The nominees for the 2016 The Game Awards have been announced, with Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, Firewatch, Inside, and Overwatch leading the nominations count. The Game Awards 2016 will honor the best in video videos that have demonstrated "creative and technical excellence across console, mobile PC and virtual reality platforms," as judged by a panel of 28 leading global media and influencer outlets. The ceremony will air live December 1 at 9pm ET on TheGameAwards.com and on Facebook Live, PlayStation Network, Steam, Twitch, Twitter, Xbox Live, YouTube, Live in China in partnership with Tencent, IGN, GameSpot and on the Next VR app.
“The Game Awards is all about celebrating the state of video game art,” said Geoff Keighley, The Game Awards producer/host. “In just a few short weeks we will recognize the most outstanding games of 2016 in unexpected ways, and preview the most anticipated games of 2017 and beyond with the longest, most in-depth world premieres we’ve ever attempted -- including surprises and new game announcements.” This year’s show will feature the world gameplay premiere of Bioware’s highly anticipated Mass Effect: Andromeda, as well as other games to be announced in the coming days.
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End leads the pack with eight nominations, while its publisher, Sony Interactive Entertainment, is the most nominated game publisher with 13. In total, there are 63 separate games up for awards this year. Fan voting is now open in five categories, including three eSports Categories to recognize the Best eSports Player, Best eSports Team and Best eSports Game. The deadline to vote is November 30, 2016.
GAME OF THE YEAR
For a game that delivers the absolute best experience across all creative and technical fields.
BEST GAME DIRECTION
Recognizing a game studio for outstanding creative vision, game direction and design.
BEST NARRATIVE
For outstanding storytelling and narrative development in a game.
BEST ART DIRECTION
For outstanding creative and technical achievement in artistic design and animation.
BEST MUSIC/SOUND DESIGN
For outstanding audio, inclusive of score, original song, licensed soundtrack and sound design.
BEST PERFORMANCE
Awarded to an individual for voice-over acting, motion and/or performance capture.
GAMES FOR IMPACT
Honoring exemplary games that take on real-world issues and advocate for social change.
BEST INDEPENDENT GAME
For outstanding achievement in a game made outside the traditional publisher system.
BEST MOBILE/HANDHELD
For the best game playable on mobile phones and dedicated gaming handhelds.
BEST VR GAME
For the best game experience playable in virtual reality.
BEST ACTION GAME
For the best game experience focused around first or third person combat.
BEST ACTION/ADVENTURE GAME
For the best game experience that combines combat with traversal and puzzle solving.
BEST RPG
The best game designed for rich player character customization and progression, both offline and online, including massively multiplayer.
BEST FIGHTING GAME
For a game designed primarily around head-to-head combat.
BEST STRATEGY GAME
Best game focused on real time or turn-based strategy.
BEST FAMILY GAME
Best game for family play, including toys-to-life, rhythm/music/dance, and other genres.
BEST SPORTS/RACING
For traditional and non-traditional sports and racing games.
BEST MULTIPLAYER
For outstanding online multiplayer gameplay and design, including co-op and massively multiplayer experiences.
MOST ANTICIPATED GAME
An upcoming game that has shown significant ambition and promise in moving the gaming medium forward.
TRENDING GAMER, PRESENTED BY INTEL
For a notable influencer, online streamer or media personality in 2016.
BEST FAN CREATION
For fan-created content, such as MODs, fan films, and other player content.
BEST ESPORTS PLAYER, PRESENTED BY OMEN BY HP
The eSports player judged to be the most outstanding performer in 2016, irrespective of game.
BEST ESPORTS TEAM
The eSports team or organization judged to be the most outstanding for performance in 2016, irrespective of game.
BEST ESPORTS GAME
The eSports game that has shown creative and technical excellence in 2016 with the best gameplay, community support and content updates.