Dandy Ace, the upcoming roguelike action-RPG with shades of Hades, arrives for PC via Steam on March 25. It will arrive for Nintendo Switch, as well as PlayStation and Xbox consoles, this summer. Developed by Mad Mimic and published by Neowiz, the game sees you take on the role of a magician fighting their way to defeat the Green-Eyed Illusionist in an ever-shifting palace. The mechanical intrigue comes from the game's approach to attacks – on every run, you'll pick up magical cards to slot into your attacks, each with different abilities. But every card can also be used as an upgrade for an existing attack (a poisonous explosion attack might add a poison effect to another ability, for example) – Mad Mimic promises over a thousand combinations of cards, all-in-all. Check out a new trailer below: [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/02/16/dandy-ace-official-trailer"] When it launches, the game will come with a bespoke Twitch mode, in which streamers can request aid from viewers (although the viewers can cause them more problems, should they wish). For those interested, the game has a demo out now on Steam. Publisher Neowiz recently released retro roguelite Skul the Hero Slayer, which we awarded an 8/10 review, saying it was "an original take on a well-established genre, using its novel head-swapping mechanic to put a plethora of unique playable characters front and center." [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.  

Amazon has delayed its upcoming MMO New World from Spring 2021 to August 31, 2021. Amazon shared the news in a development update, saying that one of the main reasons for the delay was the "compelling end-game features we believe are important to include at launch." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/02/16/new-world-developer-update-amazons-mmo-gets-a-new-release-date"] The team also shared that, since last August's Preview Event, the team has "polished the combat system, added quest variety, expanded weapon and armor variety, added fishing, expanded the map to include a new region Reekwater, overhauled our crafting system, and continued to add mid-game and end-game content." New World's Alpha will be continuing in the "months to come" and it plans on expanding testing by standing up EU servers on March 30, 2021. The Closed Beta test will begin on July 20, 2021, and those who pre-order the game will gain access to it. The Closed Beta test will let players explore Ebonscale Reach (a new end-game zone in Aeternum), try their hands at five-player Expeditions, check out the 20v20 Outpost Rush, and much more. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-game-delay-announced-in-2021&captions=true"] For more on New World, check out our hands-on time with Amazon's new MMO and a look at New World's promising high-level PvE zones. Additionally, check out a recent report that detailed some of of the struggles going on at Amazon Game Studios, including with New World. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Amazon has delayed its upcoming MMO New World from Spring 2021 to August 31, 2021. Amazon shared the news in a development update, saying that one of the main reasons for the delay was the "compelling end-game features we believe are important to include at launch." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/02/16/new-world-developer-update-amazons-mmo-gets-a-new-release-date"] The team also shared that, since last August's Preview Event, the team has "polished the combat system, added quest variety, expanded weapon and armor variety, added fishing, expanded the map to include a new region Reekwater, overhauled our crafting system, and continued to add mid-game and end-game content." New World's Alpha will be continuing in the "months to come" and it plans on expanding testing by standing up EU servers on March 30, 2021. The Closed Beta test will begin on July 20, 2021, and those who pre-order the game will gain access to it. The Closed Beta test will let players explore Ebonscale Reach (a new end-game zone in Aeternum), try their hands at five-player Expeditions, check out the 20v20 Outpost Rush, and much more. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-game-delay-announced-in-2021&captions=true"] For more on New World, check out our hands-on time with Amazon's new MMO and a look at New World's promising high-level PvE zones. Additionally, check out a recent report that detailed some of of the struggles going on at Amazon Game Studios, including with New World. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Disney has unveiled a new Cruella movie poster for its live-action 101 Dalmations prequel ahead of the official trailer being released tomorrow. The Cruella Twitter account dropped the first in what's likely to be a litter of promotional content for the Emma Stone-led Cruella de Vil movie with the release of a brand new poster. The stark black-and-white image spotlights Stone as the eponymous villain, offering fans another opportunity to glimpse the punk rock stylings of the fashion-obsessed character before the official trailer drops tomorrow. [caption id="attachment_2473702" align="alignnone" width="1688"] Image Credit: Disney[/caption] While 101 Dalmations has previously been given the live-action remake treatment, Disney's next attempt will borrow a page from 2014's Maleficent and focus on the early years of the dog-hating heiress before she became the ruthless and terrifying villain known as Cruella de Vil, with a prequel story that is set against the backdrop of 1970s punk-rock London. The upcoming movie is directed by Craig Gilespie, and also stars Emma Thompson, Joel Fry, Paul Walter Hauser, Emily Beecham, and Mark Strong. It is scheduled to be released on May 28, though there has been no further word on Disney's release strategy for the movie after one report suggested that the studio had been contemplating Disney+ premieres for Cruella, Peter Pan and Wendy, and Pinocchio. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-upcoming-disney-live-action-remake&captions=true"] As a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Disney already started to change course with a number of its other planned theatrical releases last year. Mulan premiered on Disney+ in September for a premium price of $29.99, while Pixar's Soul skipped theaters and headed to streaming in December at no additional cost. Disney continued to reassess its release plans as we entered the new year, with the company announcing in January that Robert Zemeckis' remake of Pinocchio had been shifted to a Disney+ release. The live-action retelling of Disney's 1940 animated classic is directed by Robert Zemeckis and stars Tom Hanks as Geppetto. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

