The 2026 DICE Awards ceremony in Las Vegas saw 'Clair Obscur: Expedition 33' dominate the night, securing five wins out of 23 categories, including the prestigious Game of the Year award. Developed by Sandfall Interactive, the title has been a critical darling since its April 2025 release, earning the team recognition as Knights under the French Order of Arts and Letters for their exceptional contributions.
'Ghost of Yotei' claimed three awards, notably for Outstanding Achievement in Character, while 'Arc Raiders' was honored as Online Game of the Year. In a special tribute, Naughty Dog's Evan Wells, the studio's former president and co-founder, was inducted into the AIAS Hall of Fame.
Meggan Scavio, President of the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, commented, "The games celebrated at this year's DICE Awards highlight the incredible diversity of talent and creativity that drives our industry. It's truly inspiring to witness developers pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment with innovative storytelling and engaging player experiences."
The event also paid homage to Vince Zampella, co-creator of the Call of Duty series and co-founder of Infinity Ward and Respawn Entertainment, who passed away in December 2025. Industry luminaries such as Hideo Kojima, Phil Spencer, and Todd Howard shared heartfelt reflections on how his work profoundly influenced both the gaming world and their personal lives.
