The Game Award for Game of the Yearis an award presented annually bythe Game Awards.It is given to a video game judged to deliver the best experience across creative and technical fields. The award is traditionally accepted by the game's directors or studio executives. The process begins with over 100video game publicationsand websites, which collectively name six games as nominees. After the nominees are selected, the winner is chosen by a combined vote between the jury (90%) and public voting (10%).
| The Game Award forGame of the Year | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Awarded for | Bestvideo gameof the year |
| Country | United States |
| Presented by | The Game Awards |
| First awarded | December 5, 2014 |
| Most recent winner | Baldur's Gate 3(2023) |
| Most awards | |
| Most nominations | Sony Interactive Entertainment (13) |
| Website | thegameawards |
Since its inception, the award has been given to ten video games. PublishersElectronic ArtsandSony Interactive Entertainmenthave won the award twice, the latter being nominated a record thirteen times, whileFromSoftwareis the only developer with more than one win.Bethesda SoftworksandCapcomare the most nominated companies without a win at four. The most recent winner isBaldur's Gate 3byLarian Studios.
Process and history
editThe Game Awardshas a voting jury consisting of over 100video game mediaand influencer outlets, which have been specifically selected for their work in critically evaluatingvideo games.Each outlet completes an unranked ballot listing its top five choices; games with the most appearances across the ballots are selected as the nominees. The winners are determined between the jury (90%) and public voting (10%).[1]The public vote is held via the official website and social media platforms such asDiscord,Facebook,andTwitter;[2][3]in China, fan voting is held viaBilibili.[1]
Any game released before a certain date in November prior to the ceremony is eligible for award consideration.[4]As a result, any game released after the cutoff date is eligible in the following year's ceremony,[1]such as 2018'sSuper Smash Bros. Ultimatenominations atthe Game Awards 2019;[5]similarly, games released between the ballot due date in early November and the cutoff date in mid-to-late November are often overlooked, such asStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Orderin both 2019 and2020[a]andDemon's SoulsandMarvel's Spider-Man: Miles Moralesin 2020.[4]Early accessgames available before the cutoff date are eligible, as arelive servicegames regardless of their release year:[1]2018'sAmong Usreceived several nominations in 2020.[9]
The Game Award for Game of the Year is given to a video game judged to deliver the best experience across creative and technical fields.[10]It is presented as the final award of the ceremony and is widely considered its most prestigious honor.[11][12][13]Since 2017, the announcement of the winner has been preceded by a medley performance of the scores of each nominee by the Game Awards Orchestra, conducted byLorne Balfe.[14][15]The category was expanded from five to six nominees in2018.[16]
The award is traditionally accepted by the director of the winning game or an executive from the studio; the first award in2014was accepted byDragon Age: Inquisitionexecutive producer Mark Darrah andBioWaregeneral manager Aaryn Flynn.[17]The Game Awards host and producerGeoff Keighleypresented the award for the first four ceremonies.[11][18][19][20]Other presenters include directors of past winners—such as2016winnerOverwatch's lead directorJeff Kaplanin 2018,[21]2020 winnerThe Last of Us Part II's creative directorNeil Druckmannin2021,[12]and 2021 winnerIt Takes Two's directorJosef Faresin2022[22]—and celebrity guests likeVin DieselandMichelle Rodriguezin 2019,[23]Christopher Nolanin 2020,[24]andTimothée Chalametin 2023.[25]
Winners and nominees
edit
Winners are listed first, highlighted inyellowandboldface,and indicated with a double dagger (‡).
