Complete List of Game of the Year Winners at the Game Awards

The Game Award for Game of the Year (GOTY) stands as a highly regarded annual accolade presented at the Game Awards. It is dedicated to recognizing the video game that has excelled in both the creative and technical domains, offering an unparalleled gaming experience.

Unveiling the Champions of Gaming Excellence

Game of the Year: A Prestigious Recognition

The Game Award for Game of the Year holds significant weight in the gaming industry. It serves as a testament to the hard work and creativity of game developers. For instance, games like Madden NFL 2004 in 2003, GTA San Andreas in 2004, and Resident Evil 5 in 2005 have all left an indelible mark with their unique gameplay and immersive worlds. These games not only entertained players but also pushed the boundaries of what was possible in gaming.The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion in 2006, Bioshock in 2007, and Grand Theft Auto IV in 2008 continued this trend of excellence. Each game brought something new to the table, captivating audiences with their stunning visuals and engaging storylines. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves in 2009 and Red Dead Redemption in 2010 further elevated the standards, setting new benchmarks for future games.

The Nomination Process: A Collaborative Effort

Traditionally, the award is accepted by the game's directors or studio executives. The nomination process begins with more than 100 video game publications and websites. These platforms collectively name six games as nominees. Each outlet completes an unranked list of its top five choices, and the games with the most appearances on these lists are selected.After the nominees are chosen, a combined vote between the jury (90%) and the public vote (10%) determines the winner. The public vote is conducted through various channels such as the official website and social media platforms like Discord, Facebook, and Twitter. In China, voting is carried out through Bilibili. This collaborative effort ensures that the winner is chosen based on both professional and popular opinions.

History and Evolution of the Award

The Game Awards has a voting jury consisting of more than 100 influential gaming media and platforms. These entities are selected for their expertise in critically evaluating video games. Any game released before a November deadline prior to the ceremony is eligible for consideration. This allows for a diverse range of games to be nominated, including Early Access games available before the cut-off date and live service games regardless of their year of release, such as Among Us in 2020.Since 2017, a unique tradition has been added. Before announcing the winner, the Game Awards orchestra plays the soundtracks of the nominees, conducted by Lorne Balfe. This adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the event.

The Recent Winners: Shaping the Gaming Landscape

The most recent winner is Larian Studios' Baldur's Gate 3. This game has taken the gaming world by storm with its rich storytelling, deep gameplay, and immersive world. It has set a new standard for role-playing games and has been widely praised by critics and players alike.Other notable winners include The Last of Us Part II in 2020 and It Takes Two in 2021. These games have demonstrated the diversity and creativity within the gaming industry, showing that there is something for every type of player.In conclusion, the Game Award for Game of the Year is a highly coveted award that celebrates the best of gaming. It has a rich history and a rigorous nomination and voting process, ensuring that only the most deserving games are recognized. With each passing year, the award continues to shape the gaming landscape and inspire future generations of game developers.