The Game Awards 2021 are returning live and in person after a year of all-digital displays. Host of the event, Geoff Keighley, is pulling out all the stops for his annual award to celebrate the show’s return.

In anticipation of the highly-anticipated award show, the games nominated for the prestigious award ceremony appeared on Nov. 16, 2021, just a few weeks before the show. Readers can find the list of nominees and their categories below.

  • Best PerformanceErika Mori (Life is Strange: True Colors)Giancarlo Esposito (Far Cry 6)Jason Kelley (“Deathloop”)Maggie Robertson (Resident Evil: Village)Ozioma Akagha (“Deathloop”)Best MultiplayerBack 4 BloodKnockout CityMonster Hunter: RiseNew WorldIt Takes TwoValheimBest Ongoing GameApex LegendsCall of Duty: WarzoneFinal Fantasy XIVGenshin ImpactFortniteBest Art Direction"Deathloop"Kena: Bridge of SpiritsPsychonauts 2Ratchet & Clank: Rift ApartThe Artful EscapeBest Score & MusicCyberpunk 2077"Deathloop"NieR Replicant ver. 1.22474487139Marvel’s Guardians of the GalaxyThe Artful EscapeBest Audio Design"Deathloop"Forza Horizon 5Ratchet & Clank: Rift ApartResident Evil: VillageReturnalInnovation in AccessibilityFar Cry 6Forza Horizon 5Marvel’s Guardians of the GalaxyRatchet & Clank: Rift ApartThe Vale: Shadow of the CrownBest Narrative"Deathloop"It Takes TwoLife is Strange: True ColorsMarvel’s Guardians of the GalaxyPsychonauts 2Games for ImpactBefore Your EyesBoyfriend DungeonChicory: A Colorful TaleLife is Strange: True ColorsNo Longer HomeBest Independent Game12 MinutesDeath’s DoorKena: Bridge of SpiritsInscryptionLoop HeroBest Mobile GameFantasianGenshin ImpactLeague of Legends: Wild RiftMarvel: Future RevolutionPokemon UNITEBest Community SupportApex LegendsDestiny 2Final Fantasy XIVFortniteNo Man’s SkyBest Debut Indie GameKena: Bridge of SpiritsSableThe Artful EscapeThe Forgotten CityValheimBest VR/AR GameHitman IIII Expect You to Die 2: The Spy and the LiarLone Echo 2Resident Evil 4Sniper Elite VRContent Creator of the YearDreamFuslieGaulesIbaiThe GrefgBest Action GameBack 4 BloodChivalry II"Deathloop"Far Cry 6ReturnalBest Action/Adventure GameMarvel’s Guardians of the GalaxyMetroid Dread Ratchet & Clank: Rift ApartResident Evil: VillagePsychonauts 2Best Role Playing GameCyberpunk 2077Monster Hunter: RiseScarlet NexusShin Megami Tensei VTales of AriseMost Anticipated GameElden RingGod of War: RagnarokHorizon: Forbidden WestThe Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild 2StarfieldBest Fighting GameDemon Slayer: The Hinokami ChroniclesGuilty Gear: StriveMelty Blood: Type LuminaNickelodeon All-Star BrawlVirtua Fighter 5: Ultimate ShowdownBest Family GameIt Takes TwoMario Party SuperstarsNew Pokemon SnapSuper Mario 3D World + Bowser’s FuryWario Ware: Get It Together!Best Sim/Strategy GameAge of Empires IVEvil Genius 2: World DominationHumankindInscryptionMicrosoft Flight SimulatorBest Sports/Racing GameF1: 2021 The Official VideogameFIFA 22Hot Wheels UnleashedForza Horizon 5Riders RepublicBest Esports GameCall of DutyCS GODOTA 2League of LegendsValorantBest Esports AthleteCollapseS1MPLEShowmakerTenzSimpBest Esports TeamAtlanta Faze (Call of Duty)DWG (League of Legends)Navi (CS GO)Team Spirit (DOTA 2)Sentinels (Valorant)Best Esports CoachB1AD3CrowderEnghKkomaSilentBest Esports EventThe International DOTA 2 Championships2021 League of Legends World ChampionshipValorant Champions Tour Stage 2: MastersPGL Major: Stockholm 2021PUBG Mobile Global ChampionshipBest Game Direction"Deathloop"Psychonauts 2It Takes TwoReturnalRatchet & Clank: Rift ApartGame of the Year 2021:“Deathloop"It Takes TwoMetroid DreadPsychonauts 2Ratchet & Clank: Rift ApartResident Evil: Village

The 8th Annual Game Awards premiers Dec. 9, 2021, at 8:30 pm EST. According to Geoff Keighley, players can expect new game announcements “in the double digits,” along with over 50 games appearing in some capacity. Users can vote for their picks now at thegameawards.com.

For more on The Game Awards, be sure to stay tuned to Pro Game Guides.