Greetings!
We have gathered the nominations, it is time for you to vote for the best games of 2021!
[CLICK HERE TO CAST YOUR VOTES!](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/10Ljj2k7oxdhwCzOpdz-Gag_leSc5eFKHAe4GY1x1kVQ/)
NOTE: You are not required to answer every category, but the more the better!
Voting will remain open through at least January 22nd. If votes are still coming in after 5 days, then we may extend the voting window an extra day or two.
This year’s categories are:
# Section 1 – Gaming Together
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* **Best Online Multiplayer Game** – For outstanding online multiplayer gameplay and design, including co-op and massively multiplayer experiences, irrespective of game genre.
* **Best Local Multiplayer Game** – For outstanding local multiplayer gameplay and design, including co-op, irrespective of game genre.
* **Best Family Game** – For the best game appropriate for family play, irrespective of genre.
# Section 2 – Categories by Genre
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* **Best Strategy Game** – For the best game requiring a well thought out plan to achieve victory.
* **Best Role Playing Game (RPG)** – For the best game designed with rich player character customization and progression.
* **Best Adventure Game** – For the best adventure game, which may mix combat with traversal and puzzle solving.
* **Best Action Game** – For the best game in the action genre focused on combat.
* **Best Fighting Game** – For the best game designed primarily around head-to-head combat.
* **Best Sports / Racing Game** – For the best traditional and non-traditional sports and racing game.
* **Best Horror Game** – For that game that scared the socks off of you this year, the cause of all of those nightmares.
* **Best Platformer Game** – For outstanding design and creativity in a game where players must use skill to jump between platforms or over obstacles without falling or missing jumps.
* **Best Puzzle Game** – For the most enjoyable time racking your brain for the solution to the puzzle.
* **Best Music / Rhythm Game** – For the best game with a focus on dance or the simulated performance of musical instruments.
# Section 3 – Categories by Qualities
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* **Best Soundtrack** – For outstanding music, inclusive of score, original song and/or licensed soundtrack.
* **Best Art Direction** – For outstanding creative achievement in artistic design and animation.
* **Best Narrative** – For outstanding storytelling and narrative development in a game.
* **Best Game Direction** – Awarded for outstanding creative vision and innovation in game direction and design.
* **Best Technical Achievement** – For the game which achieves a combination of gameplay and graphics which goes well beyond hardware expectations.
# Section 4 – Release Categories
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* **Best Re-Release / Re-master** – For the best game who’s original release was not on a current generation console (pre-2014) (Switch/PS4/Xbox One).
* **Nintendo Switch Exclusive Game** – Best game released in 2021 as a Nintendo Switch console exclusive.
* **Best Non-Switch Game** – Games for PC/PS4/PS5/Xbox One/Xbox Series X
* **Best DLC** – The extra content that you felt was truly worth the money (or not in the case of free) and you don’t regret the time taken to play it.
* **Best Ongoing Game** – For outstanding development of ongoing content that evolves the player experience over time. Does NOT have to be a 2021 release.
* **Best Indie Game** – For outstanding creative and technical achievement in a game made outside the traditional publisher system.
# Section 5 – Final Section
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* **Developer of the Year** – Developer studio who displayed outstanding platform support through a combination of quantity and quality of new releases.
* **Publisher of the Year** – Publishing studio who displayed outstanding platform support through a combination of quantity and quality of new releases.
* **Nintendo Switch Game of the Year** – Recognizing a game that delivers the absolute best experience across all creative and technical fields. Honorable mention to Nintendo Switch Calculator, which came in 7th during the nomination round.