The 27th Annual DICE Awards: A Celebration for Game Developers and the Industry

The 27th Annual DICE Awards, held on February 17, 2024, was a significant event for the video game industry. This awards show, put on by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, is the video game industry’s equivalent to the motion picture, television, and recording industry academies’ Oscars. However, unlike its entertainment counterparts, the DICE Awards don’t receive the same level of attention or production value. Nevertheless, it is the better show by far.

The DICE Awards were a celebration for game developers, a moment for them to shine and be recognized for their hard work and contributions to the industry. The event was hosted by Greg Miller and Stella Chung, and the atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation.

One of the most notable wins of the night was for Baldur’s Gate 3, which was awarded Game of the Year. Larian Studios’ head of production, David Walgrave, accepted the award and took the opportunity to express his thoughts on the importance of building a community and creating fun games, rather than focusing solely on maximizing shareholder value. His words were a direct shot at Embracer Group CEO Lars Wingefors, who had previously stated that the company’s overriding principle was to always maximize shareholder value in any given situation.

Baldur’s Gate 3 has been hailed as the game of the year several times, with its previous win coming from Geoff Keighley’s The Game Awards. However, during that event, Larian Studios CEO Swen Vincke did not have the opportunity to speak much before being encouraged to “wrap it up” by a teleprompter. In contrast, at the DICE Awards, the team was given several minutes to acknowledge the state of the industry and offer hope to developers who had been let go at the start of the year.

Director of publishing, Michael Douse, spoke about the importance of recognizing the talent and worth of developers, reminding them that they matter and are the future of the industry. The DICE Awards provided a platform for developers to be human, to remind us that they are more than just the games they create.

The DICE Awards were not just about recognizing individual achievements, but also about celebrating industry legends. Mario and The Legend of Zelda composer Koji Kondo was inducted into the Academy’s Hall of Fame, with a tribute that paid homage to his iconic music and legendary career.

The event was not without its criticisms, with jabs taken at companies like Embracer Group and Unity, despite both being event sponsors. The DICE Awards provided a space for developers to express their thoughts and feelings about the industry, offering a refreshing and honest perspective.

The DICE Awards serve as a reminder that the people behind the games are just as important as the games themselves. It is a celebration for the industry and a moment for developers to be recognized for their contributions. The DICE Awards may not receive the same level of attention as The Game Awards or the entertainment Oscars, but it is the better show by far.

In conclusion, the 27th Annual DICE Awards was a significant event for the video game industry. It provided a platform for game developers to be recognized for their hard work and contributions, and offered a refreshing and honest perspective on the industry. The event was a celebration for the industry and a reminder that the people behind the games are just as important as the games themselves.