Over the past few days, the D.I.C.E. (Design, Innovate, Create, Entertain) convention has been taking place in Las Vegas. The annual event also includes an awards show, this year hosted by Jay Mohr at the Hard Rock Cafe (see all results). It was no surprise that Sony's God of War won the most awards. Taking nothing away from this great game, some were left to wonder where in the world were RE4 and Psychonauts.

In order for a company's game to be considered for a D.I.C.E. award, that company must be part of the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences (AIAS), the group that puts on the D.I.C.E. convention. Majesco (Psychonauts) and Capcom (RE4) are not members of AIAS (you have to pay dues to join) and therefore, neither of these games were considered. In the case of Capcom, they simply choose not to be a part of it. In the case of the failing Majesco, they simply couldn't afford it.

The obvious question that comes out of this revelation is, "is it fair?" Should only those companies who pay to be part of the AIAS have their games considered?

The AIAS's website claims:

With an active membership of over 8000 game publishing and development professionals, the Academy exists to advance, promote and communicate the interests of the entertainment software community.

With a statement like that, you'd think that they'd include ALL games in their awards ceremonies, no matter the publisher.

In a gaming environment where publishers are constantly being lambasted for their lack of innovation, it's a shame that two such great games didn't get their just desserts.