The Changing Face of the “Best Game” Category at Major Awards

30 July 2025

Gaming has come a long, long way. We’ve gone from pixelated arcades and side-scrollers to near cinematic, emotionally-charged experiences that rival Hollywood blockbusters. But as technology and tastes evolve, so does the way we celebrate games. One glaring example? The shifting landscape of the coveted “Best Game” category at major awards shows. Yeah, you know the ones—The Game Awards, BAFTA Games Awards, D.I.C.E. Awards, and even newer platforms like the Golden Joystick Awards.

In the past, “Best Game” almost always meant the one with the best graphics, highest sales, or biggest open world. But today? It’s a whole different ball game. Let’s chat about how this category has transformed over the years, what’s influencing the shift, and what it all means for the future of video games as a recognized art form.

A Quick Flashback: What Used to Win?

Let’s roll the clock back to the early 2000s. The big winners of the time were often franchise juggernauts: games like Halo, Call of Duty, or The Legend of Zelda. These titles were beloved and impressive—no doubt about it. But they usually won because they were massive, flashy, and technically groundbreaking.

The criteria were pretty straightforward:

- Stunning visuals
- AAA production value
- High replayability
- Strong sales figures

You weren’t likely to see an indie pixel-art game competing for the top spot, let alone winning it.

Then Came the Underdogs: Indies and Innovation

Boom! Around the 2010s, things started getting interesting. With the rise of digital distribution through platforms like Steam, PSN, and Xbox Live Arcade, indie developers began making waves. Suddenly, smaller teams with limited budgets were creating experiences that were emotionally gripping, unique in gameplay, and utterly unforgettable. Think Journey, Celeste, Hades, and Undertale.

Take Disco Elysium for example—this text-heavy RPG swept the 2019 awards season, bagging “Best Narrative” and even “Best Game” in several circles.

So what changed?

Emotional Storytelling Took Center Stage

Players began craving stories that felt personal. Games like The Last of Us didn’t just show us post-apocalyptic survival—they made us feel it. You weren’t just playing for fun; you were emotionally invested.

Suddenly, “Best Game” wasn’t just about technical polish. It was about impact. Did it make you think? Did it hit you in the feels? Did it stay with you long after the credits rolled?

The Rise of Artistry Over Sheer Power

Today, there's a clear shift in how games are judged. We’re valuing the artistic merit just as much as the fun factor. Games like It Takes Two, which won Game of the Year at The Game Awards in 2021, are great examples. It’s a co-op-only experience, built around creativity, communication, and quirky storytelling.

And that’s just one example. Recent winners like Elden Ring and Tears of the Kingdom still pack the technical punch, but they win because they balance world-building, gameplay innovation, and emotional resonance. It’s not just about being big and beautiful—it’s about leaving a mark.

Diversity and Representation: A New Measuring Stick

Here’s something else worth noting: players are demanding more diversity in their games—and rightly so. Voices that were once sidelined are now stepping into the spotlight. We’re seeing protagonists from underrepresented backgrounds, stories that tackle serious topics like mental health, and narratives shaped by real-world issues.

Games like Life is Strange, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, and Spiritfarer have shown how games can dig deep emotionally and culturally. These aren’t your typical “Best Game” winners from the early 2000s, but they’ve changed the game—literally.

And major awards bodies are listening.

BAFTA, for example, now explicitly highlights games with powerful narratives and strong character development. It’s no longer just about killing dragons or shooting aliens (though we still love that too). It’s about what your game says and how it says it.

Influence of the Gaming Community

Let’s be honest: awards aren’t just about critics anymore. Gamers have a megaphone now, and social media amplifies every opinion and hot take. A game that resonates with the community has a real shot, even if it wasn't backed by massive marketing campaigns.

Just look at the massive support indie games get on Reddit, YouTube, and Twitch. Streamers and influencers can turn a quiet release into a viral sensation overnight. And guess what? Awards panels are paying attention. After all, they don’t want to seem out of touch.

Here’s a fun fact: Among Us won Best Multiplayer Game at The Game Awards 2020—two years after it originally launched—simply because the gaming community gave it a second life.

What “Best Game” Really Means Now

So, what’s the modern formula for winning “Best Game”? It’s complicated—but in a good way. Here's what seems to be the new winning combo:

- Narrative depth: The story has to matter emotionally.
- Gameplay innovation: It should bring something fresh to the table.
- Art direction & design: Looks aren't everything, but style counts.
- Cultural impact: It should spark conversations, memes, or even debates.
- Community resonance: Fans need to feel connected and represented.

In short? A great game today is one that blends art and play in a meaningful way.

Who’s Setting the Standard?

Let’s break down how some of the top awards bodies are judging things now:

🏆 The Game Awards

Founded by Geoff Keighley in 2014, this show blends Oscars-style glam with Twitch-age hype. Their “Game of the Year” is picked by a mixed panel of critics and fan votes, which balances professional critique with community excitement.

Recent winners:
- Elden Ring (2022)
- It Takes Two (2021)
- The Last of Us Part II (2020)

🎭 BAFTA Games Awards

This UK-based awards show values narrative, performance, and innovation. Their picks are often more “artsy” and sometimes differ from mainstream popular opinion.

Recent winners:
- Returnal (2022)
- Hades (2021)
- Outer Wilds (2020)

🎮 Golden Joystick Awards

These are more community-driven and have a strong focus on the fan experience. They often reflect gamer sentiment more than critical evaluation.

Recent winners:
- Resident Evil Village
- Elden Ring
- Baldur’s Gate 3

You’ll notice some overlap, sure, but each has its own flavor.

The Impact on Game Development

These changing standards aren’t just academic—they're influencing how games are actually made. Studios know that to win big, they need more than flashy visuals. They need substance.

We’re starting to see:

- More games with moral complexity and tough choices
- Titles built around collaboration and empathy (think co-op or narrative-driven indie games)
- A focus on accessibility and inclusion
- Varied art styles and unconventional storytelling methods

Developers are taking bigger creative risks—and award recognition is making it worth it.

The Future of the “Best Game” Category

So, where are we headed? Here are a few educated guesses:

- 🎨 More artistic experimentation: Expect to see watercolor graphics, text-based narratives, and hybrid genres.
- 📚 Games as social commentary: Don’t be surprised if awards go to titles addressing real-world problems.
- 🤖 AI in game design: Not just in gameplay, but story generation and character interaction.
- 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Community-built games: Will we ever see a modded fan project grab Game of the Year? Never say never.

The definition of “Best Game” is evolving, and honestly, it’s about time. The more variety and depth we see in our winners, the richer the gaming world becomes.

Final Thoughts

The “Best Game” category isn’t what it used to be—and thank goodness for that. We’ve moved on from just judging games based on size and spectacle. Now, it’s about heart, connection, creativity, and cultural relevance.

This shift doesn’t mean triple-A games are out of the running. Far from it. But it does mean they have to bring more than just budget—they have to bring soul.

As players, that gives us more to love, more to think about, and more reasons to keep playing (and debating what truly makes a game “the best”).