Journey, Dear Esther in pole for BATFA VGAs

The British Academy has announced its list of finalists for the 2013 Video Game Awards, with the multiplayer pilgrimage of 'Journey' appearing in seven of seventeen categories, atmospheric exploration game 'Dear Esther' in five, and action game 'Far Cry 3' also in five.

Come the March 5 ceremony, PlayStation 3 release 'Journey' will be in the running for Artistic and Audio achievements, Game Innovation, Online Multiplayer, Original Music and Story as well as overall Best Game.

Also appearing in multiple categories are Xbox 360 title 'Halo 4,' which marks the first time that a new entry to the science-fiction action series was entirely developed by a team other than creator Bungie, and exquisitely polished iOS puzzler 'The Room,' the debut from a new British studio whose notable previous experience had been in the motor racing genre.

Introduced for the 2013 awards is the British Game category, which plays to type in as far as it includes two racing games -- 'Need for Speed: Most Wanted' and 'Forza Horizon' -- as well as 'Dear Esther,' mesmeric Mac, PC, iOS and Android twitch-reflex title 'Super Hexagon' and 'The Room.'

For those with a penchant for gaming on the go, the Mobile and Handheld category again suggests 'The Room' in conjunction with the sunny 'Incoboto,' soccer player management sim 'New Star Soccer,' frantic match 3 puzzler 'Super Monsters Ate My Condo' and excellent tie-in 'The Walking Dead' -- all of which are available on iOS -- and the cuddly 'LittleBigPlanet Vita.'