Awards lists in gaming are a dime-a-dozen among various internet sites (except for CheatCC’s 2013 Cody Awards of course). However, the Developers Choice is unique in that it is a peer based award.
For those not familiar with the list, a press release lays out exactly who qualifies for nomination. “The 2014 Game Developers Choice Awards are freely open to any video game that was initially released and made publicly available to consumers during the 2013 calendar year, irrespective of platform or delivery medium. Industry professionals participated in open nominations for the selection of this year’s finalists. Winners will be selected by the Game Developers Choice Awards-specific International Choice Awards Network (ICAN), which is an invitation-only organization comprised of leading game creators from all parts of the industry.” It reads.
Topping the list is the hit The Last of Us , which has become one of the most talked about games of the past year. It currently holds nominations in the Game of the Year, Best Design, Best Visual Art, Best Narrative and Best Technology categories. Tearaway , the quirky paper craft based adventure, also tops the lists with Innovation and Best Handheld/Mobile Game nods.
They also tout Nintendo’s strong showing this year, as its Super Mario 3D World release “…picked up nominations for Game of the Year and Best Design,” while the “… nostalgic action-adventure title The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds was recognized as a contender for Best Design, Best Handheld/Mobile Game and as an Honorable Mention for Game of the Year.”
The winners will be honored in San Francisco at the Game Developers Choice Award Ceremony on March 19 th . For the complete list, check out gamechoiceawards.com .