The awards were arranged by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) and were held at the Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 20, 2009 (2009-02-20).
[1] The award for "Outstanding Achievement in Game Direction" was introduced this year.
[2][3] Gears of War 2 and LittleBigPlanet were tied for the most nominations, with the latter winning the most awards, including "Overall Game of the Year".
Bruce Shelley, creator of Age of Empires, was inducted into the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame.
[4] Winners are listed first, highlighted in boldface, and indicated with a double dagger (‡).