Get in there: voting open now

The first-everSXSW Gaming Awardshave announced the first finalists. These were picked from games that were released in 2013, by industry judges and cool folks such as yours truly. You’ll see the usual suspects in the Game of the Year Award, includingThe Last of UsandSuper Mario 3D World. While I know it’s not cool to let the world know your nominations, know that I hadFire Emblem Awakening‘s back on this ballot.

You can see the full list below orhere.

Fans vote on the winners of these awards. The online ballots are open now, and run through February 21.Do your part!

The SXSW Gaming Awards take place on  March 8 at Long Center in Austin.

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Game of the Year AwardAwarded to 2013 indie or mainstream game that exemplifies gaming excellence. These games represent the penultimate of gamine achievement.

Excellence in Gameplay AwardAwarded to the 2013 indie or mainstream game that exemplifies excellence in gameplay mechanics. These games are amongst the most memorable and fun; the cream of the crop.

A battle scene in Battlefield 6 Open Beta

Excellence in Art AwardAwarded to the 2013 indie or mainstream game that exemplifies excellence in art. These titles are beautiful, engaging, and visually amazing.

Excellence in Animation AwardAwarded to the 2013 indie or mainstream game that exemplifies excellence in animation.

capcom evo moment 37

Excellence in Technical Achievement AwardAwarded to the 2013 indie or mainstream game that exemplifies excellence in technical achievement.

Excellence in Narrative AwardAwarded to the 2013 indie or mainstream game that exemplifies excellence in game narrative.

GigabyteMon

Excellence in Design and Direction AwardAwarded to the 2013 indie or mainstream game that exemplifies excellence in design and direction.

Excellence in Gaming Marketing AwardAwarded to 2013’s most memorable marketing campaign for a game title or hardware or company.

A snap of the upcoming MESA update in PEAK

Excellence in SFX AwardAwarded to the 2013 indie or mainstream game that exemplifies excellence game sound effects.

Excellence in Musical Score AwardAwarded to the 2013 indie or mainstream game that exemplifies artistic excellence in musical score and how it is used to progress the narrative of a game.

Naked Snake sneaking around in MGS Delta.

Convergence AwardAwarded to the 2013 indie or mainstream game that exemplifies excellence and pure crossover appeal through multiple mediums.

Cultural Innovation AwardAwarded to the 2013 indie or mainstream game that most challenges the “norm” of everyday gaming and offers a culturally innovative view of a game world, character or gameplay.

Battlefield 6 aiming RPG at a helicopter

Best Multiplayer Game AwardAwarded to the 2013 indie or mainstream game that exemplifies excellence in multiplayer gaming.

Texas Arts Achievement AwardAnnual award a Texas-based studio or company for their achievements in game development, and its role in progressing game development awareness in Texas.

BO7 key art

SXSW Gamer’s Voice AwardAwarded to the favorite indie game in the Indie Corner Showcase, by gamers on theSXSW Gaming Expofloor

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Milla Jovovich portraying Alice in Resident Evil 2002, wearing a red dress and holding a gun in her hand.