Evan Wells, former co-president of Naughty Dog, is set to receive The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS)’s Hall of Fame Award at the DICE summit this year. Wells will receive the award from current Naughty Dog boss Neil Druckmann on February 12, 2026.
Druckmann commented:
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. I know I speak for many across the industry when I congratulate Evan on this well-deserved recognition. It’s a profound honor to present him with this Hall of Fame induction.
The president of the AIAS, Meggan Scavio, had the following to say:
We are honored to recognize Evan Wells for his decades of creative leadership and his profound impact on the games industry. Throughout his tenure at Naughty Dog, Evan has exemplified what it means to lead with vision, integrity, and a deep respect for the craft. His commitment to nurturing talent and pushing creative boundaries has shaped generations of developers and inspired millions of players around the world. It is a privilege to celebrate his remarkable legacy at the 29th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards.
Wells announced bak in July 2023 that he had retired from video game development after more than 30 years in the industry, 25 of which he spent at Naughty Dog. Wells cut his teeth on titles including ToeJam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron, Gex, and Get: Enter the Gecko, before joining Naughty Dog in 1998 and worked on Crash Bandicoot Warped, Crash Team Racing, Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy among others. Wells was also involved in the Uncharted and The Last of Us franchise prior to his retirement.
[Source – VGC]