List of Game of the Year awards: Difference between revisions
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| '''1996''' || ''[[Super Mario 64]]'' || [[Platform game|Platformer]]: [[Open world|Open World]] || [[Nintendo 64]], [[iQue Player]], [[Nintendo DS]], [[Virtual Console]] || [[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development|Nintendo EAD]] |
| '''1996''' || ''[[Super Mario 64]]'' || [[Platform game|Platformer]]: [[Open world|Open World]] || [[Nintendo 64]], [[iQue Player]], [[Nintendo DS]], [[Virtual Console]] || [[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development|Nintendo EAD]] |
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| '''1995''' || ''[[Chrono Trigger]]'' || [[Role-playing video game|Role-Playing Game]] || [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]], [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[Nintendo DS]], [[Virtual Console]], [[PlayStation Network]], [[iOS]] || [[Square (company)| |
| '''1995''' || ''[[Chrono Trigger]]'' || [[Role-playing video game|Role-Playing Game]] || [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]], [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[Nintendo DS]], [[Virtual Console]], [[PlayStation Network]], [[iOS]] || [[Square (company)|Squaresoft]] |
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| '''1994''' || ''[[ |
| '''1994''' || ''[[Final Fantasy VI]]'' || [[Role-playing video game|Role-Playing Game]] || [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]], [[Virtual Console]] || [[Square (company)|Squaresoft]] |
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| '''1993''' || ''[[ |
| '''1993''' || ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening]]'' || [[Action-adventure game|Action-Adventure]] || [[Game Boy]], [[Game Boy Color]] || [[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development|Nintendo EAD]] |
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| '''1992''' || ''[[ |
| '''1992''' || ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past]]'' || [[Action-adventure game|Action-Adventure]] || [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]], [[Virtual Console]] || [[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development|Nintendo EAD]] |
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| '''1991''' || ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)|Sonic |
| '''1991''' || ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''<ref>http://www.gamerankings.com/genesis/454495-sonic-the-hedgehog/index.html</ref> || ([[Side-scrolling video game|Side-Scrolling]]) [[Platform game|Platformer]] || [[Sega Mega Drive|Sega Genesis / Mega Drive]], [[Game Boy Advance]], [[Mobile game|Mobile]] || [[Sonic Team]] |
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| '''1990''' || ''[[Motocross Maniacs]]'' || [[Racing video game|Racing]] || [[Game Boy]] || [[Konami]] |
| '''1990''' || ''[[Motocross Maniacs]]'' || [[Racing video game|Racing]] || [[Game Boy]] || [[Konami]] |
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† The Xbox release of ''[[Grand Theft Auto (series)|Grand Theft Auto Double Pack]]'' scored slightly higher than ''The Wind Waker'' but was a re-release of both ''GTA3'' & ''Vice City'', which came out in 2001/2002. |
† The Xbox release of ''[[Grand Theft Auto (series)|Grand Theft Auto Double Pack]]'' scored slightly higher than ''The Wind Waker'' but was a re-release of both ''GTA3'' & ''Vice City'', which came out in 2001/2002. |
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* Prior to 2001, GameRankings statistics are somewhat more patchy, with fewer games making the 20 review cut off. The threshold has been set to a minimum of 10 reviews for titles released between |
* Prior to 2001, GameRankings statistics are somewhat more patchy, with fewer games making the 20 review cut off. The threshold has been set to a minimum of 10 reviews for titles released between 1992 and 2000, 7 reviews for 1993, 6 reviews for 1991, and 4 reviews for titles before 1991. |
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=== Metacritic === |
=== Metacritic === |
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| '''2009''' || ''[[Uncharted 2: Among Thieves]]''<ref>[http://features.metacritic.com/features/2009/the-best-games-of-2009/ MetaCritic Best Games of 2009]</ref> || [[Action-adventure game|Action-Adventure]]: ([[Third-person shooter|Third-Person]]) [[Shooter game|Shooter]] || [[PlayStation 3]] || [[Naughty Dog]] |
| '''2009''' || ''[[Uncharted 2: Among Thieves]]''<ref>[http://features.metacritic.com/features/2009/the-best-games-of-2009/ MetaCritic Best Games of 2009]</ref> || [[Action-adventure game|Action-Adventure]]: ([[Third-person shooter|Third-Person]]) [[Shooter game|Shooter]] || [[PlayStation 3]] || [[Naughty Dog]] |
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| '''2008''' || ''[[Grand Theft Auto IV ]]'' || [[Open World: (Third- |
| '''2008''' || ''[[Grand Theft Auto IV ]]'' || [[Open world|Open World]]: ([[Third-person shooter|Third-Person]]) [[Shooter game|Shooter]] || [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]] || [[Rockstar North]] |
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| '''2007''' || ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'' || [[Platformer]] || [[Wii]] || [[Nintendo]] |
| '''2007''' || ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'' || [[Platformer]] || [[Wii]] || [[Nintendo]] |
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=== G4 === |
=== G4 === |
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The winners of [[G4 (TV channel)|G4]]'s annual "Videogame Deathmatch" or "G-phoria" polls. |
