February 23 will see gaming fans tuning into the 26th annual DICE Awards to learn who walks away with the top prizes. While many are eager to see God of War Ragnarok and Elden Ring go head-to-head again, indie fans have plenty to tune in for. So which of last year’s cream-of-the-crop indies got a much-coveted nomination? I’ve got the whole list for you below with commentary for some of the most interesting categories.
Game of the Year
Elden Ring
God of War Ragnarök
Horizon Forbidden West
Stray
Vampire Survivors
Indies have two horses in the Game of the Year race this time around. While many may immediately assume the title will go to 2022’s giant titles, I’m not discounting any outcome yet. Stray practically swept the indie-focused categories at The Game Awards, and, according to my mathematically accurate top 10 list, Vampire Survivors was the best indie of 2022.
Outstanding Achievement for an Independent Game
IMMORTALITY
Neon White
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
TUNIC
Vampire Survivors
There are no losers in this amazing list, but there will be a winner. And it better be Tunic. My game of 2022 scooped up four nominations from DICE, and you can be sure I’ll be rooting for it in every one.
Outstanding Achievement in Story
Elden Ring
God of War Ragnarök
I Was a Teenage Exocolonist
IMMORTALITY
NORCO
It’s fantastic to see Finji-published title I Was a Teenage Exocolonist get a nod for its story, and to have three really strong titles up for the prize. If pushed, I would have to throw my vote to Immortality. Though seriously, any indie win here would be delightful.
Outstanding Achievement in Animation
Cuphead – The Delicious Last Course
Elden Ring
God of War Ragnarök
Horizon Forbidden West
Moss: Book II
To my mind, Cuphead deserves to win this hands-down.
Immersive Reality Game of the Year
Cosmonious High
Moss: Book II
Red Matter 2
Tentacular
The Last Clockwinder
One of the biggest surprises on this list is indies dominating VR/AR awards. Having heard a passionate defense of The Last Clockwinder over at Minnmax, it sticks out as a well-deserved nomination. Even if it doesn’t take the award, getting an all-indie category that isn’t indie-specific is a win.
Action Game of the Year
Bayonetta 3
Grounded
Neon White
Sifu
Vampire Survivors
Between the three amazing indies here, this is a tough one to call. I can tell you though if Bayonetta 3 — which earned a very mixed reception — picks up the ribbon, I’ll be disappointed.
Adventure Game of the Year
God of War Ragnarök
Horizon Forbidden West
NORCO
Stray
TUNIC
Put Tunic in Best Game of the Year cowards! However, I’ll settle for the best adventure game, even if the competition is a bit stiff.
Role-Playing Game of the Year
Citizen Sleeper
Elden Ring
Weird West
World of Warcraft®: Dragonflight
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Honestly, Citizen Sleeper should be nominated for so many more awards, and it’s likely to be overshadowed by Elden Ring here. I am hopeful that seeing it on this list will encourage even more players to jump into this moving sci-fi journey.
Outstanding Achievement in Game Design
Elden Ring
God of War Ragnarök
MARVEL SNAP
TUNIC
Vampire Survivors
Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction
Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare ll
God of War Ragnarök
Horizon Forbidden West
Stray
The Callisto Protocol
Outstanding Achievement in Game Direction
Elden Ring
God of War Ragnarök
Horizon Forbidden West
IMMORTALITY
TUNIC
Outstanding Achievement in Character
Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare ll – Alejandro Vargas
God of War Ragnarök – Atreus
God of War Ragnarök – Kratos
Horizon Forbidden West – Aloy
Return to Monkey Island – Guybrush Threepwood
Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition
A Plague Tale: Requiem
God of War Ragnarök
Horizon Forbidden West
Metal: Hellsinger
Moss: Book II
Outstanding Achievement in Audio Design
A Plague Tale: Requiem
Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare ll
God of War Ragnarök
Gotham Knights
Somerville
Outstanding Technical Achievement
A Plague Tale: Requiem
Elden Ring
God of War Ragnarök
Horizon Forbidden West
Teardown
Family Game of the Year
Disney Dreamlight Valley
Kirby’s Dream Buffet
Lost in Play
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Trombone Champ
Fighting Game of the Year
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R
MultiVersus
Rumbleverse
SpiderHeck
THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV
Sports Game of the Year
EA SPORTS™ FIFA 23
Mario Strikers: Battle League
MLB® The Show™ 22
NBA 2k23
OlliOlli World
Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year
Dwarf Fortress
IXION
Marvel’s Midnight Suns
Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator
Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters
Immersive Reality Technical Achievement
Among Us VR
Cosmonious High
Moss: Book II
Red Matter 2
The Last Clockwinder
Online Game of the Year
Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare ll
EA SPORTS™ FIFA 23
FINAL FANTASY XIV: Endwalker
MARVEL SNAP
Rumbleverse
Mobile Game of the Year
Diablo Immortal
Gibbon: Beyond the Trees
IMMORTALITY
MARVEL SNAP
Poinpy
Leave a Reply