List of Game of the Year awards


Game of the Year is an award given by various award events and media publications to a video game that they feel represented the pinnacle of gaming that year.

Award events and ceremonies

British Academy Games Awards (formerly BAFTA Interactive Entertainment Awards)

The British Academy Games Awards are an annual British awards ceremony honoring "outstanding creative achievement" in the video game industry. First presented in 2004 following the restructuring of the BAFTA Interactive Entertainment Awards, the awards are presented by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, and are thus commonly referred to as the BAFTA Games Awards.
YearGameGenrePlatformDeveloper
1998GoldenEye 007First-person shooterNintendo 64Rare
1999'Action-adventureNintendo 64Nintendo EAD
2000Console: 2Action-adventurePlayStationSCE Cambridge Studio
2000Handheld: Pokémon YellowRole-playingGame BoyGame Freak
2000PC: Deus ExAction role-playingMicrosoft Windows, Mac OSIon Storm
2001Console: 'RacingPlayStation 2Polyphony Digital
2001Handheld: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2SportsGame Boy AdvanceVicarious Visions
2001PC: Max PayneThird-person shooterMicrosoft WindowsRemedy Entertainment
2002Console: 'First-person shooterXboxBungie
2002Handheld: SMS ChessPurple Software
2002PC: Neverwinter NightsRole-playingMicrosoft WindowsBioWare
2003Call of DutyFirst-person shooterMicrosoft WindowsInfinity Ward
2004Half-Life 2First-person shooterMicrosoft WindowsValve
2006Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced WarfighterTactical shooterMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Xbox 360Ubisoft Paris
2007BioShockFirst-person shooterMicrosoft Windows, Xbox 360Irrational Games
2008Super Mario GalaxyPlatformerWiiNintendo EAD
2009'Action-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Rocksteady Studios
2010Mass Effect 2Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3BioWare
2011Portal 2Puzzle-platformerMicrosoft Windows, OS X, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Valve
2012DishonoredAction-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Arkane Studios
2013The Last of UsAction-adventurePlayStation 3Naughty Dog
2014DestinyAction role-playingPlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox OneBungie
2015Fallout 4Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneBethesda Game Studios
2016Action-adventurePlayStation 4Naughty Dog
2017What Remains of Edith FinchAdventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneGiant Sparrow
2018God of WarAction-adventurePlayStation 4SIE Santa Monica Studio
2019Outer WildsAction-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneMobius Digital

Czech Game of the Year Awards

The Czech Game of the Year Awards are annual awards that recognize accomplishments in video game development.
YearGameGenrePlatformDeveloper
2010Mafia IIAction-adventure gameMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 3602K Czech
2011Family FarmStrategy video gameMicrosoft WindowsHammerware
2012Dead TriggerFirst-person shooteriOS, AndroidMadfinger Games
2012BotaniculaAdventureMicrosoft Windows, OS X, iOS, AndroidAmanita Design
2013ArmA IIITactical shooterMicrosoft Windows, OS X, LinuxBohemia Interactive
2013Arcade gameiOSHyperbolic Magnetism
2014Medieval EngineersSandboxMicrosoft Windows, OS XKeen Software House
2014DexAction RPG PlatformerMicrosoft Windows, OS X, Linux, Ouya, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox OneDreadlocks Ltd
2014MonzoSimulation video gameiOS, AndroidMadfinger Games
2014CoraabiaOnline CardBrowserARK8
2015FactorioReal-time strategyMicrosoft Windows, OS X, LinuxWube Software
2015RememoriedArt AdventureMicrosoft Windows, OS X, LinuxVladimír Kudělka
2015Czechoslovakia 1938–89: The AssassinationEducationalMicrosoft WindowsCharles University
2016Samorost 3AdventureMicrosoft Windows, OS X, iOS, AndroidAmanita Design
2017Attentat 1942AdventureMicrosoft Windows, OS XCharles University
2018Beat SaberRhythmMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4Beat Games