The winners of [[G4 (TV channel)|G4]]'s annual "Videogame Deathmatch" or "G-phoria" polls. The 2011 "Videogame Deathmatch" poll involved 500,000 votes.<ref name="g4_winner">{{cite web|title=Best of 2011: Videogame Deathmatch Best of 2011 Winner|url=http://www.g4tv.com/videos/56655/best-of-2011-videogame-deathmatch-best-of-2011-winner/|publisher=[[G4 (TV Channel){{!}}G4]]|accessdate=22 December 2011|month=December|year=2011}}</ref> |
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| '''2001''' || ''[[Final Fantasy X]]''<ref>[http://www.gamefaqs.com/poll/index.html?poll=776 GameFaqs Game of the Year 2001]</ref> || [[Role-playing video game|Role-Playing Game]] || [[PlayStation 2]] || [[Square (company)|Square]] |
| '''2001''' || ''[[Final Fantasy X]]''<ref>[http://www.gamefaqs.com/poll/index.html?poll=776 GameFaqs Game of the Year 2001]</ref> || [[Role-playing video game|Role-Playing Game]] || [[PlayStation 2]] || [[Square (company)|Square]] |
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| '''2000''' || ''[[Final Fantasy IX]]''<ref>{{cite web|title=The Top 10 Games of 2001|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/c0112.html|publisher=[[GameFAQs]]|accessdate=31 December 2011|date=December 2001}}</ref> || [[Role-playing video game|Role-Playing Game]] || [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[PlayStation Network]] || [[Square (company)|Square]] |
| '''2000''' || ''[[Final Fantasy IX]]''<ref>{{cite web|title=The Top 10 Games of 2001|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/c0112.html|publisher=[[GameFAQs]]|accessdate=31 December 2011|date=December 2001}}</ref> <br> {{nowrap|''[[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask]]''}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Game of the Decade|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/gotd.html|publisher=[[GameFAQs]]|accessdate=22 December 2011|date=Fall 2010|year=2010}}</ref> || [[Role-playing video game|Role-Playing Game]] <br> [[Action-adventure game|Action-Adventure]]: [[Open world|Open World]] || [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[PlayStation Network]] <br> [[Nintendo 64]], [[Nintendo GameCube|GameCube]], [[Virtual Console]] || [[Square (company)|Square]] <br> [[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development|Nintendo EAD]] |
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| '''1999''' || ''[[Final Fantasy VIII]]''<ref>[http://www.gamefaqs.com/poll/index.html?poll=38 GameFaqs Game of the Year 1999]</ref> || [[Role-playing video game|Role-Playing Game]] || [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[PlayStation Network]] || [[Square (company)|Square]] |
| '''1999''' || ''[[Final Fantasy VIII]]''<ref>[http://www.gamefaqs.com/poll/index.html?poll=38 GameFaqs Game of the Year 1999]</ref> || [[Role-playing video game|Role-Playing Game]] || [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[PlayStation Network]] || [[Square (company)|Square]] |
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=== IGN Reader's Choice === |
=== IGN Reader's Choice === |
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In addition to the editor's picks, [[IGN]] also hosts a [[Opinion poll|poll]] for the Readers' GOTY. IGN, considered the world's largest gaming website, attracted 300,000 votes for its "Best of 2011" Readers' Choice awards.<ref>{{cite web|title=IGN readers name The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword their game of 2011|url=http://gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/82001/IGN_readers_name_The_Legend_of_Zelda_Skyward_Sword_theirgame_of_2011.php|publisher=[[Gamasutra]]|accessdate=26 January 2012|date=01/18/2012}}</ref> |
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In addition to the editor's picks, [[IGN]] also hosts a [[Opinion poll|poll]] for the Readers' GOTY. |
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Revision as of 04:14, 26 January 2012
 | This article needs to be updated. (December 2011) |
Game of the Year (abbreviated GotY) is a title awarded by various magazines, websites, and shows to a deserving game. Many publications award a single "Game of the Year" to a single title that they feel represents the pinnacle of gaming achievement that year.
Organizations
Organizations and publications who award board Game of the Years include:
Organizations and publications who award PC and console Game of the Years include:
Board games (Game of the Year)
Games magazine
The winners of the Games (magazine) Game of the Year are chosen by Games editors:[1] See Games 100.
Spiel des Jahres
These are winners of Spiel des Jahres, the German board game award.
Video games - Critic and editor awards (Game of the Year)
1UP.com
As of 2010[update], the winners of 1UP's Game of the Year are chosen by the editors. (In 2009, they also revealed their picks in the Reader's Choice Awards). For the Reader's Choice, see the Reader and gamer polls GOTY Section below.[11]
| Year | Game | Genre | Platform(s) | Developer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim[12] | Open World: RPG | Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC | Bethesda Softworks |
| 2010 | Red Dead Redemption[13] | Open World: (Third-Person) Shooter | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 | Rockstar Games |
| 2009 | Uncharted 2: Among Thieves[14] | Action-Adventure: (Third-Person) Shooter | PlayStation 3 | Naughty Dog Software |
Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences
Academy of Interactive Entertainment
Formerly known as Academy of Video Games. Includes all GOTY Winners picked by AIE staff members. Note: All winners before 1993 were picked in 1993 when AIE was formed.