Disney has unveiled a new Cruella movie poster for its live-action 101 Dalmations prequel ahead of the official trailer being released tomorrow. The Cruella Twitter account dropped the first in what's likely to be a litter of promotional content for the Emma Stone-led Cruella de Vil movie with the release of a brand new poster. The stark black-and-white image spotlights Stone as the eponymous villain, offering fans another opportunity to glimpse the punk rock stylings of the fashion-obsessed character before the official trailer drops tomorrow. [caption id="attachment_2473702" align="alignnone" width="1688"] Image Credit: Disney[/caption] While 101 Dalmations has previously been given the live-action remake treatment, Disney's next attempt will borrow a page from 2014's Maleficent and focus on the early years of the dog-hating heiress before she became the ruthless and terrifying villain known as Cruella de Vil, with a prequel story that is set against the backdrop of 1970s punk-rock London. The upcoming movie is directed by Craig Gilespie, and also stars Emma Thompson, Joel Fry, Paul Walter Hauser, Emily Beecham, and Mark Strong. It is scheduled to be released on May 28, though there has been no further word on Disney's release strategy for the movie after one report suggested that the studio had been contemplating Disney+ premieres for Cruella, Peter Pan and Wendy, and Pinocchio. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-upcoming-disney-live-action-remake&captions=true"] As a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Disney already started to change course with a number of its other planned theatrical releases last year. Mulan premiered on Disney+ in September for a premium price of $29.99, while Pixar's Soul skipped theaters and headed to streaming in December at no additional cost. Disney continued to reassess its release plans as we entered the new year, with the company announcing in January that Robert Zemeckis' remake of Pinocchio had been shifted to a Disney+ release. The live-action retelling of Disney's 1940 animated classic is directed by Robert Zemeckis and stars Tom Hanks as Geppetto. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

For the latest news, check out everything announced and revealed at BlizzCon 2021. Last year’s BlizzCon was postponed as the pandemic made it unsafe for Blizzard to hold its usual celebratory gathering at the Anaheim Convention Center. This month it returns, rebranded as BlizzConline, a completely digital event where fans can gather and celebrate their favorite games virtually. It’s also a momentous occasion – Blizzard will be celebrating its 30th anniversary – and if you don’t want to miss it, here’s everything you need to know to join in. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/02/19/blizzconline-2021-livestream"]

BlizzCon 2021 Dates and Time

BlizzCon 2021 (or BlizzConline) will take place on February 19 and 20. On the first day, the show lasts for about 4 hours, kicking off at 2pm PT/5pm ET/10pm GMT and ending around 6pm PT/9pm ET/2am GMT. On day two, the show starts earlier and lasts a smidge longer, picking back up at 12pm PT/3pm ET/8pm GMT and ending at 4:40pm PT/7:30pm ET/12:30am GMT.

