Golden Joysticks 2011 unleashed: Vote for Portal 2, Black Ops, LA Noire, Dead Space 2

Voting for the GamesMaster 2011 Golden Joystick Awards is underway - and you can go and support your favourite online right now.

Games in the nomination list for the event's 14 categories include Portal 2, Call Of Duty: Black Ops, Dead Space 2, Bulletstorm, L.A Noire, The Witcher 2 and many more.

The most hotly contest prize, the Ultimate Game Of The Year, is this year fought out by 20 huge titles.

Voters who participate in all 14 public categories are in with a chance of winning the GamesMaster Ultimate Gaming Prize - including consoles and copies of many award-nominated games.

Robin Alway, Editor-in-Chief of GamesMaster says: "The combination of 1.5 million votes last year and an outstanding 12 months for games meant the pressure was really on when it came to picking the shortlist for the Golden Joysticks. But while that was difficult, voting is easier than ever and we want every gamer to have their say.

"The shortlist features huge sequels living up to the hype, new IP establishing itself, and incredible innovation and creativity wherever you look. There could be some major upsets when the winners are announced."

New categories, including dedicated gongs for downloadable, mobile and free-to-play games, allow for a wider breadth of games than ever before, including success stories like Minecraft and Angry Birds.

Winners are announced at the awards ceremony, taking place at the Westminster Bridge Park Plaza on Friday 21st October. Among the surprises on the night will be a number of exclusives and reveals from all across the games industry.

Simon Maxwell, Group Publisher of Future's Entertainment portfolio, says: "We're drawing on 29 years of heritage to make this year's Golden Joysticks the biggest and best ever. Table sales are moving at speed, so don't delay if you want to be in the room for the gaming event of the year.

"We can't wait to crown the very best gaming has to offer - get voting and make sure your favourite gets the recognition it deserves."

The full list of categories reads:

Ultimate Game of the Year
One To Watch
Best Shooter
Best Action/Adventure
Best RPG [Role-Playing Game]
Best MMO [Massively Multiplayer Online game]
Best Fighting Game
Best Racing Game
Best Sports Game
Best Strategy Game
Best Music-based Game
Best Free-to-play Game
Best Mobile Game
Best Downloadable Game

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