DICE Awards

DICE Awards History

The DICE (Design, Innovate, Communicate, Entertain) Awards celebrates the very best in interactive entertainment. Well regarded in the industry, the Awards focus notably on creative and technical artistic achievements in the field of video games.

The DICE Awards were established by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the worldwide interactive entertainment community. Since its inception in 1996, the Awards have grown in prestige and influence, with an increasingly diverse range of categories that reflect the evolving landscape of interactive entertainment.

Close to the heart of the DICE Awards is a commitment to fostering innovation across the industry. Whether through applauding breakthrough performance in established categories, or recognizing cutting-edge developments in burgeoning fields such as virtual and augmented reality. The renowned event normally takes place in early to mid-February and is often considered a major milestone in the gaming calendar.

Top 8 Facts for DICE Awards in 2026

• The 29th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards are headlined by Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Ghost of Yōtei, which both lead the field with eight nominations each, including the prestigious Game of the Year honor.
• Former Naughty Dog Co-President Evan Wells will be inducted into the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame, joining industry legends for his contributions to iconic series such as Crash Bandicoot and Uncharted.
• The Game of the Year category features a distinct lineup compared to other major industry events, with Arc Raiders, Blue Prince, and Dispatch joining the top-nominated titles in the final selection.
• Unlike many other high-profile televised ceremonies, the D.I.C.E. Awards are uniquely voted on by a panel of active game developers and industry peers rather than media members or the general public.
• The multi-nominated title Dispatch has gained significant attention for its strong showing at this year's event, securing six nominations including Outstanding Achievement in Story and Outstanding Achievement in Game Direction.
• Long-awaited sequels and major releases like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Monster Hunter Wilds are competing in technical categories, with Death Stranding 2 specifically recognized for its Outstanding Achievement in Animation and Art Direction.
• The ceremony remains a strictly professional affair focused on honoring creative excellence, famously eschewing the world premieres and cinematic trailers common at other gaming showcases.
• Nintendo's Mario Kart World has notably secured a spot in the Online Game of the Year category, facing off against competitors like Battlefield 6 and Marvel Rivals.

In the News and Trending for DICE Awards

Top things to do for DICE Awards

• Play an award winning game. The 2021 DICE awards featured many critically acclaimed games. You can search by game or by category to find one that interests you.
• If you or anyone you know has been working on a game they feel deserves praise, why not submit it for entry in the 2022 DICE awards? You can browse through the rules and procedures for submissions.
• Watch the 2021 DICE awards if you missed it.