BlizzCon Start Times

Day One

• 2pm PT
• 5pm ET
• 10pm GMT

Day Two

• 12pm PT
• 3pm ET
• 8pm GMT

How to Watch BlizzCon 2021

Unlike prior BlizzCons, everyone will be able to watch this year's show from home for free. Yes, that means you don't need to purchase any tickets. We'll be hosting the BlizzConline stream here, the IGN homepage, and on all of our social channels, apps, and more. Here's the full list of places you can watch BlizzCon 2021 with us:

• IGN.com (homepage)
• IGN's Facebook Channel
• IGN’s Twitter
• IGN's Twitch Channel
• IGN’s Youtube Channel
• IGN's TikTok
• IGN's iOS App
• IGN's Android App
• IGN's PlayStation 4 App
• IGN's Xbox One App
• Roku
• IGN App for Android TV
• IGN for Amazon Fire TV
• Apple TV
• IGN 1 on Samsung TV Plus
• Pluto TV
• Plex Live TV

BlizzCon 2021 Schedule

As usual, you can view the full BlizzConline schedule on the official website. The show is split up across six channels, each with a name based on the content that will be primarily shown there.

• Blizzard: On the first day, this will mostly feature newsy panels regarding Blizzard’s main games. On the second day, a Critical Role Diablo campaign.
• World of Warcraft: Every World of Warcraft panel, including What’s Next, Deep Dive, Making of the Wandering Ancient Mount, Voices of the Afterlife, Q&A, The Evolution of Thrall, and Cooking Workshop.
• Hearthstone: Every Hearthstone panel, including Deep Dive, Battlegrounds Exhibition, Q&A, a Blizzard Art Studio on Reno Jackson, Streamer Showdown, and Bartender Bob’s Advice.
• Diablo: Every Diablo panel, including What’s Next, The Voice of Deckard Cain, Developer Roundtable, The Gothic World of Brom, Deep Dive, Q&A, and Artists at Work: Diablo Hive Mother Part 1 and Part 2.
• Overwatch: Every Overwatch panel, including Behind the Scenes of Overwatch 2, The Voices of Overwatch, Creating a Soundtrack, Overwatch League: Shock vs. The World, Community-Made Creations in the Workshop, Overwatch League: Crafts with Soe, and a Blizzard Art Studio on Roadhog.
• Strategy: Starts off as a channel for StarCraft Legends esports and then has a potpourri of panels including Where It All Started: Blizzard’s Early Years, Where It All Started: Blizzard’s Early Years, Artists at Work: CarBot Animation, a Blizzard Art Studio on Tracer followed up by another on Margrave Krexus.

Every channel will broadcast a virtual “march of the Murlocs” and a community showcase on the second day.

BlizzCon 2021 Panels To Watch and What To Expect

If you’re looking to hear news about your favorite Blizzard games, you’ll definitely want to catch the following panels:

• World of Warcraft: What’s Next
• Diablo: What’s Next
• Behind the Scenes of Overwatch 2