D.I.C.E. Awards

The D.I.C.E. Awards are awarded by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, a non-profit organization of industry professionals. The awards were previously known as the Interactive Achievement Awards until 2013.
YearGameGenrePlatformDeveloper
1997GoldenEye 007First-person shooterNintendo 64Rare
1998'Action-adventureNintendo 64Nintendo EAD
1999The SimsLife simulationMicrosoft Windows, Mac OSMaxis
2000Diablo IIAction role-playingMicrosoft Windows, Mac OSBlizzard North
2001'First-person shooterXboxBungie
2002Battlefield 1942First-person shooterMicrosoft WindowsDigital Illusions CE
2003Call of DutyFirst-person shooterMicrosoft WindowsInfinity Ward
2004Half-Life 2First-person shooterMicrosoft WindowsValve
2005God of WarAction-adventurePlayStation 2SCE Santa Monica Studio
2006Gears of WarThird-person shooterXbox 360Epic Games
2007'First-person shooterMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Infinity Ward
2008LittleBigPlanetPuzzle-platformerPlayStation 3Media Molecule
2009'Action-adventurePlayStation 3Naughty Dog
2010Mass Effect 2Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360BioWare
2011'Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Bethesda Game Studios
2012JourneyAdventurePlayStation 3Thatgamecompany
2013The Last of UsAction-adventurePlayStation 3Naughty Dog
2014'Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox OneBioWare
2015Fallout 4Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneBethesda Game Studios
2016OverwatchFirst-person shooterMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneBlizzard Entertainment
2017Action-adventureNintendo Switch, Wii UNintendo EPD
2018God of WarAction-adventurePlayStation 4SIE Santa Monica Studio
2019Untitled Goose GamePuzzle–stealthMicrosoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneHouse House

Electronic Gaming Awards (formerly Arcade Awards)

The Arcade Awards, also known as the Arkie Awards, was one of the first video game awards, dating back to the golden age of arcade video games and lasting up until the video game crash of 1983. It was held since 1980 and were announced annually by Electronic Games magazine since 1981, covering several platform categories. Following the magazine's revival in 1992, it published the Electronic Gaming Awards in January 1993 for the best video games released in 1992. The 1992 and 1993 issues asked their readers to vote for the game of the year.

The Game Awards (formerly Spike Video Game Awards)

The winners of the Spike Video Game Awards, hosted by Spike between 2003 and 2013, awarded the Game of the Year using an advisory council featuring over 20 journalists from media outlets. The show's title was changed to VGX in 2013 before Spike TV dropped the show entirely. It was replaced by The Game Awards in 2014.
YearGameGenrePlatformDeveloper
2003Madden NFL 2004SportsGameCube, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, XboxEA Tiburon
2004'Action-adventurePlayStation 2Rockstar North
2005Resident Evil 4Survival horrorGameCube, PlayStation 2Capcom
2006'Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, Xbox 360Bethesda Game Studios
2007BioShockFirst-person shooterMicrosoft Windows, Xbox 360Irrational Games
2008Grand Theft Auto IVAction-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Rockstar North
2009'Action-adventurePlayStation 3Naughty Dog
2010Red Dead RedemptionAction-adventurePlayStation 3, Xbox 360Rockstar San Diego
2011'Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Bethesda Game Studios
2012The Walking DeadGraphic adventureiOS, Microsoft Windows, OS X, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Telltale Games
2013Grand Theft Auto VAction-adventurePlayStation 3, Xbox 360Rockstar North
2014'Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox OneBioWare
2015'Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneCD Projekt Red
2016OverwatchFirst-person shooterMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneBlizzard Entertainment
2017'Action-adventureNintendo Switch, Wii UNintendo EPD
2018God of WarAction-adventurePlayStation 4SIE Santa Monica Studio
2019'Action-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneFromSoftware

Game Developers Choice Awards

The Game Developers Choice Award for Game of the Year is announced during the Game Developers Choice Awards at the Game Developers Conference, the largest annual gathering of professional video game developers.
YearGameGenrePlatformDeveloper
2000The SimsLife simulationMac OS, Microsoft WindowsMaxis
2001Grand Theft Auto IIIAction-adventurePlayStation 2DMA Design
2002Metroid PrimeAction-adventureGameCubeRetro Studios
2003'Role-playingMicrosoft Windows, XboxBioWare
2004Half-Life 2First-person shooterMicrosoft WindowsValve
2005Shadow of the ColossusAction-adventurePlayStation 2Team Ico
2006Gears of WarThird-person shooterXbox 360Epic Games
2007PortalPuzzle-platformerMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Valve
2008Fallout 3Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Bethesda Game Studios
2009'Action-adventurePlayStation 3Naughty Dog
2010Red Dead RedemptionAction-adventurePlayStation 3, Xbox 360Rockstar San Diego
2011'Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Bethesda Game Studios
2012JourneyAdventurePlayStation 3Thatgamecompany
2013The Last of UsAction-adventurePlayStation 3Naughty Dog
2014'Action-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox OneMonolith Productions
2015'Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneCD Projekt Red
2016OverwatchFirst-person shooterMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneBlizzard Entertainment
2017'Action-adventureNintendo Switch, Wii UNintendo EPD
2018God of WarAction-adventurePlayStation 4SIE Santa Monica Studio

