The 29th annual D.I.C.E. Awards took place on February 12, 2026, at the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, celebrating the most outstanding video games released in the previous year. The event recognized both the games and their developers, highlighting the dynamic nature of the industry.
A wide array of categories showcased the diversity of talent within game development. This year’s awards featured numerous nominees across various genres, ensuring that a broad spectrum of games received recognition. The awards are a prestigious occasion in the gaming calendar, drawing attention from industry insiders and fans alike.
Winners Announced Across Multiple Categories
Among the notable winners, the award for Game of the Year went to Starfield, a title that captivated audiences with its vast universe and engaging gameplay. Similarly, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom secured the award for Outstanding Achievement in Game Design, further solidifying its place as a landmark title in gaming history.
The event also honored individual achievements, with Hideo Kojima, renowned for his innovative storytelling, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. His contributions have significantly shaped the gaming landscape, influencing countless developers and games.
In total, the D.I.C.E. Awards presented a variety of accolades, including Best Narrative, Best Art Direction, and Best Audio. These categories not only recognize commercial success but also celebrate artistic vision and technical excellence.
The full list of nominees and winners included:
– **Game of the Year**:
– Winner: Starfield
– Nominees: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Resident Evil 4, Final Fantasy XVI
– **Outstanding Achievement in Game Design**:
– Winner: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
– Nominees: Starfield, Spider-Man 2, Baldur’s Gate 3
– **Best Narrative**:
– Winner: Hades II
– Nominees: Final Fantasy XVI, Ghost of Tsushima: Legends, Life is Strange: True Colors
– **Best Art Direction**:
– Winner: Disney Illusion Island
– Nominees: Hollow Knight: Silksong, Starfield, Gris
– **Best Audio**:
– Winner: God of War Ragnarök
– Nominees: Resident Evil 4, Final Fantasy XVI, Starfield
The D.I.C.E. Awards serve as an important platform for recognizing creativity and innovation in the rapidly evolving gaming industry. For those interested in the previous year’s winners, the Shacknews article “Year of the Games: 2025” highlights the excellent titles and developers celebrated in 2025.
As the gaming community reflects on this year’s achievements, the anticipation for future innovations remains high, with developers continually pushing the boundaries of what video games can achieve.
