From 2014 to today, the Game Awards have presented their Game of the Year category, allowing you to vote on what game was truly the best for that year. From the best titles the year had to offer to the quintessential title that sums up what the year really meant for gaming. Let’s say you want to check out the best games of every year since the first annual game awards but don’t know where to begin.
That’s where this list comes in. Luckily, we’ve got you covered, sharing every game of the year from its 2014 inception until now. We also provide links of where to buy them so you can try games you might have missed out on.
Updated on January 5 2024, by Jerel Levy: We’ve got a new game of the year winner for 2024, and we’ve updated this list to include the plucky and fun nostalgic platformer that is Astro Bot to this list of established games. Here are all of the Game of the Year winners and where you can get your hands on them.
GOTY 2014 – Dragon Age: Inquisition
2014 Game Of The Year
Dragon Age: Inquisition is the third in the popular action RPG series from BioWare, and serves as a sequel to the events of Dragon Age 2. You must travel the continent of Thedas to seal the ‘Breach,’ a kind of portal that is sending demonic enemies into the world. As winner of the 2014 Game of the Year, it’s become a staple in the Dragon Age series as a title you need to play.
Dragon Age: Inquisition truly brought the Dragon Age series to new heights. Just a year after the release of the PS4, this title was showing off what the new system could do and what Dragon Age was all about. With excellent writing and character development, it still holds up as one of the best fantasy roleplaying RPGs. There’s a reason it also won the best roleplaying game at the time as well. You can even play this game on mobile if you wanted to.
GOTY 2015 – The Wither 3: Wild Hunt
2015 Game Of The Year
One of the most critically acclaimed RPGs in recent history, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt sees Geralt searching for Ciri of Cintra. However, he’s not the only one looking — the pair must also contend with the Wild Hunt, supernatural beings of great power. CD Projekt added two expansion packs, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, and brought an enhanced version of the game to modern consoles in late 2022.
This title is still being talked about for being one of the best games ever made. Winning the most anticipated title in 2013, a year later, it would be awarded the Game of the Year title. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is probably one of the most critically acclaimed games of all time, making it easy to see why it was a shoo-in for Game of the Year. A game that can stand the test of time; now’s your chance to give it a try if you haven’t already. It even has its own Netflix adaptation now. It’s a great game to play with mods to make an even more fun and personalized experience.
GOTY 2016 – Overwatch
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2016 Game Of The Year
The base game of the now sequel Overwatch 2, the original title, shook up the gaming industry with its first-person shooter team-based gameplay, becoming one of the most popular games and winning multiple awards at the 2016 Game Awards.
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Sequel To 2016 Game Of The Year, Overwatch
The sequel to Blizzard’s 2016 game of the year hero shooter, Overwatch 2 features a roster of over 35 fighters and over 20 maps. It features team sizes reduced to five, aiming to create faster and more action-oriented matches, while PvE elements add to the options available.
Sweeping several categories, at its launch, Overwatch was the blueprint for what a first-person hero shooter should be. Despite how you may feel today, with its original release, it easily became Game of the Year. Lauded for its team-based gameplay and enticing competitive scene, Overwatch was a marvel during its launch year run. You can now only find Overwatch 2. Having revamped into a sequel and gone the free-to-play route, you can continue the mission Overwatch started in 2016. They’ve even added new game modes, such as the clash mode, that brings back a new version of a classic map from Overwatch 1.
GOTY 2017 – The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
2017 Game Of The Year
As the 2017 Game of the Year, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is widely regarded as one of the best games ever made. With free exploration of a huge open world and a story you can complete in your own order, it is a must-play for the Nintendo Switch.
Every once in a while, a game comes along that changes how we experience what a title is. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of those games. Widely considered one of the best games of all time, Breath of the Wild has become a measuring point for what open-world titles could and should be. Breath of the Wild paved the way for what Tears of the Kingdom would be, and it’s incomparable as far as open-world video games go.
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GOTY 2018 – God Of War
God of War (2018)
2018 Game Of The Year
The 2018 Game of the Year, God of War, revisited the series, creating a more serious Kratos, and a game that centers more on the story and an iconic experience. This game paid off as God of War became another great title in the PlayStation line-up.
God of War became something brand new in 2018. Revisiting the series years after the previous title, this continuation shows a new Kratos, a new system, and an even better way to experience the story of God of War. Pivoting from Greek Mythology to Norse Mythology, this sequel to the 2021 title God of War 3 makes a profound step in the new direction of the series. It’s a great title to experience for the first time or for the hundredth, showing why PlayStation is a great place to play.
GOTY 2019 – Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
2019 Game Of The Year
Bringing classic FromSoftware gameplay to feudal Japan, the 2019 Game of the Year, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, sees a lone shinobi, Wolf, seek revenge. You must take on formidable bosses along the way, using all your skills to survive and conquer.
Worlds collide with Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. FromSoftware brings its signature style and challenge to feudal Japan setting, creating a unique and gorgeous game about survival and revenge. With boss fights as engaging and challenging as you’d expect of a FromSoftware game, gorgeous graphics, and an intriguing quest for a lone shinobi, you’ve got a title definitely worth playing.
