10 Unforgettable Games That Surprisingly Lost the Game of the Year Award

Despite the annual selection of one video game as the best of the year, 10 unforgettable games that surprisingly lost the Game of the Year award remain alive in gamers' memories, and their merits continue to be debated. As the calendar nears its end each year, critical circles and the wider gaming community...

0 Posted by: Ali Shams on October 21, 2015 at 20:31

Despite the annual selection of one work as the best video game, 10 unforgettable games that incredulously missed out on the Game of the Year award are still alive in the minds of gamers and their merits are debated.

Every year, as the end of the calendar approaches, review circles and of course the greater video game community experience a certain excitement to choose the best title of the year. Events like The Game Awards, with big announcements and spectacular performances, become the focus of this selection. But do the best always win? This article goes to the 10 masterpieces of the gaming world that, despite their exceptional quality, could not win the title of the best game of the year.

Bloodborne, one of FromSoftware's masterpieces, never won the Game of the Year award and lost to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Set in a dark, gothic city with terrifying Lovecraftian creatures, the game offers a challenging yet rewarding Souls-like experience. Bloodborne is one of the memorable titles with its engaging gameplay, stunning visual design and unique atmosphere.

Celeste is an outstanding indie game that, despite being praised by critics and gamers, failed to win the Game of the Year award. This title tells the story of a character who decides to climb Mount Celeste to overcome personal challenges. Celeste is recognized as one of the best indie games for its smooth and precise platforming gameplay, polished controls, and deep narrative with palpable human themes.

During the pandemic, Ghost of Tsushima was one of the games that received a lot of attention and deserved to receive the best game of the year award. This title tells the story of a lone samurai during the Mongol attack on Japan, who must abandon his honorable principles to save his land. Ghost of Tsushima's combat system was unparalleled, with satisfying, fast-paced, and impactful swordplay, and many fans consider it the best game of the year.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (2018)

Super Smash Bros. Nintendo's Ultimate, despite being nominated for the best game of the year award, did not win this award; A rare occurrence for a fighting game. With a huge roster of characters and diverse stages from the Nintendo universe, this title offers the best possible fighting experience. The chaotic but balanced gameplay, along with the unique moves of each character, make it an endlessly entertaining work.

2023 was one of the most fruitful years for the game industry, and Alan Wake 2 was one of the titles that deserved the award for the best game of the year. In this game, a writer (Alan Wick) tries to escape from an alternate dimension and its horrors, while an FBI agent investigates a murder that repeats his novels. Alan Wake 2 offers a surreal experience, with a haunting yet captivating atmosphere and a unique narrative that no other game can replicate.

Hades is another acclaimed indie game that came close to winning Game of the Year but didn't win it. This roguelike game tells the story of Zagreus, the son of Hades, who goes to Mount Olympus to save his mother. With a great blend of gameplay and storytelling that even makes the repetitiveness of the roguelike genre a part of the story, Hades is an enduring standalone masterpiece.

2017 was a big year for Nintendo; Although The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild won Game of the Year, Super Mario Odyssey also deserved the honor. In this game, with his new helmet that allows him to take control of enemies, Mario embarks on a fascinating journey to save Princess Peach from Bowser's clutches. With perfect controls and skillful platforming, this title is a full-fledged masterpiece in this genre.

God of War Ragnarök, the sequel to the acclaimed title God of Far, missed out on the Game of the Year award, despite its excellent quality, in competition with Elden Ring. In this game, Kratos and Atreus are involved in the cataclysmic event of Ragnarok and must fight against gods like Thor and Odin. With epic battles, cinematic visuals and a powerful narrative, this title continues the legacy of the previous version in a satisfying way.

God of War 6 is officially confirmed; Kratos returns for a new adventure

The best noir video games of all time; From crime masterpieces to dark adventures

The new trailer of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 was released; An epic ending is coming

The best games in the history of PlayStation 4 that every gamer should experience

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (2023)

If it weren't for Baldur's Gate 3, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom would probably win Game of the Year. In this game, Link and Zelda accidentally awaken Ganondorf and Link must try to save Zelda and the world. Despite reusing the world of Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom expanded it with new details, better bosses, a more advanced story, and innovative engineering mechanics, giving players unprecedented freedom of action.

Red Dead Redemption 2 may be the best game to never win Game of the Year, as God of War won the title the year it was released. This rockstar masterpiece tells the story of Arthur Morgan, a dying cowboy from the Wild West who embarks on a journey of redemption after being diagnosed with tuberculosis. Red Dead Redemption 2 has left an unforgettable legacy with its unique world-building, unique design and immersive atmosphere.