The Game Awards’ “Game of the Year” title is prestigious, but does it always land on the most deserving title? One reader embarked on a personal journey, revisiting each winner since 2014 to determine their own champions – and the results are surprisingly divergent.
Looking back to 2014,Dragon Age: Inquisitiontook the crown, but for this gamer, the real standout wasMario Kart 8. It was a comparatively weak year, admittedly, and whileDragon Ageremained unexplored, the vibrant fun ofMario Kart, even experienced later on the Switch, resonated far more strongly.
2015 broughtThe Witcher 3, a critically acclaimed behemoth. Yet, despite acknowledging its compelling storylines – particularly the haunting tale of the Bloody Baron – the player struggled with its combat, intricate potion system, and cumbersome inventory.Batman: Arkham Knight, often considered the weakest in the series, emerged as the preferred choice, lauded for its refined combat and engaging gameplay, even with its flawed tank sections.
The shift towards online multiplayer defined 2016, withOverwatchclaiming victory. However, a preference for solitary experiences led this player toInside, a hauntingly beautiful and atmospheric puzzle platformer revisited time and again for its sheer brilliance. The choice betweenInsideandUncharted 4was a difficult one, butInsideultimately prevailed.
2017 saw widespread agreement withThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a truly groundbreaking title. Initially lost in its vastness, the player eventually succumbed to its charm, now considering it a personal favorite, withSuper Mario Odysseya close runner-up. The sense of discovery and freedom within Hyrule proved undeniable.
2018 presented a tough decision betweenGod of WarandRed Dead Redemption 2. While acknowledgingGod of War’smerit, the sprawling, immersive world ofRed Dead Redemption 2ultimately won out. Despite its slow pace and length, the game offered a uniquely captivating experience, populated by flawed characters and a breathtaking open world.
2019’s winner,Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, remained a mystery, as it was the player’s first foray into FromSoftware’s notoriously challenging games. Instead, the remake ofResident Evil 2earned the nod, praised for its masterful modernization of a classic while preserving the original’s terrifying essence.Controlreceived an honorable mention for its unique style and compelling narrative.
The Last of Us Part 2secured the 2020 award, and in this case, the player wholeheartedly agreed. It was a bold sequel that dared to explore difficult themes and push the boundaries of storytelling, even amidst a quieter year for compelling releases.
2021’sIt Takes Two, a cooperative masterpiece, remained unplayed due to a lack of a suitable partner. Instead,Forza Horizon 5took the crown, surprisingly captivating a non-racing game enthusiast with its stunning visuals, diverse activities, and sheer sense of freedom.
2022’sElden Ringproved a challenging but ultimately rewarding experience. Initial struggles gave way to a deep sense of satisfaction with each hard-fought victory, cementing its place as a memorable, if unfinished, gaming journey.
The most recent years brought further debate. 2023’sBaldur’s Gate 3was a strong contender, but the player ultimately favoredAlan Wake 2, captivated by its innovative musical sequences and atmospheric horror. 2024 sawAstro Botearn the personal Game of the Year, a joyful experience punctuated by frustrating final level replays.
Looking ahead to the future, the player remains undecided on 2025’s winner,Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, having only spent a short time with it. WhileMario Kart WorldandDonkey Kong Bananzaoffered enjoyable experiences, they lacked the lasting impact of previous champions. The search for the truly deserving Game of the Year continues.
