Are you a gaming enthusiast who wants to know which games have won the prestigious Game of the Year award at The Game Awards? Look no further! We have compiled a list of all Game of the Year winners in order so you can see which games have been deemed the best of the best over the years.
The Game Awards is an annual ceremony that celebrates the best games and game developers in the industry. One of the most coveted awards at the event is “Game of the Year,” which recognizes the best overall game across all genres and platforms.
Winning this award is a huge achievement for any game developer and is a testament to the game’s quality and impact on the industry.
From titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild to modern masterpieces like The Last of Us Part II, the list of Game of the Year winners is a who’s who of the gaming world. Whether you’re a fan of action-adventure games, RPGs, or first-person shooters, there’s a Game of the Year winner that’s sure to pique your interest.
So, please sit back, relax, and let’s take a trip down memory lane to see which games have earned the coveted title of “Game of the Year” over the past few years!
The Game Awards: An Overview
If you’re a gamer, you’ve probably heard of “The Game Awards.” It’s an annual awards ceremony that recognizes the best video games of the year. The ceremony was first held in 2014, and since then, it has become one of the most prestigious events in the gaming industry.
The Game Awards is more than just an awards show. It’s also a celebration of all things gaming. The show features world premiere trailers, musical performances, and special guests from the gaming industry. The ceremony is broadcast live on multiple platforms, including Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook.
One of the most anticipated awards at The Game Awards is “Game of the Year.” This award recognizes the best overall game of the year. The winners are chosen by a panel of over 100 video game media and influencer outlets.
Over the years, The Game Awards has recognized some of the biggest and most influential games in the industry. From “Overwatch” to “It Takes Two,” the winners of Game of the Year have set the standard for excellence in gaming.
Game of the Year Winners: 2014-2022
The Game Awards has been giving out Game of the Year awards since 2014, and there have been some incredible titles amongst the winners. Here is a list of the Game of the Year winners from 2014 to 2022, according to The Game Awards:
- 2014: The first Game Awards ceremony was held in 2014, and the winner of the Game of the Year award was “Dragon Age: Inquisition.” This game, developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts, is an action role-playing game that takes place in a fantasy world called Thedas.
- 2015: The winner of the 2015 Game of the Year award was “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.” Developed by CD Projekt Red and published by CD Projekt, this game is an open-world action role-playing game that takes place in a dark fantasy world.
- 2016: “Overwatch” won the 2016 Game of the Year award. Developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment, this game is a team-based first-person shooter taking place in a futuristic world.
- 2017: The winner of the 2017 Game of the Year award was “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.” Developed and published by Nintendo, this game is an action-adventure game.
- 2018: The winner of the 2018 Game of the Year award was “God of War.” Developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, this game is an action-adventure game that takes inspiration from Norse mythology.
- 2019: “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice” won the 2019 Game of the Year award. Developed by FromSoftware and published by Activision, this game is an action-adventure featuring a fictionalized version of Japan’s Sengoku period.
- 2020: The winner of the 2020 Game of the Year award was “The Last of Us Part II.” Developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, this game is an action-adventure game set in a post-apocalyptic world.
- 2021: “It Takes Two” won the 2020 Game of the Year award. It was developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts. It is an action-adventure platform game featuring a couple on the verge of divorce getting trapped inside handmade dolls.
- 2022: The winner of the 2022 Game of the Year award was “Elden Ring.” It is an action RPG developed by FromSoftware, and it was not only one of the most anticipated but also a big contender to grab this prestigious award!
Each of these games is unique and offers something different to players. Whether you prefer action, adventure, role-playing, or first-person shooter games, there is a Game of the Year winner on this list that will appeal to you.
All Game of the Year Winners in Chronological Order:
2014 GOTY Winner – Dragon Age: Inquisition
If you’re looking for a game with an immersive storyline and engaging gameplay, look no further than Dragon Age: Inquisition. This game won Game of the Year at The Game Awards in 2014, and it’s easy to see why.
In Dragon Age: Inquisition, you play as the Inquisitor, a character tasked with saving the world from a demonic invasion. The game is set in Thedas, a richly detailed fantasy world filled with magic, dragons, and political intrigue.