British Academy of Film and Television Arts
Crispy Gamer
The winners of the Crispy Gamer Game of the Year are chosen by the Crispy Gamer Game Trust.[35]
| Year | Game | Genre | Platform(s) | Developer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Batman: Arkham Asylum[36] | Action/adventure | Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC | Rocksteady Studios |
| 2008 | Fallout 3[37] | Action RPG | Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC | Bethesda Game Studios |
| 2007 | BioShock | Shooter | Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows, Mac OS X | 2K Boston/2K Australia |
Edge
The winners of the Edge Game of the Year are chosen by Edge editors.[38]
| Year | Game | Genre | Platform(s) | Developer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword | Action-Adventure: Open World | Nintendo Wii | Nintendo EAD, Monolith Soft |
| 2010 | Super Mario Galaxy 2 | Platformer | Nintendo Wii | Nintendo EAD Tokyo |
| 2009 | No award given | |||
| 2008 | LittleBigPlanet | Puzzle-Platformer | PlayStation 3 | Media Molecule |
| 2007 | Super Mario Galaxy | Platformer | Nintendo Wii | Nintendo EAD Tokyo |
| 2006 | Final Fantasy XII | Role-Playing Game | PlayStation 2 | Square Enix |
| 2005 | Resident Evil 4 | Survival Horror: (Third-Person) Shooter | GameCube, PlayStation 2, Wii, Windows | Capcom Production Studio 4 |
| 2004 | Half-Life 2 | (First-Person) Shooter | Windows, Xbox, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 | Valve Corporation |
Electronic Gaming Monthly
The winners of the Electronic Gaming Monthly Game of the Year are chosen by Electronic Gaming Monthly editors.
Eurogamer (UK)
The winners of the Eurogamer (UK) Game of the Year are chosen by Eurogamer (UK) editors.[39]
Gamasutra
The winners of the Gamasutra Game of the Year are chosen by Gamasutra editors.[40]
| Year | Game | Genre | Platform(s) | Developer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Portal 2[41] | Puzzle | Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC | Valve Corporation |
| 2010 | Red Dead Redemption | Action Adventure | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 | Rockstar Games |
| 2009 | Dragon Age: Origins | Role-Playing Game | Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows, Mac OS X | BioWare, Edge of Reality |
| 2008 | Fallout 3 | RPG | PlayStation 3, PC, Xbox 360 | Bethesda Softworks |
| 2007 | Portal | Puzzle, first-person shooter, science fiction | Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows | Valve Corporation |
| 2006 | Wii Sports | Sports game | Wii | Nintendo EAD |
Game Informer
The winners of the Game Informer Game of the Year are chosen by Game Informer editors.[42]
GamePro
The winners of the GamePro Game of the Year are chosen by GamePro editors.[44]
| Year | Game | Genre | Platform(s) | Developer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Assassin's Creed II | Third-person action-adventure | Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 | Ubisoft Montreal |
| 2008 | LittleBigPlanet | Puzzle Platformer | PlayStation 3 | Media Molecule |
| 2007 | Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare | Action | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, PC | Infinity Ward |
| 2006 | Gears of War | Third-person shooter | Xbox 360 | Epic Games |
| 2005 | Resident Evil 4 | Survival Horror: (Third-Person) Shooter | GameCube, PlayStation 2 Windows | Capcom |
Games
The winners of the Games magazine Game of the Year are chosen by Games editors.[1]
| Year | Game | Genre | Platform(s) | Developer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Portal 2 | Puzzler | PC/360/PS3 | Valve |
| 2011 | Super Mario Galaxy 2 | Platformer | Wii | Nintendo |
| 2010 | Batman: Arkham Asylum | Action-adventure | PC/360/PS3 | Eidos |
| 2009 | Spore | Life simulation | PC/Mac | EA/Maxis |
| 2008 | BioShock | Action-adventure | PC/360 | 2K/Irrational |
| 2007 | Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion | Action RPG | 360/PC | Bethesda Softworks |
| 2006 | Psychonauts | Platformer | PC/Xbox | Majesco |
| 2005 | City of Heroes | MMORPG | PC/Internet | NC Soft |
| 2004 | The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker | Action-adventure | Nintendo | |
| 2003 | Neverwinter Nights | RPG | PC | Atari |
| 2002 | Black & White | Simulation | Electronic Arts | |
| 2001 | The Sims | Life sim | PC, Mac | Maxis/EA, Aspyr |
| 2000 | PC: Half-Life Console: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time |
FPS Action-adventure |
Win 95/98 N64 |
Sierra Studios Nintendo |
| 1999 | Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee | Platformer | PSX, Win95 | GT Interactive |
| 1998 | Obsidian | Adventure | SegaSoft/Rocket Science | |
| 1997 | Links LS | Sports | Access | |
| 1996 | - | - | - | - |
| 1995 | Virtual Pool | Sports | Interplay | |
| 1994 | Myst | Adventure | Broderbund |
- Starting in 1996, awards were given the title of the coming year. Thus, the December 1995 issue awarded the "Game of the Year 1995", whereas the December 1996 issue awarded the "Game of the Year 1997".
Games Master
The winners of the Games Master Game of the Year are chosen by Games Master editors.[45]
| Year | Game | Genre | Platform(s) | Developer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Super Mario Galaxy 2 | Platformer | Nintendo Wii | Nintendo |
| 2009 | Batman: Arkham Asylum | Action/adventure | Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC | Eidos Interactive |
| 2008 | Grand Theft Auto IV | Open World, Action | Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 | Rockstar North |
| 2007 | Super Mario Galaxy | Platformer | Wii | Nintendo |
| 2006 | The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | Action-adventure | Wii, Nintendo GameCube | Nintendo |
| 2005 | Resident Evil 4 | Survival Horror: (Third-Person) Shooter | GameCube, PlayStation 2, Windows, Wii | Capcom |
GamesRadar (UK)
GamesRadar holds a Platinum Chalice Awards feature each year, as part of that, the Game of the Year chosen by the editors are:[46]
GameSpot
The winners of the GameSpot Game of the Year are chosen by GameSpot editors.[52]
- From 1996 to 2001, console and PC awards were selected separately. There were no console awards given pre-1998.
