The wave of major new video game releases finally settled weeks ago as 2010 winds down and we prepare to celebrate the new year. But before we look forward to an even bigger year of gaming in 2011, let's reflect back on what the gaming industry entertained us with in 2010.

Tomorrow marks not only the very last day of 2010 but the end of our first full year of operation here at Game Rant and what better way to go out than with the beginning of an annual tradition with the Game Rant Video Game Awards!

For the first of many to come, we've carved out seven key categories to capture some of the most important elements of gaming. Without further ado, here are the nominations:

Game of the Year

  • Halo: Reach
  • Mass Effect 2
  • Minecraft
  • Red Dead Redemption
  • StarCraft II

Most Innovative

  • Backbreaker
  • Heavy Rain
  • Minecraft
  • ModNation Racers
  • Sleep is Death

Biggest Disappointment

  • Alpha Protocol
  • Command & Conquer 4
  • Crackdown 2
  • Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2
  • Final Fantasy XIV

Best Presentation

  • Halo: Reach
  • Limbo
  • The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom
  • Split/Second
  • StarCraft II

Best Gameplay

  • Bayonetta
  • Mass Effect 2
  • StarCraft II
  • Super Meat Boy
  • Vanquish

Best Multiplayer Experience

  • Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
  • Call of Duty: Black Ops
  • Halo: Reach
  • Minecraft
  • StarCraft II

Best Story

  • Alan Wake
  • Amnesia
  • Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
  • Heavy Rain
  • Red Dead Redemption

Nominations were carefully selected based on input from all members of the Game Rant staff and many hours of deliberation. Share your comments on what you believe deserves to win and come back next week for the award winners!

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