Are Game Awards Really a Measure of Success?

1 December 2025

Game awards are like the Oscars of the gaming world — flashy, dramatic, and often controversial. Each year, developers, publishers, and players gather around their screens to celebrate the best that gaming has to offer. But here's the burning question: Are game awards really a measure of success, or are they just a popularity contest wrapped in a shiny trophy?

I mean, sure, it's nice to see your favorite game bag an award, but does that shiny accolade truly reflect its impact, creativity, or, let’s be real, its fun factor? Let’s dive into this whirlwind of achievements, recognition, and heated debates to figure out if game awards really mean as much as we think they do.

What Are Game Awards?

Before we start debating, let’s get on the same page. Game awards are ceremonies or recognitions handed out to highlight the "best" video games across various categories. Think of titles like Game of the Year (GOTY), Best Narrative, Best Soundtrack, or even Most Anticipated Game.

The most prestigious of these is arguably The Game Awards — a star-studded event that attracts millions of viewers worldwide. But there are countless others like the BAFTA Games Awards, DICE Awards, and Golden Joystick Awards. Some even go niche — awarding mobile games or indie titles specifically.

On the surface, it seems straightforward: games are judged, awards are given, and that’s that. But, as with anything, it’s never that simple.

The Subjectivity of Success

Success is a slippery concept. To one person, success might mean millions of copies sold. To another, it’s the emotional connection the game creates. Or maybe, it’s that feeling when the credits roll, and you're left staring at the screen, completely wrecked (looking at you, The Last of Us).

Here’s the catch: awards tend to focus on specific metrics — often the ones that make the most noise. Sales figures, social media buzz, rave reviews from critics… but what about the other stuff that matters?

Did the game resonate with a tiny yet passionate community? Did it inspire fan art or even fan-made mods? Did it help you escape during a tough time in your life? None of these things show up on the shiny awards stage, yet, for many, they’re what make a game truly "successful."

Popularity vs. Merit

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: popularity.

A lot of award shows are heavily influenced by public votes or jury panels swayed by popular opinion. Don’t get me wrong; there’s no harm in celebrating a fan-favorite game like Elden Ring or God of War. But does the sheer number of fans automatically mean it’s a better game than, say, an underdog indie title?

For example, think about Untitled Goose Game. It transcended its quirky premise and became a cultural phenomenon. Did it rake in the same numbers as triple-A blockbusters? Nope. But its charm and uniqueness made it unforgettable. Yet, in many award settings, it wouldn’t stand a chance against juggernauts with massive marketing budgets.

So, does an award celebrate the best game or the most popular one?

The Role of Marketing Hype

Ah, marketing. The secret sauce behind most award-winning titles. Developers and publishers pour millions into advertising their games, knowing full well that visibility equals votes. It’s kind of like that one kid in school who brought cupcakes for everyone on election day and magically won class president.

Blockbuster titles often dominate because they're everywhere — social media ads, trailers, collaboration events, influencers hyping them up. But smaller, lesser-known gems often get left in the dust, even if their content is groundbreaking.

Is that fair? Hardly. But it’s the reality of the gaming industry. Those who have the money to make noise are often the ones who get heard.

Do Awards Overvalue Triple-A Titles?

If you've ever watched a major game awards show, you’ll notice something: triple-A titles almost always take center stage. These are the games backed by massive teams, massive budgets, and (you guessed it) massive marketing campaigns.

But what about indie titles? Sure, there are occasionally categories dedicated to them — Best Indie Game, for example — but they rarely claim the top spot. Why is that?

It might be because larger games tick more boxes: jaw-dropping graphics, full orchestral soundtracks, and Hollywood-level voice acting. But indie games often bring something triple-A games can’t: pure creativity. They’re not bound by corporate expectations or sequels. They take risks, tell unique stories, and forge emotional connections.

So, why aren’t they celebrated in the same way? Maybe the system itself is flawed.

The Underdogs That Shine

While it’s easy to get cynical, there are moments when the underdogs win — and boy, do they shine brightly when they do. Remember Hades? Supergiant Games’ indie darling snagged several awards, even standing toe-to-toe with the likes of The Last of Us Part II.

Why? Because it broke barriers, blending tight gameplay, breathtaking art, and a narrative that kept you coming back. It wasn’t about the budget; it was about the quality and heart behind the game.

Moments like these remind us that awards can reflect true success when given the chance.

Are Awards the Only Measure?

Here’s the kicker: Awards are nice, but they’re far from the only measure of success. Sure, they bring recognition, boost sales, and give creators their well-deserved moment in the spotlight. But long after the trophies are handed out, what really matters is the legacy a game leaves behind.

Take Minecraft. It didn’t need a shelf full of awards to become one of the most successful and iconic games in history. The same goes for Among Us, which exploded in popularity years after its release, proving that timing and community support can mean more than formal accolades.

Success can’t always be measured by trophies. Sometimes, it’s measured by the number of smiles, tears, and memories a game creates.

Closing Thoughts

So, are game awards really a measure of success? The answer isn’t black and white. While awards help recognize some incredible achievements in the gaming industry, they’re not the ultimate barometer of success. Success is deeply personal, multifaceted, and often invisible to those who aren’t looking closely.

For a developer, success might mean creating something they’re proud of. For a player, it might mean finding a game that feels like it was made just for them. Neither of those things requires an award to be valid.

In the end, awards are like sprinkles on a cake: nice to have, but not the whole dessert.