PC
| Year | Game | Genre | Platform(s) | Developer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Serious Sam: The First Encounter[63] | (First-Person) Shooter | Windows, Linux | Croteam |
| 2000 | The Sims[64] | Life simulation game | Windows, Mac OS | Maxis |
| 1999 | EverQuest[65] | MMORPG | Windows | Sony Online Entertainment |
| 1998 | Grim Fandango[66] | Adventure | Windows | LucasArts |
| 1997 | Total Annihilation[67] | Real-time strategy | Windows, Mac OS | Cavedog Ent. |
| 1996 | Diablo[68] | Action RPG: Hack and Slash | Windows, Mac OS | Blizzard North |
Console
| Year | Game | Genre | Platform(s) | Developer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Grand Theft Auto III[69] | Open World Action | PlayStation 2 | Rockstar North |
| 2000 | Chrono Cross[70] | RPG | PlayStation | Square Co. |
| 1999 | Soul Calibur[71] | Fighter | Dreamcast | Namco |
| 1998 | The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time[72] | Action-Adventure | Nintendo 64 | Nintendo |
GameSpy
The winners of the GameSpy Game of the Year are chosen by GameSpy editors.[73]
GameTrailers
The winners of the GameTrailers Game of the Year are chosen by GameTrailers editors.[74]
GDC Game Developers Choice Awards
The Game Developers Choice Awards are chosen by registered game developers and unveiled at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco.
Giant Bomb
The winners of the Giant Bomb Game of the Year are chosen by Giant Bomb editors.[93] In 2011, the editors changed their Game of the Year deliberations from picking a winner from their console-specific award winners, to creating a Top 10 list from their collective personal Top 10 games and ordering them from 10th to 1st.[94]
| Year | Game | Genre | Platform(s) | Developer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim [95] | Role-playing game | Windows, Xbox 360 | Bethesda Softworks |
| 2010 | Mass Effect 2[96] | RPG | Xbox 360, Windows, PlayStation 3 | BioWare |
| 2009 | Uncharted 2: Among Thieves[97] | Third-person shooter | PlayStation 3 | Naughty Dog |
| 2008 | Grand Theft Auto IV[98] | Open World Action | Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 | Rockstar North |
IGN
IGN's most prestigious game of the year award is chosen by all the editors at IGN and unveiled mid-January.
- Pre-2001 awards were limited to specific platforms with no overall winner announced.
IGN AU (Australia)
In addition, the Australian (Au) team at IGN has been posting a top 10 games of the year since 2008. IGN AU's game of the year is as follows:
| Year | Game | Genre | Platform(s) | Developer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Mass Effect 2[109] | Action RPG: (Third-Person) Shooter | Xbox 360, Windows | BioWare |
| 2009 | Uncharted 2: Among Thieves[110] | Action-Adventure: (Third-Person) Shooter | PlayStation 3 | Naughty Dog Software |
| 2008 | Grand Theft Auto IV[111] | Open World: (Third-Person) Shooter | PlayStation 3, Windows, Xbox 360 | Rockstar North Ltd. |
Japan Game Awards
The winners of the Grand Award annually given by the Japan Game Awards, formerly known as the CESA Awards, since 1996. There are some years where two games shared the Grand Award.[112]
Japan Media Arts Festival
The video games in the Entertainment/Interactive Art divison of the Japan Media Arts Festival that have won Grand Prizes or Excellence Prizes.
Joystiq
The winners of the Joystiq Game of the Year are chosen by Joystiq editors.[113]
| Year | Game | Genre | Platform(s) | Developer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim | Open World: RPG | Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC | Bethesda Softworks |
| 2010 | Mass Effect 2 | RPG | Xbox 360, Windows, PlayStation 3 | BioWare |
| 2009 | Uncharted 2: Among Thieves | Third-person shooter | PlayStation 3 | Naughty Dog |
| 2008 | Fable II | Action RPG, Sandbox | Xbox 360 | Lionhead Studios |
| 2007 | Portal | Puzzle, first-person shooter, science fiction | Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows | Valve Corporation |
| 2006 | Gears of War | Tactical Shooter | Xbox 360, Windows | Epic Games |
Kotaku
Over the years, Kotaku has been refining how it selects its Game of the Year. Currently, it involves a debate which starts with the Kotaku editors determining the four most defendable candidates for the award. Editors are then given time to play all the games, and for each of the candidates, an appropriate editor is determined to make his case behind it in front of a panel who also raise questions. The results of these debates are given to the readers, who then also have the chance to make their own opinions felt. To make the final decision, the Kotaku staff members reexamine their arguments, and the winner is determined from a vote between the editors in late January.[114][115]
| Year | Game | Genre | Platform(s) | Developer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Portal 2[116] | Puzzle, first-person shooter, science fiction | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Windows, Mac OSX | Valve Corporation |
| 2010 | Red Dead Redemption[117] | Open World: (Third-Person) Shooter | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 | Rockstar Games |
| 2009 | Uncharted 2: Among Thieves[118] | Third-person shooter | PlayStation 3 | Naughty Dog |
| 2008 | Grand Theft Auto IV[119] | Open World, Action | Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC | Rockstar North |
| 2007 | Super Mario Galaxy[120] | Platformer | Wii | Nintendo |
Los Angeles Times
The winners of the Los Angeles Times Game of the Year are chosen by Los Angeles Times editors.
