D.I.C.E. Awards Announce 2026 Game of the Year Nominees
The nominees for the prestigious 2026 D.I.C.E. Awards have been officially revealed. The D.I.C.E. Awards GOTY lineup features several unexpected picks and notable omissions. Leading the pack are Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Ghost of Yōtei, each with eight total nominations. However, major titles like Hollow Knight: Silksong and Death Stranding 2 are absent from the top category. This creates a nomination slate that differs sharply from other major industry awards.
A Divergent and Surprising List of Contenders
The Game of the Year category includes Arc Raiders, Blue Prince, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Dispatch, and Ghost of Yōtei. This list excludes many games celebrated at The Game Awards just months prior. For instance, Hollow Knight: Silksong only received a nomination for Adventure Game of the Year. Death Stranding 2 earned several technical nominations but missed the top prize.
This divergence highlights the different voting bodies and criteria between award shows. The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences focuses on peer recognition from within the industry. Consequently, the D.I.C.E. Awards often spotlight different artistic and technical achievements.
Notable Snubs and Critical Reactions
The most surprising omission is the indie darling Hollow Knight: Silksong, which was a frontrunner elsewhere. Other major snubs include Donkey Kong Bananza, Hades 2, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Some nominations have also sparked debate, such as ARC Raiders being recognized for Audio Design despite its use of AI voices.
The strong showing for Ghost of Yōtei has also raised eyebrows, with some critics calling it polished but not innovative. Meanwhile, the inclusion of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 in the main category, rather than Independent, is a refreshing recognition of its scale. Ultimately, this year’s nominations promise a unique and potentially controversial ceremony.
