The nominees for the Game Developers Choice Awards 2023 have been unveiled, showcasing a competitive lineup led by standout titles such as Astro Bot, Black Myth: Wukong, and Helldivers 2, which has also received a nomination for Game of the Year (GOTY). The awards ceremony is set to take place on March 19, 2025, during the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco.
Key Details About the Awards
Unlike other gaming awards, the Game Developers Choice Awards finalists are selected by industry professionals rather than press members. Any video game released and publicly available during the 2024 calendar year is eligible for nomination. This unique selection process sets it apart from The Game Awards, which occurs earlier in December and cannot include late-year releases like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle—a notable absence in this year’s nominations.
Nominee Categories
Here’s a summary of the major categories and their nominees:
Best Audio
- Animal Well
- Astro Bot
- Black Myth: Wukong
- Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
- Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
Best Debut
- 1000xRESIST
- Animal Well
- Balatro
- Pacific Drive
- Tiny Glade
Best Design
- Animal Well
- Astro Bot
- Balatro
- Black Myth: Wukong
- Lorelai and the Laser Eyes
Innovation Award
- Animal Well
- Astro Bot
- Balatro
- Black Myth: Wukong
- UFO 50
Best Narrative
- 1000xRESIST
- Black Myth: Wukong
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
- Metaphor: ReFantazio
- Mouthwashing
Best Technology
- Astro Bot
- Black Myth: Wukong
- Helldivers 2
- Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
- Tiny Glade
Best Visual Art
- Animal Well
- Astro Bot
- Black Myth: Wukong
- Metaphor: ReFantazio
- Neva
Social Impact
- 1000xRESIST
- Astro Bot
- Frostpunk 2
- Life is Strange: Double Exposure
- Neva
Game of the Year
- Astro Bot
- Balatro
- Black Myth: Wukong
- Helldivers 2
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Audience Participation
In addition to the developer-selected categories, there is also an audience-voted award, allowing fans to engage with the selection process.
As excitement builds towards the Game Developers Choice Awards 2023, it’s clear that the competition is fierce, with innovative titles pushing the boundaries of gaming creativity. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the awards ceremony!