They all air at the same time, but the main channel will feature re-broadcasts of Diablo: What's Next and Behind the Scenes of Overwatch 2, in case you want to watch them all. Otherwise, we suggest tuning into the broadcast you’re most excited about so you can watch any potential news live. As for what to expect, we can speculate about a few things thanks to some news and leaks made ahead of the show. Some leaks from earlier this week included a major World of Warcraft: Shadowlands 9.1 patch that will supposedly bring new quests, a raid, a "mega-dungeon", and more. And following on the heels of World of Warcraft: Classic, a re-release of The Burning Crusade expansion is reportedly planned for the show as well. These leaks are unconfirmed, however, so take them with a grain of salt. The CEO of Blizzard, Bobby Kotick, did confirm multiple Warcraft-inspired mobile experiences are in advanced development so it’s possible we’ll get a look at those. Diablo Immortal could make an appearance as well, even if Activision-Blizzard shared during its earnings call that it’s not in the projections for the year. In that same earnings call, Activision-Blizzard announced it has no plans of launching Overwatch 2 or Diablo 4 in 2021, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be getting updates on them. Jeff Kaplan announced an Overwatch 2 update was planned for BlizzConline in a developer update. We’re also due for a quarterly update on Diablo 4 so it’s possible we’ll get that at the show as well. [poilib element="accentDivider"]

Last year’s BlizzCon was postponed as the pandemic made it unsafe for Blizzard to hold its usual celebratory gathering at the Anaheim Convention Center. This month it returns, rebranded as BlizzConline, a completely digital event where fans can gather and celebrate their favorite games virtually. It’s also a momentous occasion – Blizzard will be celebrating its 30th anniversary – and if you don’t want to miss it, here’s everything you need to know to join in.

BlizzCon 2021 Dates and Time

BlizzCon 2021 (or BlizzConline) will take place on February 19 and 20. On the first day, the show lasts for about 4 hours, kicking off at 2pm PT/5pm ET/10pm GMT and ending around 6pm PT/9pm ET/2am GMT. On day two, the show starts earlier and lasts a smidge longer, picking back up at 12pm PT/3pm ET/8pm GMT and ending at 4:40pm PT/7:30pm ET/12:30am GMT.

BlizzCon Start Times

Day One

• 2pm PT
• 5pm ET
• 10pm GMT

Day Two

• 12pm PT
• 3pm ET
• 8pm GMT

How to Watch BlizzCon 2021

Unlike prior BlizzCons, everyone will be able to watch this year's show from home for free. Yes, that means you don't need to purchase any tickets. We'll be hosting the BlizzConline stream here, the IGN homepage, and on all of our social channels, apps, and more. Here's the full list of places you can watch BlizzCon 2021 with us:

• IGN.com (homepage)
• IGN's Facebook Channel
• IGN’s Twitter
• IGN's Twitch Channel
• IGN’s Youtube Channel
• IGN's TikTok
• IGN's iOS App
• IGN's Android App
• IGN's PlayStation 4 App
• IGN's Xbox One App
• Roku
• IGN App for Android TV
• IGN for Amazon Fire TV
• Apple TV
• IGN 1 on Samsung TV Plus
• Pluto TV
• Plex Live TV

BlizzCon 2021 Schedule

As usual, you can view the full BlizzConline schedule on the official website. The show is split up across six channels, each with a name based on the content that will be primarily shown there.

• Blizzard: On the first day, this will mostly feature newsy panels regarding Blizzard’s main games. On the second day, a Critical Role Diablo campaign.
• World of Warcraft: Every World of Warcraft panel, including What’s Next, Deep Dive, Making of the Wandering Ancient Mount, Voices of the Afterlife, Q&A, The Evolution of Thrall, and Cooking Workshop.
• Hearthstone: Every Hearthstone panel, including Deep Dive, Battlegrounds Exhibition, Q&A, a Blizzard Art Studio on Reno Jackson, Streamer Showdown, and Bartender Bob’s Advice.
• Diablo: Every Diablo panel, including What’s Next, The Voice of Deckard Cain, Developer Roundtable, The Gothic World of Brom, Deep Dive, Q&A, and Artists at Work: Diablo Hive Mother Part 1 and Part 2.
• Overwatch: Every Overwatch panel, including Behind the Scenes of Overwatch 2, The Voices of Overwatch, Creating a Soundtrack, Overwatch League: Shock vs. The World, Community-Made Creations in the Workshop, Overwatch League: Crafts with Soe, and a Blizzard Art Studio on Roadhog.
• Strategy: Starts off as a channel for StarCraft Legends esports and then has a potpourri of panels including Where It All Started: Blizzard’s Early Years, Where It All Started: Blizzard’s Early Years, Artists at Work: CarBot Animation, a Blizzard Art Studio on Tracer followed up by another on Margrave Krexus.

