[From the industry] International industry leaders celebrate a breadth of talent as nominees for the Italian Video Game Awards revealed

This is a press release posted in addition to our usual editorial content.

The Italian Interactive Digital Entertainment Association (IIDEA), Italy’s video game trade body representing the national games industry and fostering the growth and development of the sector, is proud to announce the nominees of this year’s prestigious Italian Video Game Awards. The ceremony is set to air in July on the opening night of First Playable 2022; originally the premier international gaming B2B event in Italy, First Playable is making an in-person return following the pandemic for its 4th edition of bringing together the Italian games industry.

In addition to the trio of categories whose nominees are listed below, the Italian Video Game Awards will also bestow recognition on the worthy winners of Outstanding Italian Company and Outstanding Individual Contribution.

“There’s so much talent in the Italian games industry, it’s a privilege to play a role in championing and celebrating it”, said Thalita Malagò, General Manager at IIDEA. “The Italian Video Game Awards put the spotlight on the growth and excellence of our industry. Seeing the work that’s being produced, by larger studios and indie developers alike, it’s clear that the future of Italy’s games industry is bright.”

The jury for this year’s awards was built on a foundation of different perspectives, from both games industry figureheads and leading specialised members of the press. Renowned game developer, studio founder and consultant Rami Ismail, ex-PlayStation Access host and currently Head of Influencers and Engagement at Frontier Developments Hollie Bennett, and Jon Goddard of metaverse developer Lockwood Publishing and formerly Jagex brought their vast industry experience and expertise to the judging panel.

Leaders in specialist video game media approached the judging process with their broad, industry-wide scope of knowledge to access submissions to the highest standards. MCV/DEVELOP’s Editor Richie Shoemaker, Global Editor-in-Chief of GamesRadar+ Sam Loveridge and Vikki Blake whose work can be seen across some of the world’s largest games B2B and B2C outlets including BBC, Eurogamer, GamesIndustry.biz, MTV and PC Gamer formed the second half of the 2022 jury.

With the judges having evaluated submissions and cast their votes, here are the chosen nominees (in alphabetical order) for the Italian Video Game Awards 2022:

Best Italian Game

• Dice Legacy by DESTINYbit
• Faraday Protocol by Red Koi Box
• Hot Wheels Unleashed by Milestone
• Martha is Dead by LKA
• Vesper by Cordens Interactive

Best Italian Debut

• Angry Giant by Jokerrsoft
• Faraday Protocol by Red Koi Box
• Nostalgici Anonimi by Hufu Interactive Storytelling
• RiMS Racing by RaceWard Studio
• Vesper by Cordens Interactive

Best Innovation

• CUCCCHI by Fantastico Studio
• Dice Legacy by DESTINYbit
• Hundred Days – Winemaking Simulator by Broken Arms Games
• Martha is Dead by LKA
• Vesper by Cordens Interactive

You can see all the nominations for this year’s awards, and read about the jury, over at www.firstplayable.it/italian-video-game-awards/. The Italian Video Game Awards ceremony will take place on 5th July at 6pm BST/7pm CEST, hosted by internationally revered games industry presenters, and will be available to stream in English via FirstPlayable – Twitch.