Multiple nominations and awards
editDevelopers
edit| Developer | Nominations | Wins |
|---|---|---|
| FromSoftware | 5 | 2 |
| Nintendo EPD | 1 | |
| Capcom | 4 | 0 |
| Insomniac Games | 3 | |
| Blizzard Entertainment | 2 | 1 |
| Naughty Dog | ||
| Santa Monica Studio | ||
| Guerrilla Games | 0 | |
| id Software | ||
| Kojima Productions | ||
| Remedy Entertainment | ||
| Square Enix |
Publishers
edit| Publisher | Nominations | Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Sony Interactive Entertainment[c] | 13 | 2 |
| Nintendo | 10 | 1 |
| Bethesda Softworks | 4 | 0 |
| Capcom | ||
| Electronic Arts | 3 | 2 |
| Bandai Namco Entertainment[d] | 1 | |
| Blizzard Entertainment | 2 | |
| Square Enix | 0 |
Franchises
edit| Franchise | Nominations | Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Evil | 3 | 0 |
| Super Mario | ||
| Elden Ring | 2 | 1 |
| God of War | ||
| The Legend of Zelda | ||
| Doom | 0 | |
| Final Fantasy | ||
| Horizon | ||
| Marvel's Spider-Man |
Notes
edit- ^Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Orderwas released prior to the cutoff date ofThe Game Awards 2019but was considered ineligible and did not receive any formal nominations[4][6](it placed third in the fan-voted Player's Voice Award);[7]it received one nomination in2020.[8]
- ^Published in Japan by subsidiary companyAtlus
- ^Known asSony Computer Entertainmentuntil April 2016[46]
- ^Known asBandai Namco Gamesfrom January 2014 to April 2015[47][48]
References
edit- ^abcd"FAQ".The Game Awards.Archivedfrom the original on November 11, 2022.RetrievedNovember 15,2022.
- ^Benfell, Grace (November 10, 2022)."The Game Awards Announces Collaboration With Discord, Including New Award".GameSpot.Fandom, Inc.Archivedfrom the original on November 11, 2022.RetrievedNovember 11,2022.
- ^Talbot, Carrie (December 10, 2020)."Here's how to watch tonight's Game Awards 2020 show".PCGamesN.Network N.Archivedfrom the original on December 10, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 8,2021.
- ^abcCarpenter, Nicole (November 18, 2020)."Why some of 2020's big games didn't get Game Awards nominations".Polygon.Vox Media.Archivedfrom the original on November 18, 2020.RetrievedNovember 15,2022.
- ^Baird, Scott (December 14, 2019)."Sakura Didn't SeeSmash Bros.Win A Game Award Because He Was Busy Working ".TheGamer.Valnet.Archivedfrom the original on August 21, 2022.RetrievedNovember 16,2022.
- ^Carvalho, Jared (November 21, 2019)."Why Isn'tStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Ordera Video Game Awards Nominee? ".Game Rant.Valnet.Archivedfrom the original on February 27, 2020.RetrievedNovember 16,2022.
- ^Doolan, Liam (December 13, 2019)."Fire Emblem: Three HousesCrowned Strategy Game Of The Year ".Nintendo Life.Gamer Network.Archivedfrom the original on December 17, 2019.RetrievedNovember 16,2022.
- ^Duckworth, Joshua (November 23, 2020)."Star Wars Jedi: Fallen OrderHighlights a Big Problem with The Game Awards 2020 ".Game Rant.Valnet.Archivedfrom the original on November 24, 2020.RetrievedNovember 16,2022.
- ^Dolen, Rob (November 22, 2020)."WhyAmong UsIsn't Up for Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2020 ".Game Rant.Valnet.Archivedfrom the original on November 16, 2022.RetrievedNovember 16,2022.
- ^Romano, Sal (November 14, 2022)."The Game Awards 2022 nominees announced".Gematsu.Archivedfrom the original on November 14, 2022.RetrievedNovember 15,2022.
- ^abKhan, Imad (December 6, 2014)."On and off stage at the 2014 Game Awards".The Daily Dot.Archivedfrom the original on April 10, 2021.RetrievedNovember 15,2022.
- ^abBarker, Sammy (December 9, 2021)."Live: Watch The Game Awards 2021 Right Here".Push Square.Hookshot Media.Archivedfrom the original on December 10, 2021.RetrievedNovember 15,2022.
- ^Kerr, Chris (December 10, 2021)."It Takes Twonamed Game of The Year at The Game Awards ".Game Developer.Informa.Archivedfrom the original on December 10, 2021.RetrievedNovember 15,2022.