GOTY 2020 – The Last Of Us Part 2
2020 Game Of The Year
The 2020 Game of the Year is In The Last Of Us Part 2. The award-winning sequel to Naughty Dog’s smash hit, Ellie sets off for Seattle and a showdown with a deadly enemy.
A strong year full of powerfully impactful contenders from every genre and playstyle, The Last of Us Part 2 sat in good company for the 2020 Game of the Year awards. As a sequel to the lauded Last of Us, it tackles a story of love, loss, betrayal, and revenge in a way most games have never done before. Powerful performances and a deep script make for a masterpiece in gaming you need to try.
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GOTY 2021 – It Takes Two
2021 Game Of The Year
It Takes Two is the 2021 critically acclaimed Game of the Year adventure from Hazelight Studios. It features two-player co-op gameplay only. It follows Rose, a young girl who seeks to reverse her parents’ impending divorce.
A surprising win but a deserved one, It Takes Two is a heartwarming but sometimes difficult tale of love and partnership. It can only be played co-op with another player and follows the adventures of two adults on the brink of divorce as they attempt to get along to save themselves. Lots of engaging cooperative puzzles make for a fresh game you need to grab a partner and play through.
GOTY 2022 – Elden Ring
2022 Game Of The Year
With worldbuilding from Game of Thrones scribe George R.R. Martin and developed by FromSoftware, Elden Ring is a masterpiece in what has become known as the ‘Soulslike’ genre of action role-playing games. It’s no surprise it is the 2022 Game of the Year.
Bringing together big names and even bigger ideas, Elden Ring is a larger-than-life title that proves FromSoftware can do anything. There are a few titles out there that are genre-defining and truly game-changing; Elden Ring proved to be one of those as it defined what an action roleplaying game with souslike elements would be. With collaboration for story moments by the master George R.R. Martin himself, it’s a compelling game that’ll give you more than you can even imagine.
GOTY 2023 – Baldur’s Gate 3
2023 Game Of The Year
Baldur’s Gate 3 is the long-awaited next chapter in the Dungeons & Dragons-based series of RPGs and the 2023 Game of the Year. Developed by Divinity creator Larian Studios, it puts you in the middle of a mind flayer invasion of Faerûn, over a century after the events of its predecessor.
The surprise takeover that comes as no surprise to anyone who has played the game is Baldur’s Gate 3. With amazing characters and beautifully presented portrayals, a plethora of unique options and player choices that truly shape the story, and Dungeons & Dragons deep in its DNA, Baldur’s Gate 3 deserves its spot as Game of the Year. Another defining video game title that exemplifies what next-gen cooperative turn-based combat is meant to be in a sprawling RPG. Grab your party and discover the 2023 game of the year now.
GOTY 2024 – Astro Bot
Capturing the hearts of so many, Astro Bot was a top contender for game of the year as soon as it launched, with rumors swirling of its imminent win. Bringing back PlayStation classic series as adorable little Bots, you’ll traverse through brightly colored and satisfying platforming areas and be challenged by a game with gripping fun for the whole family. Test your knowledge of PlayStation history with this adorable game that took 2024 by storm.
2024 Game Of The Year
Astro and the other Bots need your help. Traverse several worlds as Astro, platforming over vivid areas and powering up your skills as you take on world bosses and uncover classic PlayStation mascots along the way. Try your hand at the 2024 Game of the Year.
FAQ
What Is the Number One Game Of The Year?
Every year since the game awards began, industry insiders and viewers vote for what game they believe to be the game of that year. While each year has been different, our list comprises all of the Game of the Year winners. While there is no number one Game of the Year, titles like Overwatch, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, God of War, Elden Ring, and Baldur’s Gate 3 have been genre-defining moments in gaming history that can all be considered the number one Game of the Year.
What Does The Game Of The Year Edition Come With?
Usually, the Game of the Year edition of a title comes out a while after release and includes a ton of goodies not present in the original release. Any subsequently released DLC, game extensions, and extra content are bundled into one package and included in the Game of the Year edition of the game. You’ll get all the extra goodies at a single price most of the time by waiting for a Game of the Year edition of a title.
Who Won Game Of The Year 2008
While The Game Awards only dates back to 2014, there are several other game awards that date back even further. The Bafta Game Awards winner in 2008 was Super Mario Galaxy. The D.I.C.E. Awards winner in 2008 was Little Big Planet. The Golden Joystick Award winner in 2008 was Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.
Who Won Game Of The Year In 2014?
The Game Awards Winners:
- 2014 – Dragon Age: Inquisition
- 2015 – The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- 2016 – Overwatch
- 2017 – The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
- 2018 – God Of War
- 2019 – Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
- 2020 – The Last Of Us Part 2
- 2021 – It Takes Two
- 2022 – Elden Ring
- 2023 – Baldur’s Gate 3
- 2024 – Astro Bot
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TheGamer Game Of The Year Hub – 2024
Looking to gorge yourself on GOTY lists? Then you’ve come to the right place! Here you’ll find GOTY lists written by TheGamer’s insightful staff.