The D.I.C.E. Awards have announced their 2025 Finalists, showcasing an impressive lineup of games, including the much-anticipated Indiana Jones & The Great Circle. With a mix of beloved titles and unexpected entries, the competition promises to be fierce. Fans can look forward to the final results being revealed on February 13, 2025.
Winning Game of the Year at any awards ceremony represents a tremendous achievement for game studios. Each year, the sheer volume of outstanding releases complicates the task of selecting only a handful for each category, especially the coveted Game of the Year title.
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- Outstanding Achievement In Animation
- Outstanding Achievement In Art Direction
- Outstanding Achievement In Character
- Outstanding Achievement In Original Music Composition
- Outstanding Achievement In Audio Design
- Outstanding Achievement In Story
- Outstanding Technical Achievement
- Action Game Of The Year
- Adventure Game Of The Year
- Family Game Of The Year
- Fighting Game Of The Year
- Racing Game Of The Year
- Role-Playing Game Of The Year
- Sports Game Of The Year
- Strategy/Simulation Game Of The Year
- Immersive Reality Technical Achievement
- Immersive Reality Game Of The Year
- Outstanding Achievement For An Independent Game
- Mobile Game Of The Year
- Online Game Of The Year
- Outstanding Achievement In Game Design
- Outstanding Achievement In Game Direction
- Game Of The Year
- The 2025 D.I.C.E. Awards Nominees Highlight 2024’s Best Games
Outstanding Achievement In Animation
Games That Got The Animation Right
The Academy Of Interactive Arts & Sciences has curated a stunning list of nominees in this category, with Astro Bot leading the way. Each contender boasts remarkable visuals, showcasing the artistic prowess within the industry.
Nominee | Astrobot | Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 | Final Fantasy VII Rebirth | I don’t think so | Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 |
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Developer | Team Asobi | Treyarch | SQUARE ENIX | the nomad | Saber Interactive |
All nominees in this category exhibit impressive animations. Even titles like Black Ops 6 and Space Marine 2 showcase realism through exceptional animation techniques.
Outstanding Achievement In Art Direction
Games That Communicated The Visuals Well
This year’s nominees also highlight some returning favorites and some first-timers. Notably, Indiana Jones & The Great Circle was previously ineligible for GOTY consideration.
Nominee | Black Myth: Wukong | Indiana Jones & The Great Circle | LEGO Horizon Adventures | The Plucky Squire | Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II |
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Developer | Game Science | MachineGames | Guerilla Games Studio Gobo | All Possible Futures | Ninja Theory |
Interesting entries like LEGO Horizon Adventures and The Plucky Squire, the latter being a newcomer, have caught attention in this competitive arena.
Outstanding Achievement In Character
Games That Got The Heart Of The Story Right
Strong characters often propel a game’s narrative. While this isn’t universal for every game, the nominees here emphasize character development as pivotal to their stories.
Nominee | 1000xRESIST | FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH | Indiana Jones & The Great Circle | INDICATE | Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II |
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Developer | Sunset Visitor | SQUARE ENIX | MachineGames | Odd Meter | Ninja Theory |
Returning powerhouse Indiana Jones & The Great Circle shines again, especially with the compelling portrayal of a younger Harrison Ford by Troy Baker.
Outstanding Achievement In Original Music Composition
Soundtracks That Were Felt In The Soul
This category showcases a diverse blend of nominees, from traditional titles to a co-op shooter and a Netflix mobile game offering. Helldivers 2’s score undoubtedly elevates its status within the co-op shooter landscape.
Nominee | Astrobot | Helldivers 2 | Monument Valley 3 | Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II | Star Wars Outlaws |
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Developer | Team ASOBI | Arrowhead Game Studios | ustwo games | Ninja Theory | Massive Entertainment |
Monument Valley 3 stands out as a formidable mobile game contender, while Star Wars Outlaws benefits from its legacy of exceptional music, despite having an original soundtrack.
Outstanding Achievement In Audio Design
Games That Set The Scene Well Through Sound
The audio design in these nominees serves as a significant element in crafting immersive experiences. Titles such as Frostpunk 2 and Still Wakes The Deep showcase masterful soundscapes that enhance their storytelling.
Nominee | Frostpunk 2 | Helldivers 2 | Monument Valley 3 | Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II | Still Wakes The Deep |
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Developer | 11 bit studios | Arrowhead Game Studios | ustwo games | Ninja Theory | The Chinese Room |
This category features darker and horror-themed entries, illustrating the crucial role of sound in enhancing suspense and fear within gameplay.
Outstanding Achievement In Story
Games That Get The Plot Right
The diversity and creativity in storytelling among this year’s nominees deserve recognition. Despite some being lesser-known, their narratives stand out within their respective genres.
Nominee | Frostpunk 2 | Helldivers 2 | Monument Valley 3 | Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II | Still Wakes The Deep |
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Developer | 11 bit studios | Arrowhead Game Studios | ustwo games | Ninja Theory | The Chinese Room |
Each title brings something unique: Still Wakes The Deep offers a profound experience, while Thank Goodness You’re Here! injects humor into its narrative. The traditional storytelling of Indiana Jones & The Great Circle contrasts with 1000xRESIST‘s non-linear plot structure.
