Awards will be given in the following categories…
Note: A game may be nominated in only one (1) of the following four genre/platform categories*
Best Console Game
Best game for current generation console hardware (Wii, Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Wii U).
Best Downloadable Game
Best game available only through direct to customer download such as Xbox Live, Playstation Network, Wii Shop, Steam or Direct2Drive.
Best Game on the Go
Best game on a handheld or mobile device:
- Handheld Platforms = PSP, DS [and variants]
- Mobile Games = iPhone, iPad, any other cell phone game
Best Social/Casual Game
Best game across any platform in the casual or social genre.
*Under limited circumstances, a game may be nominated for more than one platform/genre category if it meets the following two conditions: 1) the version of the game nominated in one category (eg. console) is distinct from the version of the game nominated in another category (eg. handheld or mobile), and 2) each version of the game nominated was developed by a different development team. In the event a game is nominated for multiple categories, the CVA Adjudication committee will verify that each version nominated satisfies these two conditions.
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Note: There are no nomination limits in the following categories
Best Animation
Recognizing the best overall in-game animation experience, showcasing originality, innovation, creativity and emotion.
Best Audio
Best audio in a game including sound effects, soundtrack, composition, orchestration and design across all platforms.
Best Game Design
Recognizing excellence in game design across all platforms with specific attention paid to those innovative designs and superior execution that challenge traditional principles.
Best Game Innovation
Recognizing something truly extraordinary that expands the boundaries of the game industry.
Best Indie Game
Best game submission by a small independent Canadian developer
(< 50 full time equivalents), group or individual. Note: The developer must retain full creative control over the property, even if they have received financial support from a third party (publisher or otherwise). Entrants must have obtained written permission from all persons or entities having any rights to the game, as well as the necessary rights to commercially publish the game using any third party technology, if applicable.
Best New Character
This award celebrates the unique collaboration between character artist, writer, voice director and voice actor to create the most indelible new character in a Canadian made videogame.
Best Original Music
Awarded to the best original music created for a Canadian-made videogame.
Best Technology
Recognizing excellence in graphics programming, AI, physics and networking across all platforms. All submissions are required to be an advancement in their respective field, developed in-house. Third-party Graphics and Physics engines and tools can be used, but it will be the implementation and unique aspects of the new technology that the developer built themselves that will be judged.
Best Visual Arts
Recognizing excellence in the visual art of a game, including design, art direction, modeling etc. across all platforms.
Best Writing
Best storyline, scenario or dialogue across all genres and platforms.
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Game of the Year
Best Canadian-made game across all genres and platforms.
Future Shop Fans’ Choice Award
The game across all genres and platforms that receives the most votes by the Canadian public for the Fans’ Choice Award.