| Year | Game | Genre | Platform(s) | Developer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 | First-person shooter, third-person shooter | Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 | Infinity Ward |
| 2008 | Grand Theft Auto IV | Open World, Action | Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 | Rockstar North |
Metro GameCentral
The top game of each year, chosen by Metro's GameCentral editors.
| Year | Game | Genre | Platform(s) | Developer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword | Action-Adventure: Open World | Nintendo Wii | Nintendo EAD, Monolith Soft |
| 2010 | Super Mario Galaxy 2 | Platformer | Wii | Nintendo EAD |
| 2009 | Street Fighter IV | Fighting | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Windows | Capcom, Dimps |
| 2008 | Fallout 3 | Role-Playing Game | Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows | Bethesda Game Studios |
| 2007 | Super Mario Galaxy | Platformer | Wii | Nintendo EAD |
| 2006 | The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | Action-Adventure: Open World | Wii | Nintendo EAD |
| 2005 | Resident Evil 4 | Survival Horror: (Third-Person) Shooter | GameCube, PlayStation 2, Windows, Wii, iOS, Zeebo, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 | Capcom Production Studio 4 |
New York Times
The winners of the New York Times Game of the Year are chosen by New York Times editors.
| Year | Game | Genre | Platform(s) | Developer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Mass Effect 2 | Action RPG: (Third-Person) Shooter | Xbox 360, Windows, PlayStation 3 | BioWare |
| 2009(Tie) | Assassin's Creed II[121] | Open World Action-Adventure | Mac OS X, PlayStation 3, Windows, Xbox 360 | Ubisoft Montreal |
| 2009(Tie) | Uncharted 2: Among Thieves | Action-Adventure: (Third-Person) Shooter | PlayStation 3 | Naughty Dog Software |
| 2008 | Grand Theft Auto IV | Open World, Action | Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 | Rockstar North |
| 2007 | Mass Effect | RPG | PC, Xbox 360 | Bioware |
| 2006 | Wii Sports | Sports game | Wii | Nintendo EAD |
Spike Video Game Awards
The winners of the Spike Video Game Awards Game of the Year are chosen by an advisory council, featuring 25 journalists from various media outlets.
The Washington Examiner
The games chosen by The Washington Examiner editors as the best game in their annual "Top 10 video games" list.
| Year | Game | Genre | Platform(s) | Developer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword[122] | Action-Adventure: Open World | Nintendo Wii | Nintendo EAD, Monolith Soft |
| 2010 | Fallout: New Vegas | Action RPG | Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 | Obsidian Entertainment |
Time (magazine)
The winners of the Time magazine Game of the Year are chosen by Time magazine editors.
| Year | Game | Genre | Platform(s) | Developer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Minecraft | First person, Sandbox, RPG | Java platform, Java applet, Android, iOS, Xbox 360 | Mojang |
| 2010 | Alan Wake | Action/Adventure | Xbox 360 | Remedy |
| 2009 | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 | First-person shooter, third-person shooter | Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 | Infinity Ward |
| 2008 | Grand Theft Auto IV | Open World, Action | Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 | Rockstar North |
| 2007 | Halo 3 | First-person shooter | Xbox 360 | Bungie |
| 2006 | Wii Sports | Sports game | Wii | Nintendo EAD |
X-Play
The winners of the X-Play Game of the Year are chosen by X-Play editors.[123]
| Year | Game | Genre | Platform(s) | Developer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim[124] | RPG | Xbox 360, Windows, PlayStation 3 | Bethesda Softworks |
| 2010 | Mass Effect 2[125] | RPG | Xbox 360, Windows, PlayStation 3 | BioWare |
| 2009 | Uncharted 2: Among Thieves[126] | Third-person shooter | PlayStation 3 | Naughty Dog |
| 2008 | Fable II[127] | Action RPG, Sandbox | Xbox 360 | Lionhead Studios |
| 2007 | BioShock[128] | Shooter | Windows, Xbox 360, Mac OS X, PlayStation 3 | 2K Boston/2K Australia |
| 2006 | The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | Action-adventure | Wii, Nintendo GameCube | Nintendo |
| 2005 | Resident Evil 4 | Survival Horror: (Third-Person) Shooter | GameCube, PlayStation 2, Windows, Wii | Capcom |
| 2004 | Halo 2 | First-person shooter | Windows, Xbox | Bungie |
Video games - Cumulative statistical analysis of critic reviews
Typically, Game of the Year is decided amongst a consensus of video game editors. The following sites provide rankings based on a cumulation of their review scores.
GameRankings
GameRankings ranks games according to an average of their review score across multiple sources. The highest for each year are:[129]
† The Xbox release of Grand Theft Auto Double Pack scored slightly higher than The Wind Waker but was a re-release of both GTA3 & Vice City, which came out in 2001/2002.