- ^Makuch, Eddie (November 9, 2017)."The Game Awards 2017 Date And First Details Revealed".GameSpot.CBS Interactive.Archivedfrom the original on November 10, 2017.RetrievedDecember 13,2023.
- ^Richardson, Tom (December 7, 2023)."The Game Awards 2023: How orchestra chief makes the famous medley".Newsbeat.BBC.Archivedfrom the original on December 7, 2023.RetrievedDecember 13,2023.
- ^abCrecente, Brian (November 13, 2018)."'God of War,' 'Red Dead Redemption II' Tie For Most Game Awards Noms ".Variety.Penske Media Corporation.Archivedfrom the original on November 13, 2018.RetrievedNovember 13,2018.
- ^Gibson, Caley (December 6, 2014)."Edmonton-based BioWare wins Game of the Year award".Global News.Corus Entertainment.Archivedfrom the original on December 10, 2014.RetrievedNovember 15,2022.
- ^McDermott, Thomas (December 4, 2015)."The highs and lows of The Game Awards 2015".DarkZero.Archivedfrom the original on December 10, 2015.RetrievedNovember 15,2022.
- ^The Game Awards[@thegameawards] (December 2, 2016)."And here's your #TheGameAwards 2016 Game of the Year winner!"(Tweet).Archivedfrom the original on December 16, 2016.RetrievedNovember 15,2022– viaTwitter.
- ^Alexander, Julia (December 7, 2017)."The Game Awards crownsThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildbest game of 2017 ".Polygon.Vox Media.Archivedfrom the original on December 8, 2017.RetrievedNovember 15,2022.
- ^Cryer, Hirun (December 6, 2018)."Watch the Game Awards 2018 Here: Start Time and all Award Nominees".USgamer.Gamer Network.Archivedfrom the original on September 28, 2020.RetrievedNovember 15,2022.
- ^Kaser, Rachel (December 8, 2022)."Elden Ringwins Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2022 ".VentureBeat.Archivedfrom the original on December 9, 2022.RetrievedDecember 12,2022.
- ^Ryan, Jackson (December 13, 2019)."The Game Awards 2019: Every result, world premiere, reveal and surprise".CNET.ViacomCBS.Archivedfrom the original on December 13, 2019.RetrievedNovember 15,2022.
- ^Robinson, Martin (December 10, 2020)."The Game Awards 2020 live report".Eurogamer.Gamer Network.Archivedfrom the original on December 16, 2020.RetrievedNovember 15,2022.
- ^Patches, Matt (December 7, 2023)."Timothée Chalamet, ex-Xbox 360 controller modder, bravely steps out at The Game Awards".Polygon.Vox Media.Archivedfrom the original on December 8, 2023.RetrievedDecember 8,2023.
- ^Sarkar, Samit (November 21, 2014)."Here are the nominees for The Game Awards 2014".Polygon.Vox Media.Archivedfrom the original on November 7, 2015.RetrievedNovember 21,2014.
- ^Sarkar, Samit (December 5, 2014)."Here are the winners of The Game Awards 2014".Polygon.Vox Media.Archivedfrom the original on March 18, 2016.RetrievedDecember 5,2014.
- ^Sarkar, Samit (November 13, 2015)."Here are the nominees for The Game Awards 2015".Polygon.Archivedfrom the original on January 11, 2016.RetrievedNovember 13,2015.
- ^Sarkar, Samit (December 3, 2015)."Here are the winners of The Game Awards 2015".Polygon.Archivedfrom the original on December 4, 2015.RetrievedDecember 3,2015.
- ^Sarkar, Samit (November 16, 2016)."Here are the nominees for The Game Awards 2016".Polygon.Vox Media.Archivedfrom the original on November 16, 2016.RetrievedNovember 16,2016.
- ^Stark, Chelsea (December 1, 2016)."The Game Awards: Here's the full winners list".Polygon.Vox Media.Archivedfrom the original on December 2, 2016.RetrievedDecember 1,2016.