Every channel will broadcast a virtual “march of the Murlocs” and a community showcase on the second day.

BlizzCon 2021 Panels To Watch and What To Expect

If you’re looking to hear news about your favorite Blizzard games, you’ll definitely want to catch the following panels:

• World of Warcraft: What’s Next
• Diablo: What’s Next
• Behind the Scenes of Overwatch 2

They all air at the same time, but the main channel will feature re-broadcasts of Diablo and Overwatch 2, in the case you want to watch them all. Otherwise, we suggest tuning into the broadcast you’re most excited about so you can watch any potential news live. As for what kind of news to expect, we know of a few things thanks to some announcements made ahead of the show. The CEO of Blizzard, Bobby Kotick, confirmed multiple Warcraft-inspired mobile experiences are in advanced development so it’s possible we’ll get a look at those. Diablo Immortal could make an appearance as well, even if Activision-Blizzard shared during its earnings call that it’s not in the projections for the year. In that same earnings call, Activision-Blizzard announced it has no plans of launching Overwatch 2 or Diablo 4 in 2021, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be getting updates on them. Jeff Kaplan announced an Overwatch 2 update was planned for BlizzConline in a developer update. We’re also due for a quarterly update on Diablo IV so it’s possible we’ll get that at the show. [poilib element="accentDivider"]

After a months-long hiatus, absurdist baseball simulator Blaseball is finally returning, with Season 12 beginning on Monday, March 1. Blaseball launched last summer as a free, online, browser-based baseball simulator where fans gamble fake money on the outcomes of games between teams such as the Kansas City Breath Mints and the Chicago Firefighters, then use their winnings to vote on rule changes for future games. The game achieved a level of cult popularity as rogue umpires began to incinerate favorite players, a giant peanut god descended and wreaked havoc, and fans across teams collaborated to fight it off in a climactic RPG-esque battle. A total of 11 seasons -- with each season lasting a full week of 99 games and a weekend post-season -- played out last year before developers The Game Band put the game on a "Grand Siesta" to prepare future seasons. Now, the game is back with a number of new features, many of which appear to be geared toward making the game more accessible and easy-to-follow, especially for newcomers. A new "Feed" is being added to help fans track recent events happening in Blaseball, which was previously challenging as many of the updates were shared primarily over the game's community Discord or Twitter. Blaseball will also now take place with an on-season of three weeks, followed by an off-season of two weeks, to give fans time to catch up between events. Additionally, The Game Band has announced a few other features whose implications are not yet known (in keeping with Blaseball's mystery, of course). "Concessions" are being added, which seems to impact the voting system somehow. There will now be "mysterious weekly team tarot readings," a "Crabitat" added for the Baltimore Crabs (a team that "ascended" last year by winning three seasons, but hasn't been seen since), and "Wills," a new feature to help teams strategize and organize around getting the rule changes, buffs, and other voting outcomes they want. Blaseball will kick off again on March 1, 2021, presumably returning to the same format of 99 games over Monday through Friday with new games starting every hour on the hour, a post-season on Saturday, and a "Slabbath" on Sunday in which votes are tallied and new rule changes take effect. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Rebekah Valentine is a news reporter for IGN. You can find her on Twitter @duckvalentine.

