Game of the year Awards has consistently stood as one of, if not the largest, gaming award shows. While other awards exist, The Game Awards consistently generates the highest levels of anticipation and enthusiasm, particularly concerning its Game of the Year category.

Naturally, when determining the finest in any field, differing viewpoints are inevitable. Bearing this in mind, let’s reflect on the past victors of the Game of the Year award, allowing you to form your own judgment on whether The Game Awards accurately gauged the outcomes.

Game of the Year Winner 2013: GTA 5

Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5) emerged not just as a “Game of the Year” but as a cultural phenomenon. Released by Rockstar North in 2013, it redefined open-world gaming.

Set in the sprawling city of Los Santos, GTA 5 introduced us to three distinct protagonists: Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. Their intertwined stories offered a diverse look into the criminal underworld.

GTA 5’s open world was astonishingly detailed. Los Santos felt alive, with endless activities and a narrative rich in satirical social commentary.

The game’s online component, Grand Theft Auto Online, extended its lifespan by allowing players to collaborate on heists and build criminal empires together.

With its critical acclaim and commercial success, GTA 5 reshaped gaming. It remains a classic that showcases the potential of interactive storytelling, captivating both new and veteran players alike.

List of games competing against GTA5 for GOTY Award:

1. The Last of us
2. BioShock Infinite
3. Super Mario 3D World
4. Tomb Raider

2. 2014 Game of the Year Winner: Dragon Age: Inquisition

In 2014, “Dragon Age: Inquisition” reigned supreme as Game of the Year. Developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts, this fantasy RPG reshaped the genre with its captivating story, vibrant world, and impactful choices.
Thedas, brought to life with stunning detail, invited exploration from lush cities to uncharted wilderness, making “Dragon Age: Inquisition” an immersive marvel.

A sweeping tale of empires and personal quests, player choices intricately shaped alliances and fates, offering a unique journey for every player.
From enigmatic Solas to fierce Cassandra, characters thrived with personality, forging emotional bonds that added depth to victories and sacrifices.

Tactical combat seamlessly blended action and strategy, letting players adapt and conquer. Customization amplified the thrill of battle.
Beyond its title, “Dragon Age: Inquisition” elevated RPGs, sparking expansions and sequels that continue to kindle fascination with its magical universe.

List of games competing against Dragon Age: Inquisition for GOTY Award:

1. Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft
2. Dark Souls 2
3. Bayonetta 2
4. Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor

3. 2015 Game of the Year Winner: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

When it comes to gaming triumphs, few titles hold a candle to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Crowned as the “Game of the Year,” this opus by CD Projekt Red has etched itself into the annals of gaming history, setting new standards in storytelling, visuals, and immersive gameplay.

Unleashed in 2015, The Witcher 3 casts players into a spellbinding fantasy universe, casting them in the role of Geralt of Rivia, a revered Witcher grappling with monsters and mayhem. The game’s world is a sprawling tapestry of war, politics, and mythical creatures, interwoven with captivating narratives that keep players enthralled.

The visual allure of The Witcher 3 is undeniable. Its meticulously designed open world is a living, breathing entity, teeming with intricate details that render every corner with authenticity. CD Projekt Red’s painstaking attention to every facet of the environment is evident, immersing players in a vibrant, dynamic realm.

But The Witcher 3’s brilliance isn’t skin-deep. Its combat mechanics masterfully blend strategy and action, demanding players to wield spells, swords, and tactics with precision. Notably, the game’s expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, extend the journey with fresh quests, locales, and depth, ensuring a continuous engagement.

Being bestowed the “Game of the Year” accolade was an unequivocal affirmation of The Witcher 3’s eminence. Its intricate storytelling, immersive combat, and expansive world have indelibly shaped the gaming landscape. This title exemplifies CD Projekt Red’s dedication to crafting an experience that immerses players in a world of choices and adventure, proving that The Witcher 3 is not just a game, but an enduring masterpiece that epitomizes the zenith of gaming craftsmanship.

