The following are the winners of the 7th annual (1980) Origins Award, presented at Origins 1981:
| Category | Winner | Company | Designer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Pre-20th Century Game of 1980 | Empires of the Middle Ages | SPI | |
| Best 20th Century Game of 1980 | Crescendo of Doom | Avalon Hill | |
| Best Fantasy or Science Fiction Game of 1980 | Azhanti High Lightning | GDW | |
| Best Computer Game of 1980 | Temple of Apshai | Automated Simulations | |
| Best Initial Release of a Boardgame of 1980 | Streets of Stalingrad | Phoenix | |
| Best Professional Magazine Covering Boardgames of 1980 | Fire & Movement | Baron Publishing | |
| Best Amateur Magazine Covering the Hobby in General of 1980 | HMS Review | ||
| Adventure Gaming Hall of Fame | E. Gary Gygax | ||
| Gamers choice of 1980 | Ace of Aces | Nova Games |
The H. G. Wells Awards
edit| Category | Winner | Company | Designer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Historical Figure Series of 1980 | Condotierre | Ral Partha | |
| Best Fantasy or Science Fiction Figure Series of 1980 | Personalities | Ral Partha | |
| Best Vehicular Model Series of 1980 | Micro Armor | GHQ | |
| Best Miniatures Rules of 1980 | TacForce | GDW | |
| Best Roleplaying Rules of 1980 | DragonQuest | SPI | |
| Best Roleplaying Adventure of 1980 | Twilight Peaks | GDW | |
| Best Magazine Covering Miniatures of 1980 | The Courier | ||
| Best Magazine Covering Roleplaying of 1980 | Journal of the Travellers Aid Society | GDW | |
| All Time Best Pre-Napoleonic Gunpowder Miniatures Rules of 1980 | Renaissance Rules | WRG | |
| All Time Best Air Combat Miniatures Rules of 1980 | Basic/Advanced Fighter | Lou Zocchi |