At the 28th annual DICE Awards, Astro Bot stole the spotlight, snagging five awards, including the coveted Game of the Year. This event — held during the DICE conference in Las Vegas — is a significant occasion in the gaming world, often seen as a follow-up to the Game Awards. Other notable winners this year included Helldivers 2, Balatro, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
A point of particular interest this time was Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Since it missed the deadline for the Game Awards, everyone was curious how it would fare at DICE. The results were impressive. MachineGames’ latest adventure with the iconic treasure hunter didn’t disappoint, as it walked away with accolades for Adventure Game of the Year, Outstanding Achievement in Story, and Outstanding Achievement in Character for Dr. Henry “Indiana” Jones. It was a performance award in all but name. Had it launched just a few weeks earlier, this game might have been a serious contender at the Game Awards.
Astro Bot not only clinched Game of the Year but also took home awards for animation, technical achievement, game design, and Family Game of the Year. Meanwhile, Helldivers 2 did well too, claiming four awards in music, audio design, Action Game of the Year, and Online Game of the Year. These wins put Sony in the limelight, with its games earning nine out of the 23 awards handed out that night.
Balatro emerged as the standout indie game, winning three awards: Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year, Mobile Game of the Year, and Outstanding Achievement for an Independent Game. Furthermore, Animal Well received the honor for Outstanding Achievement in Game Direction.
The DICE Awards differ from the Game Awards, mainly in how winners are decided. While the latter involves votes from both critics and the public, the DICE Awards are determined by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. This academy is somewhat akin to the body that governs the Oscars. Even so, the two ceremonies often see eye to eye, having agreed on the Game of the Year in eight of the past eleven occasions.
Next up in the gaming awards circuit — a season where the most prestigious awards are awarded early on — is the Game Developers Choice Awards scheduled for March 19. Following that, the spotlight will shift to the BAFTA Games Awards on April 8.
Here’s the complete list of DICE winners for those who want to keep up with the best in gaming.
