29th Annual DICE Awards 2026 Livestream

Why It Matters

The broadcast signaled that awards night has become a forum for industry accountability, spotlighting how layoffs, AI advancement, and platform politics are reshaping developer livelihoods and business strategies. Investors, publishers and talent should view the ceremony’s commentary as a barometer of morale and risk factors affecting game development and monetization going forward.

Summary

The 29th annual DICE Awards livestream, hosted by Stella Chung and Greg Miller, mixed irreverent stage banter with pointed industry commentary as presenters celebrated nominees and called out major sector issues. Hosts and guests highlighted recent studio turbulence—citing layoffs at Wildlight Studios after High Guard’s launch—and debated the disruptive promise and risks of AI tools such as Google’s Genie 3. Major nominees and publishers were name‑checked throughout, including Sandfall Interactive’s Claire Obscure: Expedition 33, Blueprints, and Death Stranding 2, while speakers also acknowledged activism and diversity concerns in the industry. The show balanced humor with critique, underscoring the uncertainty facing developers amid technological change and market pressures.

Original Description

The 29th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards are here for 2026! Tune in on Thursday, February 12 at 8pm PT / 11pm ET for all the exciting winners being announced.

The awards will be livestreamed by IGN as the official media partner, from Las Vegas as the culmination of the week-long industry gathering at the 2026 D.I.C.E. Summit. The show will be hosted by Greg Miller and Stella Chung, with the winners being selected by a panel of industry peers.

Find out how to get involved as a mentor or donor at www.aiasfoundation.org. 

Learn more about Game Maker's Sketchbook and how to submit at www.gamemakerssketchbook.com.