magnifico!
RPG Magnifico 2026
Play – The Games Festival 2026 will host the final ceremony of the RPG Magnifico 2026 award. Inspired by the Goblin Magnifico but differing in its aims and format, the RPG Magnifico award aims to promote high-quality gaming and encourage a broader vision of the world of role-playing games.
The initial selection covered role-playing games available on the international retail market (physical or digital) between November 2024 and December 2025. The jury selected an initial list of 28 games deemed worthy of consideration.
This initial phase was followed by a period during which the jury tested each of the titles, either individually or in groups, in preparation for the vote that resulted in a shortlist of five games. These finalist games then took centre stage in the final phase of the RPG Magnifico award: MagnifiCon, a gaming gathering of the jury, at the end of which the winning game was chosen and the reasons for the award were set out.
2026 WINNER
Draw Steel
Lead Designer: James Introcaso
Publisher: MCDM Productions
Â
A heroic tactical design that knows exactly what it wants to be and states it with rare honesty. Draws on the d20 tradition whilst rejecting its structural problems through deliberate and bold mechanical choices. Comprehensive, solid and unambiguous rules. A game that delivers on the promises made to its audience.
2026 FINALISTS
Daggerheart
Lead Designer: Spenser Starke
Publisher: Darrington Press
A flexible and immediately accessible system that effectively balances storytelling and mechanics. The Hope/Fear mechanic creates an engaging pace of play. An excellent entry point for new players. Outstanding production value, with everything needed to play included in the core set.
Legend in the Mist
Created by: Amit Moshe
Publisher: Son of Oak Game Studio
Â
Distinctive aesthetics and lots of personality, featuring one of the best introductory comics seen in a role-playing game manual. The rustic take on fantasy is unusual and bold: at the table, the game’s intimate, community-focused scale can surprise even those looking for something entirely different.
Mythic Bastionland
Game and Layout: Chris McDowall
Publisher: Bastionland Press
Â
Outstanding evocative power and uncompromising design consistency. The minimalist mechanics, inherited from the OSR tradition, serve the Arthurian imagery—filtered through McDowall’s visionary lens—with surgical precision. Artistic direction of the highest calibre, inseparable from the game’s identity. The rulebook is visually stunning and conceptually sound.
Wilderfeast
Author & Writer: KC Shi
Publisher: Horrible Guild
Â
An original and bold concept that brings to the table themes not often found in pen-and-paper RPGs. Mechanics that are organic and consistent with the premise: hunting, cooking, surviving. Warm aesthetics with a strong character, perfectly attuned to the tone of the game. The experience is immediately recognisable from the cover and true to each of its promises.