Outstanding Technical Achievement
Getting The Code Behind The Game Right
This category celebrates games that achieve more than the norm, with Indiana Jones & The Great Circle again featured for its remarkable recreation of a beloved franchise.
Nominee | Astrobot | Batman: Arkham Shadow | Indiana Jones & The Great Circle | Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II | Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 |
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Developer | Team ASOBI | camouflage | MachineGames | Ninja Theory | Saber Interactive |
As contenders in this year’s D.I.C.E. Finalists, these games exemplify the technical prowess seen across various genres, making the outcome eagerly anticipated.
Action Game Of The Year
The Best Games That Are Driven By Action
This category showcases a blend of familiar titles and newcomers. Black Myth: Wukong, reigning as Game Of The Year at the Steam Awards for 2025, strengthens its candidacy here.
Nominee | Batman: Arkham Shadow | Black Myth: Wukong | Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 | Helldivers 2 | Stellar Blade |
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Developer | camouflage | Game Science | Treyarch | Arrowhead Game Studios | SHIFT UP Corporation |
The exciting competition in this category hints that while Black Myth: Wukong is a strong contender, nothing is set in stone until the awards night.
Adventure Game Of The Year
The Ones That Took Players To The Best Places
With a selection of memorable titles, this category celebrates games that left a mark upon their initial release. 1000xRESIST stands out due to its originality.
Nominee | 1000xRESIST | ANIMAL WELL | Indiana Jones & The Great Circle | The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom | Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown |
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Developer | Sunset Visitor | Shared Memory | MachineGames | Nintendo, Raw | Ubisoft Montpellier |
Historically, The Legend of Zelda series excels at award functions, while Animal Well has made a notable impact in the gaming community. The newness of Indiana Jones & The Great Circle could also work to its advantage.
Family Game Of The Year
The Best Games For Everyone
In this category, Astro Bot makes yet another appearance alongside other family-friendly nominees, ensuring entertainment across all ages.
Nominee | Astrobot | Cat Quest III | Little Kitty, Big City | The Plucky Squire | Super Mario Party Jamboree |
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Developer | Team ASOBI | The Gentlebros | Double Dagger | All Possible Futures | Nintendo Cube |
Building off the success of its predecessors, Super Mario Party: Jamboree has the advantage of its reputable franchise identity.
Fighting Game Of The Year
The Best Games To Beat Up Each Other In
The nominees include some well-known franchises in the realm of fighting games, such as Tekken 8, which stands out even for those outside the genre.
Nominee | Blazing Strike | DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO | Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns | TEKKEN 8 | UNDERDOGS |
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Developer | RareBreed Makes Games | Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. | NetherRealm Studios | Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. | One Hamsa |
Similarly, titles like Blazing Strike and Underdogs represent fresh approaches, especially with the latter classified as an Immersive Reality game.
Racing Game Of The Year
The Ones Where Players Can Go The Fastest
This year’s racing category is slightly smaller, featuring only three finalists as opposed to the usual five.
Nominee | F1 24 | MotoGP 24 | NIGHT-RUNNERS PROLOGUE |
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Developer | RareBreed Makes Games | Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. | NetherRealm Studios |
The nominees encompass varying styles, from the traditional F1 racing to MotoGP’s motorcycle races, and the underground street racing vibes of Night-Runners Prologue.
Role-Playing Game Of The Year
The Ones With The Most Character Customization
This year’s nominees include some notable entries, including the controversial ELDEN RING: Shadow of the Erdtree, which many believe merits a spotlight despite being an expansion rather than a standalone title.
Nominee | FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH | Dragon Age: The Veilguard | ELDEN RING: Shadow of the Erdtree | Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth | Metaphor: ReFantasia |
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Developer | SQUARE ENIX | BioWare | FromSoftware Inc. | Ryu Ga Gotoku | Studio Zero |
Metaphor: ReFantazio surprised many with its successful launch late last fall, while Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth continues to charm in its genre.
Sports Game Of The Year
The Ones That Simulated Real-Life Sports The Best
Year after year, nominees in this category remain familiar faces with only a few entries this time around.
However, the evolution of mechanics in each iteration holds promise for improvement, even when previous innovations might not have performed as expected.
Nominee | EA SPORTS College Football 25 | EA SPORTS FC 25 | MLB The Show 24 | NBA 2K25 |
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Developer | SQUARE ENIX | BioWare | FromSoftware Inc. | Ryu Ga Gotoku |
Last year it was MLB The Show 23 that won the title; it will be intriguing to see which game shines this year.
Strategy/Simulation Game Of The Year
The Best Games That Required Some Thought
This year, a mobile game, Balatro, showcases the potential simplicity can have while standing out against titles like Frostpunk 2 and Satisfactory, which made significant splashes in their respective realms.
Nominee | Balatro | Caves of Qud | Frostpunk 2 | Tactical Breach Wizards | Satisfactory |
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Developer | LocalThunk | Freehold Games | 11 bit studios | Suspicious Developments Inc. | Coffee Stain Studios |
Notably, the roguelike Caves of Qud offers a unique angle to the competition while Tactical Breach Wizards combines humor and tension in an engaging approach.
