Thousands of games are made every year, only a few make it to the list of game awards, and even fewer get nominated for the best games of the year. From ambitious indie titles to massive AAA productions, the Game of the Year awards are always full of surprises. Let’s explore some of the greatest games of all time by looking at past GOTY winners.
God of War (2018)
Continuing from the classic series, Kratos returns in God of War. Made by Santa Monica Studio, the game shifted from Greek to Norse mythology and from pure hack-and-slash to cinematic storytelling with emotional depth. This revival of the franchise earned God of War the 2018 Game of the Year award.
Available on: PS4, PC
Major reasons for winning: Emotional story and cinematic gameplay
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Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019)
FromSoftware’s Sekiro raised the bar for precision combat. With punishing difficulty, parry-focused swordplay, and a unique resurrection mechanic, it stood apart from the Soulsborne formula. Its GOTY win cemented it as one of the most skill-based action games ever created.
Available on: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Major reasons for winning: Intense, pure skill-based combat
The Last of Us Part II (2020)
Naughty Dog delivered a divisive but ambitious sequel. The Last of Us Part II pushed narrative boundaries with brutal storytelling and emotionally complex characters. Love it or hate it, its technical polish and cinematic presentation earned it the crown.
Available on: PS4
Major reasons for winning: Emotional storytelling and high-stakes gameplay
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It Takes Two (2021)
A surprise win, It Takes Two showcased the magic of co-op gaming. Built entirely around two-player teamwork, it blended creativity, humor, and heartfelt storytelling. A rare reminder that games don’t always need massive budgets or flashy graphics to win big.
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Major reasons for winning: Co-op creativity and heartfelt design
Elden Ring (2022)
A collaboration between Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin, Elden Ring expanded the Souls formula into an open world. One of the best fantasy RPGs ever, it offered freedom of exploration, unforgettable bosses, and an addictive combat system.
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Major reasons for winning: Huge open world, deep combat, and rich lore
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Baldur’s Gate 3 (2023)
Larian Studios revived CRPGs with Baldur’s Gate 3. A Dungeons & Dragons adaptation done right, it gave players near-limitless choice in story and combat. Its critical success and community love turned it into one of the most celebrated RPGs of all time.
Available on: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Major reasons for winning: True Dungeons & Dragons brought to life, player freedom, and zero reliance on microtransactions
Black Myth: Wukong (2024 contender)
China’s Game Science stunned the world with Black Myth: Wukong. A visually breathtaking action RPG inspired by Journey to the West, it combines Soulslike combat with rich mythology. While it hasn’t won GOTY yet, its release has made it one of the strongest contenders for future awards.
Available on: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Major reasons for hype: Stunning visuals, cinematic boss fights, and immersive action combat
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