SXSW Gaming Awards 2021 nominees revealed

The SXSW Gaming Awards released the list of nominees for its eighth edition, naming 43 titles across 12 categories and opening public voting for the winners.

Results will be announced on March 20 at 22:00 (Brasília time) during a live presentation streamed on the event’s official Twitch channel.

How winners will be chosen and how to vote

The winners in each category will be determined by a combination of public votes, SXSW staff votes and selections from invited jurors. Fans who wish to cast a ballot can do so via the event’s official website.

Overview of nominees

Across 12 categories, the nominees include several widely acclaimed releases from the previous year such as Hades, Ghost of Tsushima, The Last of Us Part II and Ori and the Will of the Wisps.

Game of the Year

• DOOM Eternal
• Ghost of Tsushima
• Hades
• Ori and the Will of the Wisps
• The Last of Us Part II

Best Indie Game

• Bugsnax
• Cloudpunk
• Crown Trick
• Deep Rock Galactic
• Huntdown
• Ikenfell
• Monster Sanctuary
• Raji: An Ancient Epic
• Risk of Rain 2
• The Last Campfire

Best Tabletop Game

• Calico
• Fort
• Oceans
• The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine
• The Search for Planet X

Best Virtual Reality Game

• Down the Rabbit Hole
• Half-Life: Alyx
• Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond
• Star Wars: Squadrons
• The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners

Matthew Crump Innovation Award

• Astro’s Playroom
• Dreams
• If Found…
• Tell Me Why
• The Last of Us Part II

Excellence in Animation, Art and Visual Achievement

• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
• Cloudpunk
• Final Fantasy VII Remake
• Ghost of Tsushima
• Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Excellence in Design

• Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time
• Desperados III
• Hades
• Ori and the Will of the Wisps
• Watch Dogs: Legion

Best Original Soundtrack

• Cyberpunk 2077
• DOOM Eternal
• Final Fantasy VII Remake
• Ori and the Will of the Wisps
• Trials of Mana

Best Multiplayer

• Deep Rock Galactic
• Huntdown
• Risk of Rain 2
• Star Wars: Squadrons
• Valorant

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIarhg-VBsQ

Best Narrative

• Ghost of Tsushima
• Hades
• Immortals Fenyx Rising
• Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
• The Last of Us Part II

Excellence in Audio Design

• Bugsnax
• DOOM Eternal
• Observer: System Redux
• Star Wars: Squadrons
• Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2

Best Use of Engine/Programming

• Astro’s Playroom
• Dreams
• Genshin Impact
• Ghost of Tsushima
• Microsoft Flight Simulator