List of games competing against The Witcher 3 for GOTY Award:

1. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
2. Bloodborne
3. Super Mario Maker
4. Fallout 4

4. 2016 Game of the Year Winner: Overwatch

Blizzard’s “Overwatch” stormed the scene in 2016, seizing the Game of the Year spotlight. With diverse heroes and cooperative gameplay, it transformed shooters into strategic team dynamics, captivating the world.

• Heroes, Strategy, Unity: “Overwatch” introduced heroes, not just characters, diversifying tactics and promoting teamwork over individual feats.
• Vivid Universe: Beyond the game, its vibrant world and character stories captured players’ imaginations through animations and comics.
• Team Triumphs: “Overwatch” shifted focus to teamwork, propelling cooperative strategies to victory in objective-based modes.
• Global Impact: The game’s allure reached beyond gaming, turning its heroes into icons and sparking esports fervor.
• Continual Evolution: Blizzard’s commitment kept “Overwatch” fresh with new heroes and maps, driving ongoing engagement.
• Gaming Redefined: More than a title, “Overwatch” revolutionized multiplayer shooters, leaving an indelible mark on gaming history.

List of games competing against Overwatch for GOTY Award:

1. Titanfall 2
2. Doom
3. Inside
4. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

5. 2017 Game of the Year Winner: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

In 2017, Nintendo’s “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” claimed the Game of the Year crown. This action-adventure masterpiece rewrote gaming norms with its open-world wonder, innovative gameplay, and timeless appeal.

• Unbounded Adventure: The game’s vast open world of Hyrule invited players to explore, discover, and embark on a uniquely personal journey.
• Inventive Gameplay: Introducing fresh mechanics like a dynamic physics engine and survival elements, “Breath of the Wild” let players forge their own paths.
• Artistry at Play: A fusion of cel-shading and realism in art style breathed life into Hyrule, creating an immersive and enduring aesthetic.
• Legendary Quest: Players stepped into the boots of Link, the hero, on a poignant mission to save Princess Zelda and defeat the menacing Calamity Ganon.
• Eternal Impact: “Breath of the Wild” left an indelible mark, pushing boundaries in open-world design and storytelling, ensuring its place in gaming history.

List of games competing against The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for GOTY Award:

1. PlayerUnknow’s Battlegrounds
2. Horizon Zero Dawn
3. Super Mario Odyssey
4. Persona 5

6. 2015 Game of the Year: God of War

In 2015, “God of War” claimed the Game of the Year crown, surpassing expectations. Developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment, this action-adventure masterpiece reshaped the franchise, rewriting the rules of storytelling, gameplay, and artistry.

• Kratos’ Evolution: The game’s protagonist, Kratos, evolved from a vengeful warrior to a complex father figure, adding unprecedented emotional depth.
• Norse Odyssey: “God of War” shifted from Greek to Norse mythology, offering fresh narratives and insights into legendary gods and tales.
• Seamless Brilliance: Merging cinematic storytelling with immersive gameplay, the game’s continuous shot approach kept players engaged. The combat system was both strategic and gratifying.
• Artistry Unleashed: The game’s visuals were a testament to artistry, crafting breathtaking landscapes and intricately detailed characters.
• Legacy Defined: Beyond the title, “God of War” became a modern classic, showcasing gaming’s potential for compelling storytelling and immersive experiences.

List of games competing against God of War GOTY Award:

1. Monster Hunter: World
2. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
3. Marvel’s Spider-Man
4. Red Dead Redemption

7. 2019 Game of the Year Winner: Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

In 2019, “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice” achieved gaming greatness, claiming the Game of the Year honor. Developed by FromSoftware and published by Activision, this action-adventure redefined combat, world-building, and challenge in the gaming realm.

• Precise Combat Ballet: “Sekiro” introduced a unique posture-based combat system that demanded precision and strategic mastery, setting a new bar for engagement.
• Feudal Mystique: Set in Japan’s Sengoku era, the game immersed players in a meticulously crafted world, blending historical authenticity with mythical allure.
• Triumph Through Struggle: The game’s unforgiving difficulty was a crucible for players, turning every victory into a monumental achievement and pushing skills to their limits.
• Artistic Marvel: “Sekiro’s” intricate level design and captivating visuals painted an immersive canvas, showcasing FromSoftware’s design prowess.
• Gaming Transcendence: More than a game, “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice” elevated the medium through its combat innovation, historical atmosphere, and rewarding challenges.

