Since its inception in 2014, The Game Awards has served as a prominent platform to recognize and celebrate the pinnacle of achievement in the video game industry. The coveted Game of the Year award, in particular, represents the highest honor, acknowledging the most impactful and innovative title of the year. Over the past decade, only ten different games have claimed this prestigious accolade, each reflecting the evolving landscape of gaming and the diverse range of experiences it offers.
The inaugural Game Awards in 2014 saw BioWare's "Dragon Age: Inquisition" take home the top prize. This marked a significant moment for the role-playing genre, showcasing the depth and complexity that could be achieved within a single-player experience. The victory highlighted the importance of compelling narratives and character development, setting a high bar for future contenders.
The following year, in 2015, CD Projekt Red's "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt" emerged victorious. This sprawling open-world RPG captivated players with its rich lore, intricate questlines, and morally ambiguous characters. The game’s success underscored the industry's growing ambition and the increasing sophistication of interactive storytelling. As the source material notes, "Overwatch and God of War are among the 10 different games to win since 2014," a statement which highlights the diversity of games that have been awarded.
In 2016, Blizzard Entertainment's "Overwatch" broke new ground by winning Game of the Year. The team-based multiplayer shooter, with its vibrant cast of characters and fast-paced gameplay, demonstrated the power of online competitive experiences. This win signaled a shift in the industry's focus, recognizing the impact of games that foster community and ongoing engagement. The quote, "Overwatch and God of War are among the 10 different games to win since 2014," emphasizes the variety of game types that have been honored.
Nintendo’s "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" secured the award in 2017. This open-world adventure redefined the series with its vast, interconnected world and emphasis on player freedom. The game's innovative design and sense of discovery resonated with both critics and players, further solidifying the franchise's legacy and pushing the boundaries of the action-adventure genre.
2018 saw Sony Santa Monica’s "God of War" claim the top honor. This reimagining of the classic franchise delivered a powerful and emotionally resonant narrative, coupled with stunning visuals and impactful combat. The game’s success proved that established franchises could be successfully reinvented, reaching new heights while honoring their roots. As the original article states, "Overwatch and God of War are among the 10 different games to win since 2014," further emphasizing the diversity of the winners.
FromSoftware’s "Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice" won in 2019, marking a significant moment for the action genre. This challenging and rewarding title showcased the developer's signature style of intricate combat and atmospheric world-building. Its victory demonstrated that games that prioritize difficulty and skill-based gameplay can achieve widespread acclaim.
In 2020, Naughty Dog’s "The Last of Us Part II" took home the Game of the Year award. This narrative-driven action-adventure game sparked intense debate with its complex characters and morally ambiguous story. The win highlighted the industry's capacity to tackle mature themes and push the boundaries of storytelling in interactive media.
The following year, in 2021, Hazelight Studios' "It Takes Two" was awarded the top prize. This cooperative adventure game emphasized the importance of collaboration and shared experiences, offering a refreshing take on gameplay mechanics. Its victory demonstrated the appeal of games that focus on social interaction and creative problem-solving.
FromSoftware’s "Elden Ring" claimed the award in 2022, marking the second win for the studio. This open-world action RPG captivated players with its vast world, challenging combat, and intricate lore. The game's success solidified the developer's reputation as a master of the genre and showcased the continued popularity of challenging and rewarding experiences. The fact that only "10 different games" have won since 2014, as the original article notes, underscores the select company that these titles have joined.
Finally, in 2023, Larian Studios’ "Baldur's Gate 3" was named Game of the Year. This critically acclaimed role-playing game, with its deep character customization and branching narrative, showcased the continued evolution of the RPG genre. The game’s win highlights the industry’s willingness to embrace complex, player-driven experiences.
Please sign in to comment.