This year marked the 24th annual presentation of the DICE Awards. The philosophy behind the video game industry awards can be gleaned from the backronym used in their very title. DICE stands for "design, innovate, communicate, entertain" according to the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, which organizes the ceremony. The winners selected by the Academy are all listed below.
Like many recent industry functions, such as The Game Awards late last year, the 24th Annual DICE Awards were presented in a virtual format due to concerns arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Hosts Kahlief Adams, Jessica Chobot, and Greg Miller were ed by video game developers, designers, and executives throughout the course of the awards show, which was available for streaming on numerous platforms. While the DICE Awards don't feature as many world premier trailers as the Game Awards, the DICE Awards this year offered insightful conversations between s of developers specifically pertaining to certain award categories.
The DICE Awards handed out 23 awards in total this year across a variety of categories. Blockbusters and Ghost of Tsushima, Hades, Half-Life: Alyx, and The Last of Us Part II led the pack in a number of wins, but many more games were honored and celebrated for their achievements in the past year. Without further ado, every award winner from the 24th Annual DICE Awards, starting with Game of the Year.
Hades Wins DICE Awards Game of the Year
The Greek mythology-inspired roguelite Hades from Supergiant Games was a gaming phenomenon this past year. Following 's Game of the Year victory last year at the DICE Awards, Hades marks the second indie game in a row to take home the top prize. Hades also boasted the most total wins, snagging the DICE Award in four more categories. The stylish hack and slash romp through the Ancient Greek underworld surprised and delighted many gamers when it came out last September.
Every Winner at the 24th Annual DICE Awards
All other awards and their winners presented at the 24th Annual DICE Awards:
- Outstanding Achievement in Game Direction - Hades
- Outstanding Achievement in Game Design - Hades
- Mobile Game of the Year - Legends of Runeterra
- Outstanding Achievement for an Independent Game - Hades
- Immersive Reality Game of the Year - Half-Life: Alyx
- Immersive Reality Technical Achievement - Half-Life: Alyx
- Online Game of the Year - Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout
- Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year - Microsoft Flight Simulator
- Sports Game of the Year - Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2
- Role-Playing Game of the Year - Final Fantasy VII Remake
- Racing Game of the Year - Mario Kart Live
- Fighting Game of the Year - Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate
- Family Game of the Year - Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Adventure Game of the Year - Ghost of Tsushima
- Action Game of the Year - Hades
- Outstanding Technical Achievement - Dreams
- Outstanding Achievement in Story - The Last of Us Part II
- Outstanding Achievement in Audio Design - Ghost of Tsushima
- Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition - Ghost of Tsushima
- Outstanding Achievement in Character - Miles Morales from Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
- Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction - Ghost of Tsushima
- Outstanding Achievement in Animation - The Last of Us Part II
That was every category and its respective winner from the 24th Annual DICE Awards. Hades was a surprise winner for Game of the Year, but also managed to take home many other awards.
