Okay, here are my predictions (well, not really predictions, the ones I want to won the prize).
GAME OF THE YEAR
For a game that delivers the absolute best experience across all creative and technical fields.
- Doom (id Software/Bethesda)
BEST GAME DIRECTION
Recognizing a game studio for outstanding creative vision, game direction and design.
- id Software (for Doom)
BEST NARRATIVE
For outstanding storytelling and narrative development in a game.
- Oxenfree (Night School Studio)
BEST ART DIRECTION
For outstanding creative and technical achievement in artistic design and animation.
- Overwatch (Blizzard)
BEST MUSIC/SOUND DESIGN
For outstanding audio, inclusive of score, original song, licensed soundtrack and sound design.
- Doom (id/Bethesda)
BEST PERFORMANCE
Awarded to an individual for voice-over acting, motion and/or performance capture.
- Cissy Jones as Delilah, Firewatch
GAMES FOR IMPACT
Honoring exemplary games that take on real-world issues and advocate for social change.
¿? Haven't played any of these. Since when is this category a thing? It seems bound to be controversial, no matter what they choose.
BEST INDEPENDENT GAME
For outstanding achievement in a game made outside the traditional publisher system.
I've only played Firewatch out of the ones listed here, but oddly enough, I didn't like it that much. So I suppose it's only here by default.
BEST MOBILE/HANDHELD
For the best game playable on mobile phones and dedicated gaming handhelds.
I'm sure FE Fates is the better ame by a mile, but with their weird slicing of the game in three and the fact I haven't played it, Pokemon Go is my choice.
BEST VR GAME
For the best game experience playable in virtual reality.
Not interested.
BEST ACTION GAME
For the best game experience focused around first or third person combat.
- Doom (id Software/Bethesda Softworks). If this doesn't win this particular category, I'll be chocked.
BEST ACTION/ADVENTURE GAME
For the best game experience that combines combat with traversal and puzzle solving.
Played none of those.
BEST RPG
The best game designed for rich player character customization and progression, both offline and online, including massively multiplayer.
Played none of those.
BEST FIGHTING GAME
For a game designed primarily around head-to-head combat.
Played none of those.
BEST STRATEGY GAME
Best game focused on real time or turn-based strategy.
Played none of those.
BEST FAMILY GAME
Best game for family play, including toys-to-life, rhythm/music/dance, and other genres.
- Pokémon Go (Niantic)
BEST SPORTS/RACING
For traditional and non-traditional sports and racing games.
Played none of those.
BEST MULTIPLAYER
For outstanding online multiplayer gameplay and design, including co-op and massively multiplayer experiences.
Played none of those.
MOST ANTICIPATED GAME
An upcoming game that has shown significant ambition and promise in moving the gaming medium forward.
This category exists only to generate hype. With that said, BotW.
TRENDING GAMER, PRESENTED BY INTEL
For a notable influencer, online streamer or media personality in 2016.
BEST FAN CREATION
For fan-created content, such as MODs, fan films, and other player content.
Nintendo disowning the fan-made games. Sad.
BEST ESPORTS PLAYER, PRESENTED BY OMEN BY HP
The eSports player judged to be the most outstanding performer in 2016, irrespective of game.
Don't care.
BEST ESPORTS TEAM
The eSports team or organization judged to be the most outstanding for performance in 2016, irrespective of game.
Don't care.
BEST ESPORTS GAME
The Esports game that has shown creative and technical excellence in 2016 with the best gameplay, community support and content updates.
Don't care.