One of the most impressive things about the game is its sheer size. The world of Thedas is massive, and there is so much to explore and discover. The game is filled with side quests, hidden treasures, and interesting characters to interact with.
The combat is also top-notch. It’s a mix of real-time action and tactical strategy, making it a challenging and rewarding experience. You can choose from a variety of classes and specializations, each with its unique abilities and playstyle.
Overall, Dragon Age: Inquisition is a must-play for anyone who loves RPGs. The game is filled with memorable characters, epic battles, and a story that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. It’s no wonder it won Game of the Year at The Game Awards in 2014.
2015 GOTY Winner – The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
If you are a fan of action role-playing games, you probably have heard of The Witcher games, especially The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. This game, developed by CD Projekt Red, was released in 2015 and quickly became a fan favorite.
It won numerous awards, including Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2015, and is still considered one of the best RPGs ever.
In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, you play as Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter searching for his adopted daughter, Ciri. The game takes place in an open-world environment, where you can explore vast landscapes, interact with non-playable characters, and complete quests. The combat system is based on sword fighting and magic, and it’s both challenging and rewarding.
One of the things that sets the title apart from other RPGs is its storytelling. The game features a complex and mature narrative, with multiple endings based on your choices throughout the game. The characters are well-developed and memorable, and the voice acting is top-notch.
Overall, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a must-play for anyone who enjoys RPGs. Its immersive world, engaging combat, and compelling story make it a game that you won’t want to put down. If you haven’t played it yet, you are missing out on one of the best gaming experiences ever.
2016 GOTY Winner – Overwatch
If you’re a fan of first-person shooters, you’ve probably heard of Overwatch. This multiplayer game, developed by Blizzard Entertainment, won the Game of the Year award at The Game Awards in 2016.
Overwatch is set in a futuristic world where players choose from a roster of heroes, each with unique abilities and play styles. The game is known for its fast-paced gameplay and team-based objectives, which require players to work together to complete objectives and defeat the opposing team.
One of the things that sets the game apart from other first-person shooters is its diverse cast of heroes. Each hero has their backstory and personality, which adds depth to the game’s lore. The game’s art style is also unique and colorful, which gives it a distinct look and feel.
Overwatch has received critical acclaim for its gameplay, art style, and character design. It’s also known for its active community, which includes both casual and competitive players.
2017 GOTY Winner – The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
You’re probably not surprised to see The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on this list. Released in 2017, this game took the world by storm with its open-world exploration, beautiful graphics, and engaging gameplay. It won Game of the Year at The Game Awards and was also the highest-rated Legend of Zelda game to date.
In Breath of the Wild, you play as Link, who awakens from a 100-year slumber to find that Hyrule has been destroyed by Calamity Ganon. It’s up to you to explore the vast world, gather resources, and defeat enemies to save the kingdom.
The game’s open-world design allows you to approach challenges however you see fit, giving you a sense of freedom and adventure that few games can match.
One of the most impressive things about this title is its attention to detail. The game’s world feels alive, with dynamic weather, realistic physics, and countless hidden secrets to discover. The game’s art style is also stunning, with colorful landscapes and intricate character designs that bring the world to life.
Overall, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a masterpiece of game design that deserves its place as one of the greatest games of all time!
2018 GOTY Winner – God of War
In 2018, God of War won the Game of the Year award at The Game Awards. Developed by Santa Monica Studio, this action-adventure game takes place in the Second Era of the God of War series. It follows Kratos, a former Greek God of War, as he embarks on a new adventure in Norse mythology with his son, Atreus.
The game features a new combat system, which emphasizes strategy and defense over the previous games’ hack-and-slash mechanics.
Players can use Kratos’ Leviathan axe and shield to attack enemies, as well as Atreus’ bow and arrow to provide support. The game also has RPG elements, such as upgrading weapons and armor, and a skill tree that allows players to unlock new abilities.
One of the standout features of the game is its story and characters. The game explores the relationship between Kratos and Atreus as they bond over their shared loss and embark on a journey to fulfill their wife/mother’s final wish. The game also features memorable side characters, such as the dwarven blacksmiths Brok and Sindri and the mysterious witch of the woods.
