The Most Shocking Upsets in Game Awards History

18 September 2025

If there’s anything gamers have learned over the years, it’s to always expect the unexpected—especially when it comes to award shows. You’re watching the Game Awards, a bowl of popcorn in one hand, a drink in the other, confidently betting on the big hitters to sweep the stage. Then bam!—a curveball out of nowhere leaves you picking your jaw off the floor.

The gaming world is no stranger to surprises, but when a beloved title gets snubbed, or an underdog claims victory, it sends shockwaves through the community. It’s like watching your favorite speedrunner miss a critical jump—they were so close! Over the years, we’ve seen some truly head-scratching moments at the Game Awards, ones that left fans cheering, raging, or just plain confused. So, let’s dive into the biggest upsets, the ones we’re still talking about.

What Makes an Upset So Memorable?

Before we jump into the good stuff, let’s talk about why upsets hit us so hard. Think about it—gamers are passionate. We spend hours diving into storylines, grinding for achievements, and exploring every pixel of a virtual world. So, when a game we love seems like a shoo-in for an award, we’re emotionally invested.

An upset is like watching a side character steal the spotlight. You didn’t see it coming, but it happens anyway, and the gaming community is left scrambling to process it. Whether it’s about a lesser-known title overshadowing AAA giants or an unexpected choice taking home Game of the Year (GOTY), these moments stir up debates, memes, and heated Twitter threads. Upsets can be frustrating, but honestly, they make award shows worth watching.

The Biggest Game Awards Upsets

Here’s a nostalgic trip through some of the most shocking moments in Game Awards history. Trust me, some of these still sting a bit.

1. “Dragon Age: Inquisition” Wins GOTY in 2014

Let’s not beat around the bush—2014 was a weird year for gaming. A bunch of major titles either got delayed or came out with... let’s just call them “technical issues.” Looking at you, “Assassin’s Creed: Unity.”

Enter “Dragon Age: Inquisition,” a solid RPG, sure, but not one most fans were betting on for the coveted GOTY title. Many believed “Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor” or “Bayonetta 2” had a better shot. When "Inquisition" snagged the top prize, it sparked debates on whether it truly deserved the win or if it just happened to shine in an otherwise bumpy year.

Was it a good game? Absolutely. Was it the best game? Well, that’s still up for discussion.

2. “Overwatch” Takes Down “Uncharted 4” in 2016

Okay, this one still feels like a fever dream. Let’s set the stage: “Uncharted 4: A Thief's End” was one of the most beloved games at the time. It had gorgeous visuals, a gripping story, and Nathan Drake riding off into the sunset. Fans were convinced it had GOTY in the bag.

Then along came “Overwatch,” a multiplayer-first game that focused on teamwork and colorful characters. Don’t get me wrong—“Overwatch” was a phenomenon. Blizzard crafted an experience that brought players together (and tore friendships apart in competitive mode). But awarding GOTY to a game without a traditional single-player campaign? That was unheard of. People were shook.

This upset was like seeing a dark horse win at Mario Kart because everyone else got hit with blue shells.

3. “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice” Snags GOTY in 2019

2019 was stacked with incredible games. “Death Stranding,” Kojima’s ambitious and polarizing project, had people convinced it would sweep the show. Meanwhile, fans of “Control” and “Resident Evil 2” were quietly crossing their fingers.

In comes “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice,” a brutally hard but incredibly rewarding game from FromSoftware. While Sekiro had its fans (and masochists), few expected it would topple the bigger names. For a game that embraces punishing difficulty and makes you fight tooth and nail for every victory, this win was oddly poetic.

Still, it left fans divided. Some celebrated the recognition of a more niche title, while others felt other contenders were robbed. The debate lingers, kind of like the trauma from your first encounter with a Sekiro boss.

4. “It Takes Two” Surprises the World in 2021

Here’s a modern example that shocked just about everyone. 2021’s GOTY contenders included juggernauts like “Resident Evil Village” and “Metroid Dread.” Most people had their bets placed on one of these heavyweights.

But nope! The award went to “It Takes Two,” a charming co-op adventure that focuses on themes of love, partnership, and teamwork. Don’t get me wrong, this game is an absolute joy to play (especially with a buddy or partner), but nobody saw this coming. In a year filled with big-budget spectacles, it was refreshing to see a slightly quirky, heartfelt indie-inspired title take the crown.

It was like seeing the underdog win in a boxing match—unexpected and oddly satisfying.

5. “The Last of Us Part II” Sweeps 2020 Amid Controversy

Ah, 2020. A year that didn’t just shake the world but also shook the gaming community. When “The Last of Us Part II” was announced as GOTY, the internet basically broke. Why? Well, divisive doesn’t even begin to describe this game.

While critics praised its bold storytelling and incredible production value, many fans were left frustrated by the narrative choices (cough Joel cough). Yet, it went on to win not just GOTY but a laundry list of other awards that night. Watching TLOU2 sweep the stage felt like either justice or highway robbery, depending on who you ask. Either way, it was a moment no one could ignore.

Why These Upsets Stick with Us

So, why do these moments stay with us? It’s simple: gaming is personal. Remember the first time you played a title that completely blew your mind? That emotional connection makes us root for certain games like they’re our favorite sports teams.

When the underdog triumphs or an unexpected choice takes the prize, it reminds us that gaming is full of surprises. Sure, it can be infuriating when your favorite doesn’t win, but these moments also spark conversations, force us to think critically about what makes a game “the best,” and sometimes even introduce us to gems we might’ve overlooked.

What Does the Future Hold?

If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s to never assume anything when it comes to the Game Awards. With more indie titles getting recognition and an ever-expanding pool of genres, the competition is fiercer than ever. Who knows? Maybe next year we’ll see a VR farming simulator take GOTY. (Okay, probably not—but wouldn’t it be wild?)

The point is, gaming is constantly evolving. Every upset teaches us something new about the industry and its audience. And honestly? That’s kind of beautiful.

Wrapping It Up

At the end of the day, the Game Awards are a celebration of the creativity, hard work, and innovation that goes into making games. While upsets can be frustrating, they’re also a reminder that the gaming industry is anything but predictable. So, the next time your favorite doesn’t win, take a deep breath, fire up that game, and remind yourself why you fell in love with it in the first place.

After all, in the world of gaming, the real winners are the players.