At the prestigious 28th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards set for 2025, the legendary Don James from Nintendo will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Known for its high status in the gaming community, this event—previously dubbed the Interactive Achievement Awards and likened to the Academy Awards of video games—will unfurl on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Las Vegas’s Aria Resort. It’s a momentous occasion for James, whose contributions to the gaming industry will be rightfully acknowledged here.
This year’s D.I.C.E. Awards follow on the heels of Geoff Keighley’s The Game Awards 2024, which turned heads by smashing records during its 10th anniversary. It treated attendees to a series of jaw-dropping game announcements, such as the multiplayer expansion Elden Ring: Nightreign, the latest creation from Naughty Dog titled Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, a first look at The Witcher 4, and the unexpected reveal of an Okami sequel. The D.I.C.E. Awards, though, pride themselves on paying homage to the individuals and teams who define gaming, with James being a true standout among them.
Upon receiving news of his award, James expressed his deep appreciation, emphasizing how “honored” he felt, and highlighted the industry’s abundance of “talented and creative people.” He reflected on his own career, naming it a “wild and fun ride.” Joining other industry giants like Satoru Iwata and Shigeru Miyamoto, James stands among the illustrious pillars of Nintendo history. In the same vein, former Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aimé has hinted at a positive “upswing” for the gaming sector, potentially adding more figures akin to James into the hall of fame.
James’s journey with Nintendo of America began in 1981 as one of its earliest employees. Rising to the position of executive vice president, he played a crucial role in developing the industry’s ESRB rating system, besides fostering ties with the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Even though E3 became defunct by 2023, James’s efforts during its inception in the ’90s were foundational, and he’s been a guiding force on the board of the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) since 1991.
In parallel, Nintendo is buzzing with activity as speculation mounts regarding the upcoming announcement of its next-generation console. Leaked details about the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller have added to the swirl of conjecture, with fans eagerly awaiting potential launch titles and release schedules. The hope is high that Mario Kart 9 might debut alongside this new technology, keeping Nintendo in the spotlight in the gaming world.
