The craft award for "Outstanding Achievement in Game Design" was not offered this year along with the award for "Portable Game Design". Only one award for "Outstanding Achievement in Story" would be offered instead of having separate awards for "Original Story" and "Adapted Story". While "Downloadable Game of the Year" was not listed on the rules & procedures, it was featured on the submission form, but there weren't any finalists named for it.[2][3][4]
BioWare co-founders Ray Muzyka & Greg Zeschuk were inducted into the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame. Bing Gordon, former Chief Creative Officer of Electronic Arts, received the "Lifetime Achievement Award". Bill Budge, a game designer for the Apple II, received the "Pioneer Award".[5]
Winners and Nominees
Winners are listed first, highlighted in boldface, and indicated with a double dagger (‡).[6][7]