Frequently asked questions

Since 2002, the TOMMI Games Award has been presented annually to recognize high-quality digital games and educational offerings for children and young people, bringing them to the attention of a wider audience. First, a jury of renowned trade journalists, educators, and scholars selects the nominees. Then, a jury of children and young people in about 50 libraries across the German-speaking world has its say.
At TOMMI, children always have the final say!

In the TOMMI Kita Award category : Best Family Game, Prof. Dr. Stefan Aufenanger from Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz and his team test submissions in preschools. After the nominations are announced, the games are tested with children in public libraries. The awards ceremony always takes place the following year at the Kita Online Congress.

As a publisher, you can participate in this category by filling out the registration form.

TOMMI relies on the involvement and participation of children between the ages of 8 and 16. On average, between 3,000 and 4,000 girls and boys actively participate in the pricing process.

The TOMMI aims to teach children and school classes how to deal critically with computer, educational and console games as well as apps, thus promoting children's media literacy.

The TOMMI strengthens children's understanding of democracy as they deal with other opinions in the test phase and also formulate their arguments in writing.

The idea for TOMMI was conceived in 2002 and originated with media expert, journalist, and children’s and young adult author Thomas Feibel and his office for children’s media. TOMMI sought to cast computers and children in a positive light, since at the time the medium was only receiving negative media coverage (the “killer game” debate).

The TOMMI began with awards for PC games. Later, console games, electronic toys and digital educational offerings were added. A children's jury was initially sought via the ZDF children's and youth program, which tested at home.

Since 2008, the TOMMI has been held in public libraries, as this has allowed the project to reach many more children and provided opportunities for media education support. The TOMMI is the most prestigious award for digital products for children and young people in the German-speaking world and will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026!

Entries for the Kita Games Award include apps, electronic toys, PC and console games, educational software, serious games, and other products.
The age rating limit is USK 12. All products that were newly released or are scheduled for release within the past year and will remain available at least until the end of the respective calendar year are eligible to participate.
To ensure a smooth process, we need approximately 20 copies or codes per title, as well as the completed ONLINE registration form. The submitted games will remain with the expert jury.

Once a year.
The call for submissions of games and other digital products for children is typically issued in June or July. The testing phase in libraries takes place between September and November.

The award ceremony will take place at the end of December on KiKA during the TV show “Team Timster.” The Kita Award is always presented at the beginning of the following year at the Kita Online Congress.

Children between the ages of 8 and 16 who are familiar with video games can apply at the libraries listed below. Entire school classes are also welcome to join the libraries’ children’s and youth juries.

A list of libraries with contact details can be found here.
Details on registration can be found here.

Publishers of apps, PC and console games, as well as electronic toys and digital educational offerings, submit their games online here.
A jury of well-known trade journalists, renowned media educators, and education experts selects the nominees. Then it’s the children’s turn at around 50 libraries. Between 3,000 and 4,000 girls and boys participate each year.
Until 2019, the award was presented as part of the Frankfurt Book Fair.
Since 2020, the award ceremony has taken place as part of the “Timster” program on KiKa (ARD and ZDF), both on TV and online.

Public libraries wishing to participate in TOMMI with a children's jury should contact:

German Library Association
Kathrin Hartmann
Coordinator of the Competence Network for Libraries (knb),
Head of Projects and Programs,
Deputy Managing Director
030. 644 98 99 15
hartmann(at)bibliotheksverband.de
www.bibliotheksverband.de
www.bibliotheksportal.de

Or write directly to the organizer, Thomas Feibel, at
info(at)tommi.kids

Public libraries have long been leaders in the education sector when it comes to teaching a wide variety of reading skills. This applies not only to books, but also to electronic media and games. Libraries provide the place, the games and equipment, and above all, competent staff to assist.
In addition, libraries are a democratic institution: Here, children who may not be able to afford computers, consoles or tablets at home gain access to new media. In the library, they learn how to use them competently. School classes regularly participate in TOMMI.
A complete list of participating libraries can be found here.

The TOMMI awards annually in the following categories:

• Apps
• Education
• Electronic toy
• Console games
• PC games
• Youth prize games
• Youth Award Education
• Best family game daycare center