You picked them. We counted them. And now we’re gonna talk about them. The 2009 GiN Game of the Year nominees are here, as chosen by you. Which games will earn the top prize? Their fate is in your hands.

Normally the hottest releases come out over the holidays, but the big bully that was Modern Warfare 2 claimed that glory. So now we have a ton of top-tier titles coming out like a second Christmas.

Everyone who subscribes to the free weekly GiN newsletter can nominate their favorite game for the GOTY contest. But we’ve dug up a couple gems that might not be on your radar, but deserve a second look.

Downloaded Content packs, or DLCs, are rapidly becoming the kings of gaming. From The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned in Borderlands to thousands of songs for Rock Band and Guitar Hero, there’s something for everyone (and cheap) online.

Almost nobody can claim as much growth in a ten year span as the game industry. From the PS2 to World of Warcraft, we take a look back at the most important innovations of the decade that truly changed the world.

Even though we got off to a bit of a slow start, 2009 had some amazing games to be played. And while not every title can take home the Game Of Year Crown, we pause to toast a few that really impressed.

Got some cool console games under your tree? If Square Enix President Yoichi Wada's prediction holds true, that may be a thing of the past. Could digital distribution kill the console market? And would it put Santa out of business?

This week our top two columnists talk about the titles you absolutely have to find stuffed in your stocking this year. However you celebrate the holidays, make sure at least one of these great games is a part of it.

One of the newest forms of ad revenue is advertising within a game. And it’s also one of the most controversial. Listen as the fur flies this week. More money! Less fulfilling!