Since its inception in 2014, The Game Awards run by host Geoff Keighley has grown to become one of the most-watched gaming events of the year, overshadowing other entertainment industry events like the Oscars. Since then, a total of ten games have won Game of the Year, the biggest award of the show, highlighting the best that the gaming world had to offer in each year. Ahead of this year’s ceremony, we’ve ranked all the previous Game of the Year winners at The Game Awards.
Before we begin, we need to clarify that this list has no bad games. Sure, some of them are ranked higher than others in terms of quality but none of them are necessarily awful. This list is simply based on a combination of forum polls, the opinions of other media and our own personal opinions sprinkled in. That said, these are just our opinions. Feel free to let us know your rankings or games of the year.
All The Game Awards Game of the Year Winners Ranked
10. Overwatch
Blizzard’s Overwatch was a fun multiplayer shooter that became a massive pop culture phenomenon in 2016. With a cast of vibrant, well-designed and memorable characters, it managed to win the hearts of many gamers. 2016 was also a big year for games many would’ve argued deserved it more like DOOM, Dark Souls 3, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End or Titanfall 2. We kind of agree with that. While Overwatch has its merits, the game is simply not able to stand toe-to-toe with the next nine games on this list (and to make matters worse, you can’t play it anymore).
9. The Last of Us Part II
Possibly the most controversial Game of the Year winner, The Last of Us Part II took bold storytelling leaps that didn’t sit well a lot of players. At its core, the sequel tells a gripping revenge story that blurs morality in interesting ways. Naughty Dog delivers some excellent gameplay and outstanding visuals so it’s easy to see why it won the favour of the jury. That said, its divisive narrative brings it down a few pegs.
8. Dragon Age: Inquisition
While you could argue that the Dragon Age series offers better stories, Dragon Age: Inquisition managed to strike a very fine balance between being accessible to newcomers while also remaining true to its roots. The result is an RPG that broke new ground for the franchise, reaching more mainstream audiences without sacrificing BioWare’s trademark role-playing charm and characters.
7. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
From Software are masters of their craft and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is perhaps the finest example of how the developer is able to create something that feels both familiar and refreshing for the action/adventure genre, straying ever so slightly away from its Soulslike formula. Sure, it’s blisteringly difficult and requires a lot more patience and perseverance than the studio’s past titles but the rewards far outweigh the blood, sweat and many, many tears you’ll cry.
6. It Takes Two
It Takes Two is undoubtedly one of the most unique games to win Game of the Year. Putting an emphasis on co-operative play as you take on the roles of a married couple going through the trials and tribulations of a rocky relationship, the indie game from Hazelight Studios charms with its eye-catching art direction, fantastic writing and emotional gut punches that resonated with players on a deeply personal level. You don’t get many games like It Takes Two and it earns its colours.
5. God of War
It’s impressive that God of War managed to pull the Game of the Year win from under Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2018 but I don’t think anyone really disagrees with that choice. Santa Monica Studio completely reinvented a franchise known for its high-octane action and epic set pieces, adding a layer of depth and complexity to Kratos and his personal journey. God of War is one of the best entries in the series and a masterful video game.
4. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Nintendo Switch needed a slam-dunk launch title and I don’t think there could’ve been a better option than The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, one of the defining games of the generation. It took the pillars of the series and breathed new life into it with timeless art direction, inventive new mechanics and a creative identity that solidified it in the pantheon of gaming’s greats. There’s still a bit of contention about whether Nier: Automata or Persona 5 should’ve won in 2017, though Breath of the Wild deserves its accolades too.
3. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
CD Projekt Red crafted one of the best games of all time with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – an immersive, engaging and awe-inspiring RPG that catapulted the series into the mainstream spotlight. It’s also one of the best-written video games ever made, featuring side quests that are just as weighty as the main story and characters that you can easily get emotionally attached to, including the beloved protagonist, Geralt of Rivia. With two equally incredible expansions under its belt as well, The Witcher 3 has withstood the test of time.
2. Elden Ring
There’s not much to say that hasn’t already been said about Elden Ring, From Software’s magnum opus and a masterpiece in every sense of the word. Built on the foundations of the studio’s past works, Elden Ring perfected the formula and left little room for future games to compete. Sprawling, truly epic and engaging like very few action-RPGs are today, this award-winning title is truly in a league of its own.
1. Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 possesses every single key ingredient that makes it one of the best games ever made. A superbly well-written cast of characters? Check. Boundless role-playing agency and replayability? Check. A reverence for the world and lore of Dungeons & Dragons? Check. A campaign so engaging, they made two of them? Check. Unhealthily addictive, flexible and multifarious turn-based gameplay and branching dialogue choices? Check and check. Baldur’s Gate 3 almost transcends a video game at some point and becomes an experience.