- Prior to 2001, GameRankings statistics are somewhat more patchy, with fewer games making the 20 review cut off. The threshold has been set to a minimum of 10 reviews for titles released between 1992 and 2000, 7 reviews for 1993, 6 reviews for 1991, and 4 reviews for titles before 1991.
Metacritic
The winners of the Metacritic Game of the Year are determined by the game with the highest score garnered from an average of weighted review scores from various sources. Each year, Metacritic announce the highest in an official award.[45]
Video games - Reader and gamer polls
1UP.com Reader's Choice
In addition to the editor's picks, 1UP.com also hosts a poll for the Readers' GOTYs. Until 2010, this was considered their primary Game of the Year.[11]
Crash
Starting in 1984, the ZX Spectrum magazine Crash published an annual readers awards article, based on votes from the readers.
| Year | Best overall game |
|---|---|
| 1984[135] | Daley Thompson's Decathlon |
| 1985[136] | Elite |
| 1986[137] | Starglider |
| 1987[138] | Driller |
| 1989[139] | Batman - The Movie |
| 1990[140] | Robocop 2 |
Eurogamer (UK) Reader's
In addition to the editor's picks, Eurogamer (UK) also hosts a poll for the Reader's GOTY.[39]
| Year | Game | Genre | Platform(s) | Developer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Mass Effect 2 | Action RPG: (Third-Person) Shooter | Xbox360, PC, Playstation 3 | Bioware |
| 2009 | Uncharted 2: Among Thieves | Third-person shooter | PlayStation 3 | Naughty Dog |
| 2008 | Fable II | Action RPG, Sandbox | Xbox 360 | Lionhead Studios |
| 2007 | BioShock | Shooter | Windows, Xbox 360, Mac OS X, PlayStation 3 | 2K Boston/2K Australia |
| 2006 | The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | Action-adventure | Wii, Nintendo GameCube | Nintendo |
| 2005 | Resident Evil 4 | Survival horror, Shooter | GameCube, PlayStation 2, Windows, Wii | Capcom |
Famitsu
The Grand Prize winners of the annual Famitsu Awards, voted by the magazine's readers.
G4
The winners of G4's annual "Videogame Deathmatch" or "G-phoria" polls. The 2011 "Videogame Deathmatch" poll involved 500,000 votes.[142]
| Year | Game | Genre | Platform(s) | Developer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword[143] | Action-Adventure: Open World | Wii | Nintendo EAD, Monolith Soft |
| 2010 | StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty | Real-Time Strategy | Windows | Blizzard |
| 2009 | Fallout 3 | Role-Playing Game | Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 | Bethesda Game Studios |
| 2008 | Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots | Stealth: (Third-Person) Shooter | PlayStation 3 | Kojima Productions |
| 2007 | Gears of War | (Third-Person) Shooter | Xbox 360, Windows | Epic Games |
GameFAQs
GameFAQs' annual Game of the Year is chosen by its readers.
Game Revolution
The winner of the Game Revolution Community Choice Game of the Year award.
| Year | Game | Genre | Platform(s) | Developer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Dark Souls[160] | Action Role-Playing Game | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 | From Software |
GameSpot Readers' Picks
In addition to the editor's picks, GameSpot also hosts a poll for the Readers' GOTY.
Golden Joystick Awards
The Golden Joysticks are the oldest gaming awards. The inaugural ceremony took place in 1982 in London's Berkeley Square.[163]
| Year | Game |
|---|---|
| 1983 | Jetpac |
| 1984 | Knight Lore |
| 1985 | Way of the Exploding Fist |
| 1986 | Gauntlet |
| 1987 | Out Run |
| 1988 | Operation Wolf Speedball |
| 2003 | Grand Theft Auto: Vice City |
| 2004 | Doom 3 |
| 2005 | Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas |
| 2006 | The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion |
| 2007 | Gears Of War |
| 2008 | Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare |
| 2009 | Fallout 3 |
| 2010 | Mass Effect 2 |
| 2011 | Portal 2 |
IGN Reader's Choice
In addition to the editor's picks, IGN also hosts a poll for the Readers' GOTY. IGN, considered the world's largest gaming website, attracted 300,000 votes for its "Best of 2011" Readers' Choice awards.[164]
MMGN
The winners of MMGN's annual Community Game of the Year poll.
| Year | Game | Genre | Platform(s) | Developer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword[168] | Action-Adventure: Open World | Wii | Nintendo EAD, Monolith Soft |
| 2010 | Red Dead Redemption | Open World: (Third-Person) Shooter | Playstation 3, Xbox360 | Rockstar San Diego, Rockstar North |
| 2009 | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 | (First-Person) Shooter | PlayStation 3, Windows, Xbox 360 | Infinity Ward |
| 2007 | Super Mario Galaxy | Platformer | Wii | Nintendo EAD Tokyo |
ScrewAttack
The winners of ScrewAttack's annual Top 10 Games poll.