After a months-long hiatus, absurdist baseball simulator Blaseball is finally returning, with Season 12 beginning on Monday, March 1. Blaseball launched last summer as a free, online, browser-based baseball simulator where fans gamble fake money on the outcomes of games between teams such as the Kansas City Breath Mints and the Chicago Firefighters, then use their winnings to vote on rule changes for future games. The game achieved a level of cult popularity as rogue umpires began to incinerate favorite players, a giant peanut god descended and wreaked havoc, and fans across teams collaborated to fight it off in a climactic RPG-esque battle. A total of 11 seasons -- with each season lasting a full week of 99 games and a weekend post-season -- played out last year before developers The Game Band put the game on a "Grand Siesta" to prepare future seasons. Now, the game is back with a number of new features, many of which appear to be geared toward making the game more accessible and easy-to-follow, especially for newcomers. A new "Feed" is being added to help fans track recent events happening in Blaseball, which was previously challenging as many of the updates were shared primarily over the game's community Discord or Twitter. Blaseball will also now take place with an on-season of three weeks, followed by an off-season of two weeks, to give fans time to catch up between events. Additionally, The Game Band has announced a few other features whose implications are not yet known (in keeping with Blaseball's mystery, of course). "Concessions" are being added, which seems to impact the voting system somehow. There will now be "mysterious weekly team tarot readings," a "Crabitat" added for the Baltimore Crabs (a team that "ascended" last year by winning three seasons, but hasn't been seen since), and "Wills," a new feature to help teams strategize and organize around getting the rule changes, buffs, and other voting outcomes they want. Blaseball will kick off again on March 1, 2021, presumably returning to the same format of 99 games over Monday through Friday with new games starting every hour on the hour, a post-season on Saturday, and a "Slabbath" on Sunday in which votes are tallied and new rule changes take effect. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Rebekah Valentine is a news reporter for IGN. You can find her on Twitter @duckvalentine.

IGN is happy to reveal the nominees for the eighth annual SXSW Gaming Awards, and announce that we're partnering with SXSW to bring you the show on Saturday, March 20. You can vote for your favourites now. From 5pm Pacific / 7pm Central / 8pm Eastern on March 20, you'll be able to watch the show right here on IGN.com or our IGN Twitch channel, as well as SXSW Online and SXSW Gaming's Twitch. 43 nominees across 12 categories make up this year's line-up, including the likes of IGN game of the year Hades, Dreams, Ghost of Tsushima, Half-Life: Alyx, Cloudpunk, and many more. You can vote for your choices of winner right now on the SXSW website – winners will be chosen based on public votes, as well as SXSW staff and advisors' votes. You can check out the full list of nominees below. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/09/17/hades-review"]

Video Game of the Year

Awarded to the game that exemplifies overall excellence and creates a distinct gaming experience across all platforms and genres.

• DOOM Eternal — id Software / Bethesda Softworks
• Ghost of Tsushima — Sucker Punch Productions  / Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Hades — Supergiant Games
• Ori and the Will of the Wisps — Moon Studios / Xbox Game Studios
• The Last of Us Part II — Naughty Dog / Sony Interactive Entertainment

Indie Game of the Year

Awarded to the indie game that exemplifies overall excellence and creates a distinct gaming experience across all platforms and genres.

• Bugsnax — Young Horses
• Cloudpunk — Ion Lands
• Crown Trick — NExT Studios / Team17
• Deep Rock Galactic — Ghost Ship Games / Coffee Stain Publishing
• Huntdown — Easy Trigger Games / Coffee Stain Publishing
• Ikenfell — Happy Ray Games / Humble Games
• Monster Sanctuary — Moi Rai Games / Team17
• Raji: An Ancient Epic — Nodding Heads Games / Super.com
• Risk of Rain 2 — Hopoo Games / Gearbox Publishing
• The Last Campfire — Hello Games

Tabletop Game of the Year

Awarded to the game that exemplifies overall excellence and ingenuity of any tabletop game in any genre.