- ^Hester, Blake (November 14, 2017)."'Horizon Zero Dawn,' 'Zelda,' 'Mario' Top List of Game Award Nominees ".Glixel.Penske Media Corporation.Archivedfrom the original on November 14, 2017.RetrievedNovember 14,2017.
- ^Makuch, Eddie (December 7, 2017)."All The 2017 Game Awards Winners Revealed".GameSpot.Red Ventures.Archivedfrom the original on December 8, 2017.RetrievedNovember 15,2022.
- ^Crowd, Dan (December 6, 2018)."The Game Awards 2018: All The Winners".IGN.Ziff Davis.Archivedfrom the original on December 7, 2018.RetrievedDecember 6,2018.
- ^Shanley, Patrick (November 19, 2019)."The Game Awards Reveals Full List of Nominees".The Hollywood Reporter.Eldridge Industries.Archivedfrom the original on November 19, 2019.RetrievedNovember 19,2019.
- ^Goslin, Austen (December 13, 2019)."All the winners from The Game Awards 2019".Polygon.Vox Media.Archivedfrom the original on December 13, 2019.RetrievedDecember 13,2019.
- ^Park, Gene (November 18, 2020)."Here are the nominees for The Game Awards 2020".The Washington Post.Archivedfrom the original on November 18, 2020.RetrievedNovember 18,2020.
- ^Watts, Steve (December 12, 2020)."The Game Awards Winners And Game Of The Year".GameSpot.Red Ventures.Archivedfrom the original on December 10, 2020.RetrievedNovember 15,2022.
- ^Ankers-Range, Adele (November 17, 2021)."The Game Awards Nominations Announced".IGN.Ziff Davis.Archivedfrom the original on November 16, 2021.RetrievedNovember 15,2022.
- ^Bankhurst, Adam (December 10, 2021)."The Game Awards 2021 Winners: The Full List".IGN.Ziff Davis.Archivedfrom the original on December 10, 2021.RetrievedNovember 15,2022.
- ^Dinsdale, Ryan (November 14, 2022)."The Game Awards 2022 Nominations Sees God of War: Ragnarok Leading With 10 Awards Nods".IGN.Ziff Davis.Archivedfrom the original on November 14, 2022.RetrievedNovember 15,2022.
- ^Plant, Logan (December 8, 2022)."The Game Awards 2022 Winners: The Full List".IGN.Ziff Davis.Archivedfrom the original on December 9, 2022.RetrievedDecember 9,2022.
- ^Spangler, Todd (November 13, 2023)."The Game Awards 2023 Nominations: Alan Wake 2, Baldur's Gate 3 Lead the Pack With Eight Noms Each (Full List)".Variety.Penske Media Corporation.Archivedfrom the original on November 13, 2023.RetrievedNovember 14,2023.
- ^Carpenter, Nicole (December 7, 2023)."Baldur's Gate 3 wins Game of the Year at The Game Awards".Polygon.Vox Media.Archivedfrom the original on December 8, 2023.RetrievedDecember 8,2023.
- ^Maas, Jennifer (November 18, 2024)."Game Awards Nominations 2024:Astro Bot,Final Fantasy VII RebirthLead With 7 Nods Each ".Variety.Penske Media Corporation.Archivedfrom the original on November 18, 2024.RetrievedNovember 19,2024.
- ^Makuch, Eddie (April 1, 2016)."Sony Computer Entertainment Changes Its Name Today".GameSpot.Red Ventures.Archivedfrom the original on April 5, 2016.RetrievedNovember 15,2022.
- ^Goldfarb, Andrew (January 25, 2014)."Namco Bandai Changing Name to Bandai Namco".IGN.Ziff Davis.Archivedfrom the original on January 27, 2014.RetrievedNovember 15,2022.
- ^Tach, Dave (December 17, 2014)."Bandai Namco changes its name for the second time this year".Polygon.Vox Media.Archivedfrom the original on January 7, 2015.RetrievedNovember 15,2022.