The 29th Annual DICE Awards nominations have spotlighted two major contenders, with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Ghost of Yōtei each securing an impressive eight nominations, including the coveted Game of the Year category. Announced on January 9, 2026, these early frontrunners set the stage for a competitive ceremony celebrating industry excellence.
The parity in nominations between the Sandfall Interactive and Kepler Interactive title, and Sucker Punch Productions’ adventure, underscores a particularly strong year for gaming innovation. Both titles captivated critics and players, leading to their prominent recognition across various categories.
Beyond the leading duo, other notable contenders emerged. Embark Studios’ Arc Raiders and Adhoc Studios’ Dispatch each garnered six nominations, also competing for Game of the Year. Dogubomb’s Blue Prince followed with five nominations, solidifying its position as a strong independent title alongside Kojima Productions’ Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Warhorse Studios’ Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.
Beyond Game of the Year: Performance and Independent Excellence
While the Game of the Year race remains a key focus, the DICE Awards 2026 nominations also celebrated individual and studio achievements. Actors Jennifer English and Maxence Cazorla received nods for their performances as Melle and Esquie in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, while Erika Ishii was recognized for her role as Atsu in Ghost of Yōtei. These nominations highlight the increasing appreciation for nuanced character portrayals in modern gaming narratives.
Independent titles also received significant attention, signaling a robust and innovative indie scene. Dispatch and Blue Prince earned nominations for Outstanding Achievement for an Independent Game. They joined Devolver Digital’s Baby Steps, Hexecutable’s Consume Me, and Panic Inc.’s Despelote, showcasing the diverse creativity flourishing outside major publishers. This recognition from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) is crucial for smaller studios.
The full list of nominees, as reported by GamesIndustry.biz on January 9, 2026, reveals a broad spectrum of categories, including specific genre awards for RPG, Action, Adventure, and Mobile games. This detailed breakdown ensures a comprehensive celebration of the industry’s varied contributions.
A legacy honored: Evan Wells and the AIAS Hall of Fame
In addition to competitive awards, the DICE Awards ceremony serves as a platform to honor industry legends. Former Naughty Dog co-CEO Evan Wells will be inducted into the AIAS Hall of Fame during the event. This prestigious recognition celebrates Wells’ significant contributions to game development, particularly his leadership at a studio behind iconic titles like Uncharted and The Last of Us.
Neil Druckmann, a long-time collaborator and creative director at Naughty Dog, will present Wells with the honor. The induction underscores the importance of leadership and sustained impact in shaping the gaming landscape. The ceremony itself is scheduled for February 12, 2026, at 8 PM PT, held at the Aria Resort in Las Vegas, coinciding with the annual DICE conference.
This year’s DICE Awards 2026 nominations reflect a blend of established franchises and fresh, innovative experiences. From the detailed world-building of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 to the anticipated Hades 2 and Monster Hunter Wilds, the nominations paint a picture of a vibrant and evolving industry. The inclusion of mobile and immersive reality games further demonstrates the expanding boundaries of interactive entertainment.
As the gaming community anticipates the DICE Awards ceremony, the strong showing by Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Ghost of Yōtei highlights a year rich with diverse and compelling interactive experiences. Their eight nominations each, including for Game of the Year, suggest a potential shift in what defines industry-leading titles. The awards promise not only to recognize current achievements but also to set a benchmark for future innovation, celebrating both blockbuster hits and the vital contributions of independent creators, all while honoring the legends who shaped the industry.