| Year | Game | Genre | Platform(s) | Developer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword[169] | Action-Adventure: Open World | Wii | Nintendo EAD, Monolith Soft |
| 2010 | Mass Effect 2 | Action RPG: (Third-Person) Shooter | Xbox360, PC, Playstation 3 | Bioware |
| 2009 | Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots | Stealth: (Third-Person) Shooter | Playstation 3 | Kojima Productions |
References
- ^ a b Games Magazine
- ^ "2007 Buyer's Guide To Games". Games. Vol. 30, no. 226. GAMES Publications. 2006. pp. 35–49.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^ "2006 Buyer's Guide To Games". Games. Vol. 29, no. 216. GAMES Publications. 2005. pp. 35–47.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^ "2005 Buyer's Guide To Games". Games. Vol. 28, no. 206. GAMES Publications. 2004. pp. 33–48.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^ "2004 Buyer's Guide To Games". Games. Vol. 27, no. 196. GAMES Publications. 2003. pp. 35–48.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^ "2003 Buyer's Guide To Games". Games. Vol. 26, no. 186. GAMES Publications. 2002. pp. 33–64.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^ "2000 Buyer's Guide To Games". Games. Vol. 23, no. 157. GAMES Publications. 1999. pp. 31–46.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^ a b http://www.boardgamegeek.com/wiki/page/Games_100 Games 100
- ^ "1997 Buyer's Guide To Games". Games. Vol. 20, no. 136. GAMES Publications. 1996. pp. 31–44.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^ a b c d e Games 100
- ^ a b 1UP.com Website
- ^ 1UP's Best of 2011 Awards: Editors' Picks
- ^ a b 1UP 2010 Game of the Year
- ^ a b 1UP 2009 Reader's Choice
- ^ Academy of Interactive Arts & Science Game of the Year 2009
- ^ Academy of Interactive Arts & Science Game of the Year 2008
- ^ Academy of Interactive Arts & Science Game of the Year 2007
- ^ Academy of Interactive Arts & Science Game of the Year 2006
- ^ Academy of Interactive Arts & Science Game of the Year 2005
- ^ Academy of Interactive Arts & Science Game of the Year 2004
- ^ Academy of Interactive Arts & Science Game of the Year 2003
- ^ Academy of Interactive Arts & Science Game of the Year 2002
- ^ Academy of Interactive Arts & Science Game of the Year 2001
- ^ Academy of Interactive Arts & Science Game of the Year 2000
- ^ Academy of Interactive Arts & Science Game of the Year 1999
- ^ Academy of Interactive Arts & Science Game of the Year 1998
- ^ Academy of Interactive Arts & Science Game of the Year 1997
- ^ BAFTA Videogames Awards Winners and Nominees of 2011
- ^ BAFTA Videogames Awards Winners and Nominees of 2010
- ^ BAFTA Videogames Awards Winners and Nominees of 2009
- ^ BAFTA Videogames Awards Winners and Nominees of 2007
- ^ BAFTA Videogames Awards Winners and Nominees of 2006
- ^ BAFTA Videogames Awards Winners and Nominees of 2004
- ^ BAFTA Videogames Awards Winners and Nominees of 2003
- ^ Crispy Gamer Website
- ^ Crispy Gamer Game of the year 2009
- ^ Crispy Gamer Game of the year 2008
- ^ Edge Magazine
- ^ a b Eurogamer
- ^ Gamasutra - The Art & Business of Making Games
- ^ Gamasutra's Best Of 2011: Top 10 Games Of The Year
- ^ Home - GameInformer.com
- ^ "Games of 2001." Game Informer. January 2002: p. 52
- ^ GamePro
- ^ a b Metacritic Website
- ^ GamesRadar Website
- ^ GamesRadar Game of the Year 2010
- ^ GamesRadar Game of the Year 2009
- ^ GamesRadar Game of the Year 2008
- ^ GamesRadar Game of the Year 2007
- ^ GamesRadar Game of the Year 2006
- ^ GameSpot Website
- ^ [1]
- ^ GameSpot Game of the Year 2010
- ^ GameSpot Game of the Year 2009
- ^ GameSpot Game of the Year 2008
- ^ GameSpot Game of the Year 2007
- ^ GameSpot Game of the Year 2006
- ^ GameSpot Game of the Year 2005
- ^ GameSpot Game of the Year 2004
- ^ GameSpot Game of the Year 2003
- ^ GameSpot Game of the Year 2002
- ^ GameSpot PC Game of the Year 2001
- ^ GameSpot PC Game of the Year 2000
- ^ GameSpot PC Game of the Year 1999
- ^ GameSpot PC Game of the Year 1998
- ^ GameSpot PC Game of the Year 1997
- ^ GameSpot PC Game of the Year 1996
- ^ GameSpot Console Game of the Year 2001
- ^ GameSpot Console Game of the Year 2000
- ^ GameSpot Console Game of the Year 1999 - Archived from original videogames.com web site
- ^ GameSpot Console Game of the Year 1998 - Archived from original videogames.com web site
- ^ GameSpy: Video Games, PC, Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Wii, DS, PSP
- ^ Video Game Trailers for Wii, PSP, Xbox, Playstation 3 & More
- ^ GameTrailers Game of the Year 2011
- ^ GameTrailers Game of the Year 2010
- ^ GameTrailers Game of the Year 2009
- ^ GameTrailers Game of the Year 2008
- ^ GameTrailers Game of the Year 2007
- ^ GameTrailers Game of the Year 2006
- ^ GameTrailers Game of the Year 2005
- ^ Game Developers Choice Awards 2010
- ^ Game Developers Choice Awards 2009
- ^ Game Developers Choice Awards 2008
- ^ Game Developers Choice Awards 2007
- ^ Game Developers Choice Awards 2006
- ^ Game Developers Choice Awards 2005
- ^ Game Developers Choice Awards 2004
- ^ Game Developers Choice Awards 2003
- ^ Game Developers Choice Awards 2002
- ^ Game Developers Choice Awards 2001
- ^ Game Developers Choice Awards 2000
- ^ GiantBomb.com
- ^ [2]
- ^ [3]
- ^ GiantBomb Game of the Year 2010
- ^ GiantBomb Game of the Year 2009
- ^ GiantBomb Game of the Year 2008
- ^ [4] IGN Overall Game of the Year 2010]
- ^ IGN Overall Game of the Year 2009
- ^ [5]
- ^ IGN Overall Game of the Year 2007
- ^ IGN Overall Game of the Year 2006
- ^ IGN Overall Game of the Year 2005
- ^ IGN Overall Game of the Year 2004
- ^ IGN Overall Game of the Year 2003 (Link no longer active)
- ^ IGN Overall Game of the Year 2002
- ^ IGN Overall Game of the Year 2001
- ^ IGN AU Top Game 2010
- ^ IGN AU Top Game 2009
- ^ IGN AU Top Game 2008
- ^ "Japan Game Awards". Japan Game Awards. Retrieved 30 December 2011.