• Calico — Flatout Games
• Fort — Leder Games
• Oceans — North Star Games
• The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine — KOSMOS
• The Search for Planet X — Renegade Game Studios / Foxtrot Games

VR Game of the Year

Awarded to the VR game that exemplifies overall excellence in gameplay and design across any VR platform.

• Down the Rabbit Hole — Cortopia Studios / Beyond Frames Entertainment
• Half-Life: Alyx — Valve
• Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond — Respawn Entertainment / Electronic Arts
• Star Wars: Squadrons — Motive Studios / Electronic Arts
• The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners — Skydance Interactive

Matthew Crump Cultural Innovation Award

Awarded to the game that best challenges the “norm” of everyday gaming and offers a culturally innovative view of a game world, character, or gameplay.

• Astro's Playroom — Team ASOBI! / Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Dreams — Media Molecule / Sony Interactive Entertainment
• If Found… —  Dreamfeel / Annapurna Interactive
• Tell Me Why — DONTNOD Entertainment / Xbox Game Studios
• The Last of Us Part II — Naughty Dog / Sony Interactive Entertainment

Excellence in Animation, Art, & Visual Achievement

Awarded to the game with the most well-designed and stunning visuals, including animation effects and graphics.

• Assassin's Creed Valhalla — Ubisoft Montreal / Ubisoft
• Cloudpunk — Ion Lands
• Final Fantasy VII Remake — SQUARE ENIX
• Ghost of Tsushima — Sucker Punch Productions  / Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Ori and the Will of the Wisps — Moon Studios / Xbox Game Studios

Excellence in Game Design

Awarded to the game with the best overall design concept, gameplay mechanics, and best execution.

• Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time — Toys for Bob / Activision
• Desperados III — Mimimi Games / THQ Nordic
• Hades — Supergiant Games
• Ori and the Will of the Wisps — Moon Studios / Xbox Game Studios
• Watch Dogs: Legion — Ubisoft Toronto / Ubisoft

Excellence in Score

Awarded to the game that best exemplifies artistic excellence in musical score and how it progresses the narrative of the game.

• Cyberpunk 2077 — CD Projekt Red / CD Projekt
• DOOM Eternal — id Software / Bethesda Softworks
• Final Fantasy VII Remake — SQUARE ENIX
• Ori and the Will of the Wisps — Moon Studios / Xbox Game Studios
• Trials of Mana — Xeen / SQUARE ENIX

Excellence in Multiplayer

Awarded to the game with the best player-to-player interaction experience.

• Deep Rock Galactic — Ghost Ship Games / Coffee Stain Publishing
• Huntdown — Easy Trigger Games / Coffee Stain Publishing
• Risk of Rain 2 —  Hopoo Games, Gearbox Publishing
• Star Wars: Squadrons — Motive Studios / Electronic Arts
• VALORANT — Riot Games

Excellence in Narrative

Awarded to the game with the best storyline and dialogue.

• Ghost of Tsushima — Sucker Punch Productions  / Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Hades — Supergiant Games
• Immortals Fenyx Rising — Ubisoft Quebec / Ubisoft
• Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales — Insomniac Games /  Sony Interactive Entertainment
• The Last of Us Part II — Naughty Dog / Sony Interactive Entertainment

Excellence in Audio Design

Awarded to the game with the most outstanding and impactful sound effects.

• Bugsnax — Young Horses
• DOOM Eternal — id Software / Bethesda Softworks
• Observer: System Redux — Bloober Team
• Star Wars: Squadrons — Motive Studios / Electronic Arts
• Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 — Vicarious Visions / Activision

Excellence in Technical Achievement

Awarded to the game that pushed the capabilities of technology and programming furthest or most effectively.

• Astro's Playroom — Team ASOBI! / Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Dreams — Media Molecule / Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Genshin Impact — miHoYo
• Ghost of Tsushima — Sucker Punch Productions  / Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Microsoft Flight Simulator — Asobo Studio / Xbox Game Studios

[poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.