Spike TV aired the 2011 Video Game Awards last night. Hosted by Zachary Levi, the show awards the best in the video game industry in several categories. This year, Spike created a Video Game Hall of Fame to honor the most influential games and franchises in the industry. The first recipient was ‘The Legend of Zelda.’

This was the network’s ninth annual celebration of video games; the event was held in Los Angeles, California. The winners are:

Game of the Year – ‘The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim’
Studio of the Year – Bethesda
Best Xbox 360 Game – ‘Batman: Arkham City’
Best PS3 Game – ‘Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception’
Best Wii Game – ‘The Legend Zelda: Skyward Sword’
Best PC Game – ‘Portal 2’
Best Handheld/Mobile Game – ‘Super Mario 3D Land’
Best Shooter – ‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’
Best Action Adventure Game – ‘Batman: Arkham City’
Best RPG – ‘The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim’
Best Multi-Player – ‘Portal 2’
Best Individual Sports Game – ‘Fight Night Champion’
Best Team Sports Game – ‘NBA 2K12’
Best Driving Game – ‘Forza Motorsport 4’
Best Fighting Game – ‘Mortal Kombat’
Best Motion Game – ‘The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword’
Best Independent Game – ‘Minecraft’
Best Adapted Video Game – ‘Batman: Arkham City’
Best Song in a Game – “Build That Wall (Zia’s Theme)” from ‘Bastion’; song by Darren Korb
Best Original Score – ‘Bastion’
Best Graphics – ‘Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception’
Best Performance by a Human Male – Stephen Merchant as Wheatley in ‘Portal 2’
Best Performance by a Human Female – Ellen McLain as GLADOS in ‘Portal 2’
Best Downloadable Game – ‘Bastion’
Best DLC – ‘Portal 2: Peer Review’

Throughout the show, many games premiered a trailer. Here are a few of the notable World Premieres:

The Last of Us

Platform: PS3
Release Date: TBA
Developer: Naughty Dog

The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where the fittest and the strongest have to fight for survival daily. The trailer is cutscene footage captured from a PS3 and has no gameplay. I’m hoping that I can play as the girl with the switchblade knife.

Mass Effect 3

Platforms: Xbox 360, PS3, PC
Release Date: March 6, 2012
Developer: BioWare

‘Mass Effect 3’ is the conclusion of Shepard’s saga. The Reapers have invaded, and only Commander Shepard can save the universe. The trailer features gameplay and cutscene footage. I cannot wait until this game comes out!

Alan Wake’s American Nightmare

Platform: XBLA
Release Date: TBA
Developer: Remedy Entertainment

This is a follow-up to 2010’s ‘Alan Wake,’ the psychological horror thriller video game about writer Alan Wake. In this new ‘Alan Wake’ adventure, Wake fights people taken over by Mr. Scratch. The trailer does feature some gameplay footage. If you enjoyed ‘Alan Wake,’ then this will be a must.

The Amazing Spider-Man

Platforms: Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, PS3, Nintendo Wii
Release Date: July 3, 2012
Developer: Beenox

Set after the new movie, you get to play as Spider-Man as he protects New York City from new and dangerous threats. The trailer is cutscene footage or could be an opening cinematic. New York City looks amazing in the trailer; this could be the best the city has ever looked in a video game.

Transformers: Fall of Cybertron

Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360
Release Date: Fall of 2012 (possibly December 1, 2012)
Developer: High Moon Studios

In this game we learn why the Transformers had to leave their world. You play as different Transformers during the final days of the war between the Autobots and the Decepticons on the planet Cybertron. The trailer is either a cutscene or an animated trailer made just to promote the game. If you are a Transformers fan, then this game is a definite buy. I would like to see some gameplay before I decide if this is a must-have for me.

Diablo III

Platform: PC
Release Date: Early 2012
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment

In this long-awaited sequel to ‘Diablo II’ the world of Sanctuary is under attack and must be defended against a powerful evil. The trailer is the opening cinematic that sets up the game. People have been waiting over ten years for this game, so the game has a lot of expectations to meet.

BioShock Infinite

Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, PS3
Release Date: Febuary 1, 2012
Developer: Irrational Games

‘BioShock Infinite’ is the third game in the ‘BioShock’ series. You play as Booker DeWitt in the fantastical setting of the floating city of Columbia. The trailer features some gameplay and was made from in-game footage. Fans of the ‘BioShock’ franchise are intrigued by the change in location and are eager to play this beautiful game.

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Platforms: PS3, PC, Xbox 360
Release Date: TBA
Developer: Platinum Games

In this new entry to the ‘Metal Gear’ franchise, you play as Raiden, a cyborg ninja. Raiden first appeared in ‘Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty.’ I have to admit, I’m not a big ‘Metal Gear’ fan, but Raiden is a fascinating character. The trailer has cinematic footage and gameplay. The gameplay looks amazing, and Raiden’s quick moves have put this game on my list for 2012.