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| Evan Wells will be inducted into the D.I.C.E. Awards Hall of Fame at the 29th Annual ceremony. |
By Jon Scarr
The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences has announced that Evan Wells, former co-president of Naughty Dog, has been selected as a Hall of Fame inductee for the 29th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards.
Wells will receive the honour during the awards ceremony on Thursday, February 12, 2026, in Las Vegas. The presentation will take place live at the event, with longtime collaborator Neil Druckmann set to present the award.
A career spanning more than three decades
Wells has worked in the video game industry for more than 30 years and is widely regarded as one of the most influential studio leaders of the modern era. He began his career as a designer on ToeJam & Earl 2 before moving to Crystal Dynamics, where he contributed to titles including Gex and Gex: Enter the Gecko.
He joined Naughty Dog in 1998, initially serving as a lead designer and director on several PlayStation-era releases. Over the following years, Wells played a central role in shaping the studio’s creative direction and long-term strategy.
In 2004, Wells was appointed co-president of Naughty Dog, a position he held for nearly two decades. During that time, the studio released some of its most critically acclaimed and commercially successful franchises, including Uncharted and The Last of Us.
Industry recognition from peers
In a statement accompanying the announcement, Neil Druckmann credited Wells’ leadership and trust in his teams as foundational to the studio’s success.
“Naughty Dog was able to create some truly incredible games and leave a lasting mark on the industry because of Evan’s unwavering leadership and the trust he placed in all of us,” Druckmann said. “It’s a profound honour to present him with this Hall of Fame induction.”
Meggan Scavio, president of the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, also highlighted Wells’ long-term impact on the medium.
“Throughout his tenure at Naughty Dog, Evan has exemplified what it means to lead with vision, integrity, and a deep respect for the craft,” Scavio said. “His commitment to nurturing talent and pushing creative boundaries has shaped generations of developers and inspired millions around the world.”
About the AIAS Hall of Fame
The AIAS Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have played a significant role in advancing the video game industry through creativity, leadership, and innovation. Past recipients include Ted Price, Koji Kondo, Tim Schafer, Ed Boon, Bonnie Ross, Todd Howard, Hideo Kojima, and Tim Sweeney.
Wells’ induction will take place as part of the 29th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards ceremony, which honours outstanding creative and technical achievement across the games industry.
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