Produced by Peach Maria Productions, SXSW Gaming 2022 was all virtual with a Livestream Ceremony hosted by Jana Morrison and Samantha Aucoin from SYFY’s Astrid & Lilly Save the World. But awards weren’t the only things, Grit and Superior dropped their World-Premiere Trailers, while viewers received special offers from Omaze, and animated The Gimmicks in an integrated animated narrative, with TikTok Viral Sensation Punk Rock Factory debuting a new song and official video.
A total of 40 unique games were in contention for honors in 12 categories — you can scroll down to check out the winners which include many for the critically acclaimed MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV with an expanded free trial which you can play through the entirety of A Realm Reborn and the award winning Heavensward expansion up to level 60 for free with no restrictions on playtime.
“The last two years of the pandemic have been hard for so many — the entertainment industry was among those affected, but played a key role in providing adventure and escape for all — so we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate the gaming industry and its many creators through tonight’s event,” said Hugh Forrest, SXSW Chief Programming Officer. “We’d like to thank our production partner Peach Maria Productions, our hosts and presenters; and all of you in the gaming and esports community for continuing to bring the best in creativity and innovation to this industry.”
SXSW Gaming 2022 Awards Winners
VIDEO GAME OF THE YEAR: Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker
DEVELOPER: SQUARE ENIX
PUBLISHER: SQUARE ENIX
INDIE GAME OF THE YEAR: Kena: Bridge of Spirits
DEVELOPER: Ember Lab
PUBLISHER: Ember Lab
TABLETOP GAME OF THE YEAR: Dune: Imperium
DEVELOPER: Dire Wolf Digital
PUBLISHER: Dire Wolf Digital
VR GAME OF THE YEAR: Resident Evil 4 VR
DEVELOPER: Armature Studio
PUBLISHER: Oculus Studios
MATTHEW CRUMP CULTURAL INNOVATION AWARD: Unpacking
DEVELOPER: Witch Beam
PUBLISHER: Humble Games
Awarded to the game that best challenges the “norm” of everyday gaming and offers a culturally innovative view of a game world, character, or gameplay.
EXCELLENCE IN ANIMATION, ART &VISUAL ACHIEVEMENT: Forza Horizon 5
DEVELOPER: Playground Games
PUBLISHER: Xbox Game Studios
EXCELLENCE IN GAME DESIGN: Inscryption
DEVELOPER: Daniel Mullins Games
PUBLISHER: Devolver Digital
EXCELLENCE IN ORIGINAL SCORE: Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker
DEVELOPER: SQUARE ENIX
PUBLISHER: SQUARE ENIX
EXCELLENCE IN MULTIPLAYER: It Takes Two
DEVELOPER: Hazelight
PUBLISHER: Electronic Arts
EXCELLENCE IN NARRATIVE: Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker
DEVELOPER: SQUARE ENIX
PUBLISHER: SQUARE ENIX
EXCELLENCE IN AUDIO DESIGN: Resident Evil Village
DEVELOPER: Capcom
PUBLISHER: Capcom
EXCELLENCE IN TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT: Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
DEVELOPER: Insomniac Games
PUBLISHER: Sony Interactive Entertainment