- ^ Joystiq
- ^ How Kotaku selects Game of the Year
- ^ Kotaku
- ^ [6]
- ^ Kotaku's 2010 Game of the Year
- ^ Kotaku's 2009 Game of the Year
- ^ Kotaku's 2008 Game of the Year
- ^ Kotaku's 2007 Game of the Year
- ^ New York Times Game of the Year 2009
- ^ Greg Prince; Ryan Vogt (12/18/11). "Top 10 video games of 2011". The Washington Examiner. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ X-Play - G4tv.com
- ^ [7]
- ^ X-Play Game of the Year 2010
- ^ X-Play Game of the Year 2009
- ^ X-Play Game of the Year 2008
- ^ X-Play Game of the Year 2007
- ^ GameRankings Website
- ^ http://www.gamerankings.com/genesis/454495-sonic-the-hedgehog/index.html
- ^ http://www.metacritic.com/feature/best-video-games-of-2011
- ^ games-of-2010/ MetaCritic Best Games of 2010
- ^ MetaCritic Best Games of 2009
- ^ 1UP 2008 Reader's Choice
- ^ http://www.crashonline.org.uk/12/awards.htm
- ^ http://www.crashonline.org.uk/27/awards.htm
- ^ http://www.crashonline.org.uk/38/awards.htm
- ^ http://www.crashonline.org.uk/51/awards.htm
- ^ http://www.crashonline.org.uk/75/awards.htm
- ^ http://www.crashonline.org.uk/87/awards.htm
- ^ Gifford, Kevin (05/12/2010). "Famitsu Awards 2009 Announced". 1UP.com. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Best of 2011: Videogame Deathmatch Best of 2011 Winner". G4. 2011. Retrieved 22 December 2011.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^ "Best Game 2011 - Videogame Deathmatch". G4. 2011. Retrieved 21 December 2011.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^ GameFaqs Game of the Year 2010
- ^ GameFaqs Game of the Year 2009
- ^ GameFaqs Game of the Year 2008
- ^ GameFaqs Game of the Year 2007
- ^ GameFaqs Game of the Year 2006
- ^ GameFaqs Game of the Year 2005
- ^ GameFaqs Game of the Year 2004
- ^ GameFaqs Game of the Year 2003
- ^ GameFaqs Game of the Year 2002
- ^ GameFaqs Game of the Year 2001
- ^ "The Top 10 Games of 2001". GameFAQs. December 2001. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
- ^ "Game of the Decade". GameFAQs. Fall 2010. Retrieved 22 December 2011.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ GameFaqs Game of the Year 1999
- ^ "Spring 2009: Best. Game. Ever". GameFAQs. Retrieved June 10, 2009.
- ^ "Spring 2004: Best. Game. Ever". GameFAQs. Retrieved July 16, 2008.
- ^ "Fall 2005: 10-Year Anniversary Contest—The 10 Best Games Ever". GameFAQs. Retrieved July 16, 2008.
- ^ "Community Choice Game of the Year". Game Revolution. December 23, 2011. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
- ^ GameSpot's 2010 Game of the Year
- ^ GameSpot's 2009 Games of the Year
- ^ http://www.worldofspectrum.org/showmag.cgi?mag=C+VG/Issue030/Pages/CVG03000081.jpg
- ^ "IGN readers name The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword their game of 2011". Gamasutra. 01/18/2012. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Overall". Best of 2011. IGN. January 17, 2011. Retrieved 20 January 2011.
- ^ IGN Overall Game of the Year 2010
- ^ "Reader's Choice Game of the Century". IGN. January 12, 2000. Retrieved 30 December 2011.
- ^ "Game of the Year 2011 Winners". MMGN. 25/11/2011. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Top 10 Games of 2011". ScrewAttack. GameTrailers. December 24, 2011. Retrieved 30 December 2011.
External links
- 100 Games, 1980 to 2010, at BoardGameGeek
- 2004 Game of the Year feature at GameSpy
- 2007 Game of the Year Awards at GameTrailers
- 2007 Game of the Year Awards at Crispy Gamer
- 2008 Game of the Year Awards at Crispy Gamer
- Kotaku's 2008 Games of the Year Awards at Kotaku
- 2009 Game of the Year Award at Crispy Gamer