Overall, God of War is a stunning achievement in game design, storytelling, and character development. It took the beloved God of War franchise in a new direction and delivered a memorable experience that resonated with fans and critics alike.
2019 GOTY Winner – Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is an action-adventure game developed by FromSoftware and published by Activision. It was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One in March 2019 and won the 2019 Game of the Year award!
The game is set in a fictionalized version of Japan’s Sengoku period and follows a shinobi named Wolf as he attempts to rescue his young lord from a samurai clan.
The game is known for its challenging gameplay and intense boss battles. It introduces a new combat system that focuses on parrying and breaking an opponent’s posture rather than traditional health bars. The game also features stealth elements, allowing players to sneak up on enemies and assassinate them.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice received critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising its challenging gameplay, world design, and storytelling. It won several awards at The Game Awards 2019, including Game of the Year and Best Action/Adventure Game, and was also nominated in other categories.
2020 GOTY Winner – The Last of Us Part II
If you’re a fan of post-apocalyptic games, then you’ve probably heard of The Last of Us Part II. Released in 2020, this game won the Game of the Year award at The Game Awards that year. Developed by Naughty Dog, The Last of Us Part II is a sequel to the original game, which was released in 2013.
In this game, you play as Ellie, a teenage girl who is immune to the infection that has turned most of humanity into zombie-like creatures.
The game takes place several years after the events of the first game, and Ellie is on a mission to avenge the death of someone close to her. Along the way, she faces many challenges and makes some tough decisions that will affect the game’s outcome.
One of the things that sets The Last of Us Part II apart from other games is its storytelling. The game’s narrative is incredibly well-crafted, and it has some of the most memorable characters in recent gaming history. The game also features stunning graphics and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that adds to the overall experience.
2021 GOTY Winner – It Takes Two
If you’re looking for a fun and engaging co-op game, It Takes Two is definitely worth your time. Developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts, this game won the Game of the Year award at The Game Awards 2021.
It Takes Two is a game about two parents who are on the brink of divorce and are turned into dolls by their daughter. You and your partner must work together to navigate through various levels and challenges to repair your relationship and return to your human forms.
One of the standout features of It Takes Two is its unique gameplay mechanics. Each level presents new challenges that require both players to work together to overcome. For example, one level sees you controlling a hammer while your partner controls nails. You must work together to navigate through the level, with the hammer smashing obstacles and the nails creating platforms for you to jump on.
The game’s storyline is also impressive, with an emotional and heartwarming message about the importance of communication and teamwork in relationships. The game’s characters are also well-developed, with a great sense of humor that helps to keep the game light-hearted and enjoyable, making it truly deserving of its Game of the Year award!
2022 GOTY Winner – Elden Ring
If you’re a fan of FromSoftware’s action RPGs, you’ve probably heard of Elden Ring. Released in early 2022, this game won the top prize at the 2022 Game Awards, winning several awards, which included the Game of the Year award.
Elden Ring is an open-world action RPG that takes place in a fantasy world. The game features a deep and complex story told through stunning visuals and engaging gameplay. You play as a character known as the Tarnished, who is on a quest to find the Elden Ring, a powerful artifact that has been shattered and scattered throughout the world.
One of the things that sets the game apart from other games in the genre is its combat system. The game features a wide variety of weapons and spells that you can use to take down your enemies, and each one feels unique and satisfying to use. The game also features a seamless open world you can explore at your own pace, with plenty of secrets to discover and enemies to defeat.
With its deep story, engaging combat system, and stunning visuals, it’s no wonder it won Game of the Year at the 2022 Game Awards!
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Game Awards has recognized the best video games of the year since 2014. Over the years, it has become a prestigious event that gamers and game developers alike look forward to.
Looking at the list of winners, it is clear that the gaming industry has come a long way. From the early days of gaming to the present, we have seen a vast improvement in graphics, gameplay, and storytelling. All the Game of the Year winners are a testament to the evolution of the gaming industry.
It is interesting to note that some of the winners of the Game of the Year award were unexpected. For example, in 2018, God of War won the award, beating out other popular games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Marvel’s Spider-Man. Similarly, in 2021, It Takes Two won the award, surprising many people who expected Deathloop to win.
And now, we have to look forward to this year’s award ceremony to find out which game becomes Game of the Year 2023!