List of games competing against Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice GOTY Award:

1. Resident Evil 2
2. The Outer Worlds
3. Death Stranding
4. Control

8. 2020 Game of the Year Winner: The Last of Us 2

In 2020, “The Last of Us Part II” achieved Game of the Year status, a crowning achievement for Naughty Dog and Sony Interactive Entertainment. This action-adventure masterpiece redefined gaming narratives, visuals, and emotional impact.

• Profound Narrative: The game dared to explore emotional aftermath, delving into themes of revenge, empathy, and the far-reaching consequences of choices.
• Artistic Evolution: With stunning visuals and an evocative score, the game elevated itself as an art form, capable of deep emotional resonance.
• Enhanced Gameplay: Realism and fluidity were at the forefront as the title enhanced mechanics, offering immersive stealth, combat, and exploration.
• Humanly Complex Characters: Characters felt real, complete with strengths, flaws, and captivating backstories, enhancing the narrative’s impact.
• New Gaming Era: Beyond a mere game, “The Last of Us Part II” heralded a new era in interactive storytelling, gameplay innovation, and emotional engagement.

List of games competing against The Last of Us Part II GOTY Award:

1. Hades
2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
3. Doom Eternal
4. Ghost of Tsushima
5. Final Fantasy VII Remake

9. 2021 Game of the Year Winner: It Takes Two

In 2021, “It Takes Two” shone as the Game of the Year. Crafted by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts, this cooperative marvel reshaped gameplay, storytelling, and the essence of shared play.

• Dynamic Duo Adventure: The game made cooperation a core, requiring players to rely on each other’s skills and communication for progression.
• Heartfelt Narrative: Grounded in a story about parents’ divorce, the game interwove emotion with gameplay, offering a unique blend of storytelling and interaction.
• Innovative Mechanics: Rich gameplay mechanics evolved as players progressed, delivering teamwork-driven challenges that fueled creativity.
• Visual Splendor: Diverse landscapes and enchanting environments immersed players in a visually stunning world.
• Celebrating Collaboration: Beyond mechanics, “It Takes Two” celebrated the joy and trials of collaboration, highlighting gaming’s ability to foster connections.

List of games competing against It Takes Two GOTY Award:

1. Resident Evil Village
2. Metroid Dread
3. Deathloop
4. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart
5. Psychonauts 2

10. 2022 Game of the Year Winner: Elden Ring

Elden Ring: 2022’s Fantasy Triumph

In 2022, the gaming landscape bore witness to a monumental achievement as “Elden Ring” claimed the prestigious Game of the Year title. Created in collaboration between FromSoftware and George R.R. Martin, and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, this action RPG combined the brilliance of two creative giants to redefine immersive storytelling, intricate gameplay, and world-building.

A Fantasy Fusion:

“Elden Ring” melded the imaginative worlds of FromSoftware’s renowned game design with the rich storytelling prowess of George R.R. Martin. The result was a seamless blend of fantasy that captivated players with its depth and complexity.

Intricate Gameplay Realm:

The game introduced challenging combat mechanics, reminiscent of FromSoftware’s signature style, demanding precision and strategic mastery. Its vast and interconnected open world encouraged exploration and rewarded curiosity.

Epic Mythos and Lore:

Collaborating with George R.R. Martin infused “Elden Ring” with a captivating lore and narrative scope. The game’s immersive world-building and mysterious history drew players deeper into its fantastical universe.

Artistry and Ambience:

The visual splendor of “Elden Ring” brought its world to life, filled with breathtaking landscapes and hauntingly beautiful environments. The attention to detail amplified the sense of immersion.

A New Standard in Gaming:

“Elden Ring” exceeded expectations, setting a new standard for storytelling, gameplay complexity, and world-building. Its synthesis of fantasy elements and masterful design elevated the RPG genre.

List of games competing against Elden Ring GOTY Award:

1. Xenoblade Chronicles 3
2. A Plague Tale: Requiem
3. Horizon Forbidden West
4. Stray

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