Rediscovering Past Game Award Winners You May Have Missed

30 April 2025

Hey there, fellow gamer! Have you ever been so caught up in the constant deluge of shiny new games dropping every year that you’ve forgotten to look back at the treasures of the past? I get it—FOMO is real in the gaming world. We’re always chasing the next big thing, the titles everyone’s hyped about. But trust me, sometimes taking a step back and diving into past Game Award winners can be a goldmine of experiences you may have missed the first time around.

So, dust off your controllers and boot up your backlog because we’re about to revisit some gems that deserve your attention. Whether you were too busy grinding in your favorite multiplayer game or just didn’t have the cash at the time, these past winners are worth every second of your time today!

Why Past Game Award Winners Deserve Your Love

Let’s be honest for a second: gaming is an expensive hobby. Not everyone gets to play every major release when it’s hot off the press. Games come and go, and only a handful stay in the collective spotlight for long. Yet, just because a game isn’t trending anymore doesn’t mean it’s lost its charm or relevance.

Think of award-winning games as the Oscar winners of the gaming world. These aren’t just average titles—they’re masterpieces. They're the games that not only stood out in their release year but also helped push the industry forward. Ignoring them would be like skipping a classic film just because it’s not in theaters anymore.

So, let’s journey through some of these award-winning titles. Trust me, they’re just as good—if not better—than they were the day they took home that coveted trophy.

The Timeless Allure of 2015’s "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt"

Let’s kick this off with a bang. If you’ve never played The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, I’ve gotta ask: Have you been living under a rock? This game swept the 2015 Game Awards, taking home Game of the Year and a ton of other accolades. It wasn’t just a win for CD Projekt Red; it was a win for players everywhere.

Sure, you’ve probably heard of Geralt of Rivia, but what makes this game so special? It’s not just the engrossing story or the stunning open-world environments. It’s the way every choice, every small decision, feels weighty and impactful.

This game isn’t just a sword-swinging RPG. It’s a sprawling, emotionally driven narrative that’ll have you questioning your moral compass. Even in 2023, it holds up (and thanks to a next-gen update, it looks better than ever). So, if you’re late to this party, don’t worry—Geralt’s still waiting for you at the tavern.

2017's Indie Darling: "Celeste"

Here’s the thing: not all Game Award winners are AAA blockbusters. Sometimes, it’s the little guys who steal the show. Celeste, which won Best Independent Game in 2017, is an emotional journey disguised as a platformer.

On the surface, it’s about climbing a mountain. But dig deeper, and you’ll find that this game is a metaphor for overcoming personal struggles, mental health challenges, and self-doubt. Sure, the pixel art looks simple, but don’t let that fool you. Celeste delivers some of the tightest platforming mechanics you’ll ever experience, paired with a jaw-dropping soundtrack that’ll stick with you long after the credits roll.

And hey, if you love a challenge, this one’s got you covered—it’s tough as nails without ever feeling unfair. Let’s just say, when you finally reach the summit of Celeste Mountain, you’ll feel like a legend.

2018’s Emotional Powerhouse: "God of War"

Fast forward to 2018, and Sony Santa Monica gave us a reimagined God of War that was nothing short of breathtaking. If the old-school Kratos was all rage and chaos, 2018’s Kratos is…well, still rage-y but also a dad now. Who knew fatherhood could add so much depth to a character?

This soft reboot didn’t just win Game of the Year for its jaw-dropping visuals and brutal combat. It was the story—the bond between Kratos and Atreus—that left players in awe. It was a father-son road trip, but instead of snacks and singalongs, you got emotional gut punches, Norse mythology, and axe-throwing combat so satisfying you’ll never want to put it down.

If you missed out on this one, now’s the perfect time to pick it up. Between its sequel (Ragnarök) and its legacy, it’s clear this game belongs on every gamer’s bucket list.

Don’t Sleep on 2019’s "Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice"

Let’s talk about a game that kicked everyone’s butt in 2019. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice by FromSoftware isn’t for the faint of heart. It took home the Game of the Year for good reason—it’s a masterpiece of design, difficulty, and storytelling.

Unlike the Souls games or Bloodborne, Sekiro introduces a unique posture-based combat system that rewards precision and timing. It’s punishing, sure, but it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have.

And the world? Oh, man. Feudal Japan has never looked so beautiful (or dangerous). If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a shinobi in a samurai movie, this is the game for you. Just be prepared to die—a lot. But hey, who doesn’t like a good challenge?

2020’s Cozy Adventure: "Animal Crossing: New Horizons"

Okay, let’s take it down a notch. Not every award-winning game has to be an adrenaline rush. Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which won Best Family Game in 2020, was the video game equivalent of a warm hug during a tough time.

Released right as the world was turning upside down, New Horizons gave players an escape to their very own tropical island. From fishing and bug-catching to designing your home, it let you chill out and relax like no other game.

But the beauty of Animal Crossing wasn’t just in what the game offered—it was in the connections it fostered. Whether you were visiting friends’ islands or trading turnips in the infamous "stalk market," it brought people together in a way few games ever have.

Even if you missed it when the hype was at its peak, it’s never too late to start your island adventure. Trust me, Tom Nook will still be there, ready to collect your bells.

Why Revisit These Gems Now?

If you’re questioning whether it’s worth circling back to these Game Award winners, let me ask you this: When was the last time you played a game that moved you? Not just something fun or exciting, but something that truly stuck with you?

That’s exactly what these past winners have in common—they’ve all left a mark. Whether it’s through unforgettable characters, groundbreaking gameplay, or emotional storytelling, they remind us why we fell in love with gaming in the first place.

Plus, let’s be real. With the gaming industry pumping out new releases nonstop, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Taking a break to revisit the "classics" can be like rereading your favorite book—it feels familiar, comforting, and just as impactful as the first time.

Final Thoughts: The Past Is Gold

Here’s the thing: just because a game isn’t in the spotlight anymore doesn’t mean it’s not worth playing. If anything, diving back into award-winning titles you may have missed can feel like unearthing buried treasure. These games won for a reason—they’re brilliant, timeless, and deserving of your time.

So, whether you’re looking for emotional storytelling (The Witcher 3), brutal challenges (Sekiro), or something cozy and heartwarming (Animal Crossing), the past has got you covered. Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to take a step back.