The nominations for the annual DICE (Design Innovate Communicate Entertain) Awards have been announced, and two familiar names top the list. The DICE Awards, which are organized by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, are different than some other gaming awards, as they reflect what the gaming industry, rather than critics or fans, think the best games of the year are. This year’s show will emanate from its usual home in Las Vegas and be hosted by Greg Miller and Jessica Chobot.

　　The three leading contenders are God of War with 12 nominations, Marvel’s Spider-Man with 11 nominations, and Red Dead Redemption 2 with 8 nods. Some games that have been largely left out of other awards shows have also received nominations – Return of the Obra Dinn has picked up an impressive six nominations, while Into the Breach, Florence, and Astro Bot Rescue Mission have all picked up four nods. You can check out the full list of nominees, below:

　　Outstanding Achievement in Animation

　　God of WarGRISMarvel's Spider-ManMossRed Dead Redemption 2Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction

　　Detroit: Become HumanGod of WarGRISMarvel's Spider-ManRed Dead Redemption 2Outstanding Achievement in Character

　　Assassin's Creed Odyssey (Kassandra)God of War (Atreus)God of War (Kratos)Marvel's Spider-Man (Peter Parker/Spider-Man)Red Dead Redemption 2 (Arthur Morgan)Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition

　　Detroit: Become HumanForgotton AnneGod of WarMarvel's Spider-ManTetris EffectOutstanding Achievement in Sound Design

　　Battlefield VDetroit: Become HumanGod of WarMarvel's Spider-ManMossOutstanding Achievement in Story

　　Assassin's Creed OdysseyFlorenceGod of WarMarvel's Spider-ManReturn of the Obra DinnOutstanding Technical Achievement

　　ASTRO BOT Rescue MissionBattlefield VGod of WarMarvel's Spider-ManRed Dead Redemption 2Action Game of the Year

　　Call of Duty: Black Ops 4CelesteDestiny 2: ForsakenFar Cry 5Shadow of the Tomb RaiderAdventure Game of the Year

　　Detroit: Become HumanGod of WarMarvel's Spider-ManRed Dead Redemption 2Return of the Obra DinnFamily Game of the Year

　　ASTRO BOT Rescue MissionKirby Star AlliesLEGO DC Super-VillainsStarlink: Battle for AtlasUnravel TwoFighting Game of the Year

　　BlazBlue: Cross Tag BattleDragon Ball FighterZSOULCALIBUR VISuper Smash Bros. UltimateRacing Game of the Year

　　Forza Horizon 4F1 2018WreckfestRole-Playing Game of the Year

　　Assassin's Creed OdysseyDragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive AgeMonster Hunter WorldNi no Kuni II: Revenant KingdomPillars of Eternity II: DeadfireSports Game of the Year

　　FIFA 19Mario Tennis AcesMLB The Show 18Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year

　　Bad NorthFrostpunkInto the BreachNorthgardRimWorldImmersive Reality Technical Achievement

　　ASTRO BOT Rescue MissionBeat SaberDr. Grordbort's InvadersTónandiTornImmersive Reality Game of the Year

　　ASTRO BOT Rescue MissionBeat SaberMossSprint VectorTransferenceOutstanding Achievement for an Independent Game

　　CelesteFlorenceInto the BreachMinitReturn of the Obra DinnPortable Game of the Year

　　DandaraDonut CountyDragalia LostFlorenceOddmarOnline Game of the Year

　　FortniteDestiny 2: ForsakenLaser LeagueRed Dead Redemption 2Sea of ThievesOutstanding Achievement in Game Design

　　God of WarInto the BreachMarvel's Spider-ManReturn of the Obra DinnSubnauticaOutstanding Achievement in Game Direction

　　FlorenceGod of WarMarvel's Spider-ManRed Dead Redemption 2Return of the Obra DinnGame of the Year

　　God of WarInto the BreachMarvel's Spider-ManRed Dead Redemption 2Return of the Obra DinnSome interesting choices! If there’s something I’m struck by, it’s the lack of nominations for “games as a service” style titles. Again, these awards are decided by industry insiders – could we be seeing a departure from the loot box and microtransaction mania of the past few years? Any nominees you’ve been meaning to check out? I think I need to give Return of the Obra Dinn a try.

　　The 22nd annual DICE Awards will be held on February 13 at 8pm PT.