Marvel's Spider Man 2 and Alan Wake 2 receive more DICE Awards nominations than Baldur's Gate 3

What just happened? The nominations for another game awards show have been announced, but this time Baldur's Gate 3 isn't the most nominated title. The RPG doesn't even have the second highest number of nominations. Leading the way at the DICE (Design Innovate Communicate Entertain) awards is Marvel's Spider Man 2 with nine nominations, followed by Alan Wake 2, which is up for eight awards.

Baldur's Gate 3, meanwhile, has seven nominations. The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) has announced the nominations for the 27th annual DICE awards – you can see the full list at the bottom of this page. There were 56 games nominated across 23 categories, with the coveted Game of the Year battle taking place between Baldur's Gate 3, Alan Wake 2, Cocoon, Marvel's Spider Man 2, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

We're used to seeing Baldur's Gate 3 clean up at game awards ceremonies like the Golden Joysticks and Game Awards . While the seven nominations it received for the DICE Awards is a lot, it's still fewer than Spider Man 2 and Alan Wake 2. Cocoon was next on the list with six nominations, followed by Legend of Zelda with five.

It might not have the most nominations, but it'll still be a surprise if Baldur's Gate 3 fails to win GOTY – though actor Timothée Chalamet's personal choice is Spider Man 2. There will likely be some controversy over the divisive Starfield being nominated in two categories: Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction and Role Playing Game of the Year.

Starfield did win the Most Innovative Gameplay category in the recent Steam Awards, but that was likely trolling on the part of voters; the DICE Awards are peer juried. Expect Alan Wake 2 to win the Original Music Composition award; fans of the insanely catchy Herald of Darkness will probably agree.

The game is likely to be a favorite in the Achievement in Story category, too. Elsewhere, Baldur's Gate 3 appears a certainty for RPG of the year, and it would be a surprise if Street Fighter 6 isn't voted the best fighting game. The 27th DICE Awards show will be livestreamed on Thursday, February 15 from the Aria Resort in Las Vegas.

Full list of categories and nominations:.