• GOTY Dominance: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 cleaned up with five awards, including Game of the Year.
  • Creative Recognition: Sandfall Interactive’s team received a French knighthood for their work.
  • Top Performers: Ghost of Yotei took three trophies; Arc Raiders named Online Game of the Year.
  • Industry Legends: Evan Wells joins the Hall of Fame; the industry mourns the loss of Vince Zampella.

D.I.C.E. Awards: Expedition 33 Sweeps the Board

The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) just wrapped up its ceremony in Las Vegas, and if you haven't been tracking Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, it’s time to wake up. Sandfall Interactive’s heavy hitter walked away with five awards tonight, cementing its status as the definitive title of the year. Since its April 2025 release, the game has been a critical darling, but seeing it snag the top GOTY spot over stiff competition confirms its impact on the 2025 meta.

The prestige here is massive. We're talking about a development team that has been literally knighted under the French Order of Arts and Letters. That’s the kind of high-level recognition usually reserved for film icons, not just software devs. AIAS President Meggan Scavio put it best: "The games recognized at this year’s D.I.C.E. Awards showcase the extraordinary range of talent and creativity that define our industry."

The Winners' Circle: Ghost of Yotei and Arc Raiders

While Expedition 33 was the night's big winner, it wasn't the only one making noise. Ghost of Yotei proved its narrative and design chops by taking home three awards, specifically landing the "Outstanding Achievement in Character" win. On the multiplayer front, Arc Raiders secured Online Game of the Year, proving it has the legs to stay relevant in a crowded live-service market.

Legacy and the Hall of Fame

The industry also paused to honor its veterans. Evan Wells, the former president and co-founder of Naughty Dog, was officially inducted into the AIAS Hall of Fame. Given his track record of pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling, this induction was a long-overdue "GG" to one of the greats.

Remembering Vince Zampella

The mood at the DICE Summit turned somber as the industry honored the passing of Vince Zampella. The man was a titan—co-creator of Call of Duty and co-founder of both Infinity Ward and Respawn Entertainment. His passing in December 2025 left a massive void in the shooter space. Industry heavyweights like Hideo Kojima, Phil Spencer, and Todd Howard all took the stage to discuss how Zampella’s work didn't just change the games we play, but shifted how we think about the medium itself.

We believe this year’s D.I.C.E. awards mark a shift. We're seeing a blend of high-concept new IP like Expedition 33 standing alongside the legacy left by pioneers like Zampella. As Scavio noted, these developers are continuing to elevate interactive entertainment through "innovation, storytelling, and meaningful player experiences."