Immersive Reality Technical Achievement
The Immersive Games That Worked The Best
As Immersive Reality technology becomes more accessible, developers strive to refine gameplay experiences, making them more enjoyable.
Nominee | Alien: Rogue Incursion | Batman: Arkham Shadow | Skydance’s BEHEMOTH | Starship Home | UNDERDOGS |
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Developer | Survios | camouflage | Skydance Games | Creature | One Hamsa |
These nominees are helping to shape the future of Immersive Reality, paving the way for more engaging and expansive experiences in gaming.
Immersive Reality Game Of The Year
The Immersive Games That Stood Out Among The Rest
This category underscores the convergence of technical achievement and immersive gameplay, where standout titles shine for their immersive experience.
Nominee | Alien: Rogue Incursion | Batman: Arkham Shadow | Skydance’s BEHEMOTH | Escaping Wonderland | UNDERDOGS |
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Developer | Survios | camouflage | Skydance Games | Cortopia Studios | One Hamsa |
Escaping Wonderland replaces Starship Home in this race, thanks to its engaging puzzles, compelling world-building, and captivating storyline.
Outstanding Achievement For An Independent Game
The Best Games Made By A Small Studio
The independent scene thrives with unique titles, with both new entries and returning favorites earning their spot in this category.
Nominee | ANIMAL WELL | Balatro | Shallow | INDICATE | Mouthwashing |
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Developer | Shared Memory | LocalThunk | Sokpop Collective | Odd Meter | Wrong Organ |
Given the diversity of styles, this year’s race for the award is especially exciting, with various creative approaches taking center stage.
Mobile Game Of The Year
The Best Games To Play Wherever A Phone Goes
The nominations in this category reveal the advancing quality of mobile gaming. While some titles are familiar from other categories, new contenders are making waves as well.
Nominee | Balatro | Halls of Torment | Monument Valley 3 | Paper Trail | Wuthering Waves |
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Developer | LocalThunk | Chasing Carrots | ustwo games | Newfangled Games | Kuro Games |
Each game displays its own unique style and genre, making the selection process even more challenging as they all strive for recognition.
Online Game Of The Year
The Best Games To Play With Everyone Else
Nominees in this category showcase a blend of familiar faces and novel entries, demonstrating the evolution of online gaming experiences.
Nominee | Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 | Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred | Helldivers 2 | Marvel Rivals | Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 |
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Developer | Treyarch | Blizzard Entertainment | Arrowhead Game Studios | NetEase Games | Saber Interactive |
Marvel Rivals stands out as a fresh title amidst sequels, benefitting immensely from its established franchise backing.
Outstanding Achievement In Game Design
The Games That Utilized The Best Mechanics
Differentiating between categories like Technical Achievement, Game Design, and Game Direction can be challenging, yet they remain distinct disciplines within the industry.
Nominee | ANIMAL WELL | Astrobot | Balatro | Helldivers 2 | UFO 50 |
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Developer | Shared Memory | Team ASOBI | LocalThunk | Arrowhead Game Studios | Mossmouth |
UFO 50 stands out in this category for its unique collection of games from various creators, showcasing noteworthy achievements in collaborative game design.
Outstanding Achievement In Game Direction
The Games With The Most Creative Vision & Execution
The distinguishing features of this year’s game direction nominees illustrate creativity and uniqueness, helping each game stand out from the rest.
Nominee | ANIMAL WELL | 1000xRESIST | Lorelei and the Laser Eyes | Riven | Thank Goodness You’re Here! |
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Developer | Shared Memory | Sunset Visitor | Simogo | Cyan Worlds, Inc. | Coal Supper |
Two of these entries are newcomers in the awards scene, highlighting how innovation can yield recognition regardless of franchise recognition; Animal Well remains a favorite but nothing is guaranteed.
Game Of The Year
The Best Games Of 2025
This final category’s lineup, though largely predictable, features Balatro as an unexpected contender, vying against prominent titles like Metaphor: ReFantazio.
Nominee | Astrobot | Balatro | Black Myth: Wukong | Helldivers 2 | Indiana Jones & The Great Circle |
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Developer | Team ASOBI | LocalThunk | GameScience | Arrowhead Game Studios | MachineGames |
This demonstrates the increasing quality of mobile games as they now contend with established console and PC titles. As we approach the awards date, it’s uncertain which title will ultimately prevail.
The 2025 D.I.C.E. Awards Nominees Highlight 2024’s Best Games
A Great Year For Gaming For Everyone
The nominations for 2025 illustrate how far the gaming industry has progressed. Games such as Indiana Jones & The Great Circle and Black Myth: Wukong have left significant impacts, particularly as the latter awaits its Xbox release.
With three nominations each, Astro Bot, Helldivers 2, and Indiana Jones & The Great Circle stand out, while the absence of Black Myth: Wukong among the top contenders surprised many. Balatro’s success showcases the evolution of mobile gaming. This creative execution throughout 2024 has made it a remarkable year for gamers. Enthusiasts can look forward to the final announcement on February 13, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
Source: Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences
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