Golden Joystick Awards

The Golden Joystick Awards is the second oldest gaming award ceremony and is the longest-running video game award. The inaugural ceremony took place in 1984 in London's Berkeley Square.
YearGameGenrePlatformDeveloper
1983JetpacShooterCommodore VIC-20, ZX SpectrumUltimate
1984Knight LoreAction-adventureZX SpectrumUltimate
1985Way of the Exploding FistFightingCommodore 64Beam Software
1986GauntletHack & SlashArcadeAtari Games
1987/88Out RunRacingArcade, Sega Master SystemSega AM2
1988/898-Bit: Operation WolfShooting galleryArcade, NESTaito
1988/8916-Bit: SpeedballSportsAmiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, Sega Master SystemBitmap Brothers
1989/908-Bit: The UntouchablesShooterAmiga, Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, ZX SpectrumOcean Software
1989/9016-Bit: Kick OffSportsAmiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, ZX SpectrumDino Dini
1990/918-Bit: Rick Dangerous 2PlatformerAmiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, ZX SpectrumCore Design
1990/9116-Bit: Kick Off 2SportsAmiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, ZX SpectrumDino Dini
1991/92Sonic the HedgehogPlatformerSega Master System, Sega Game GearAncient
1992/93Street Fighter IIFightingAmiga, Arcade, Atari ST, Commodore 64, Sega Genesis, SNESCapcom
1996/97Super Mario 64PlatformerNintendo 64Nintendo EAD
2002Grand Theft Auto IIIAction-adventurePlayStation 2DMA Design
2003'Action-adventurePlayStation 2Rockstar North
2004Doom 3First-person shooterLinux, Microsoft Windowsid Software
2005'Action-adventurePlayStation 2Rockstar North
2006'Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, Xbox 360Bethesda Game Studios
2007Gears of WarThird-person shooterXbox 360Epic Games
2008'First-person shooterMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Infinity Ward
2009Fallout 3Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Bethesda Game Studios
2010Mass Effect 2Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360BioWare
2011Portal 2Puzzle-platformerMicrosoft Windows, OS X, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Valve
2012'Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Bethesda Game Studios
2013Grand Theft Auto VAction-adventurePlayStation 3, Xbox 360Rockstar North
2014Dark Souls IIAction role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360FromSoftware
2015'Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneCD Projekt Red
2016Dark Souls IIIAction role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneFromSoftware
2017Action-adventureNintendo Switch, Wii UNintendo EPD
2018Fortnite Battle RoyaleBattle royaleMicrosoft Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, AndroidEpic Games
2019Resident Evil 2Survival horrorMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneCapcom

Japan Game Awards (formerly CESA Awards)

The winners of the Grand Award annually given by the Japan Game Awards, formerly known as the CESA Awards, since 1996. There are some years where two games shared the Grand Award.
YearGameGenrePlatformDeveloper
1996Sakura WarsTactical role-playingSega SaturnOverworks
1997Final Fantasy VIIRole-playingPlayStationSquare
1998'Action-adventureNintendo 64Nintendo EAD
1999Doko Demo IssyoStrategyPlayStationSony Computer Entertainment
1999Final Fantasy VIIIRole-playingPlayStationSquare
2000Phantasy Star OnlineAction role-playingDreamcastSonic Team
2001/2Final Fantasy XRole-playingPlayStation 2Square
2003Final Fantasy XIMMORPGPlayStation 2, Microsoft WindowsSquare
2003Taiko no TatsujinRhythmPlayStation 2Namco
2004Monster HunterAction role-playingPlayStation 2Capcom
2005Dragon Quest VIIIRole-playingPlayStation 2Level-5
2006Final Fantasy XIIRole-playingPlayStation 2Square Enix
2006'PuzzleNintendo DSNintendo SDD
2007Wii SportsSportsWiiNintendo EAD
2007Monster Hunter Portable 2ndAction role-playingPlayStation PortableCapcom
2008Wii FitFitnessWiiNintendo EAD
2008Monster Hunter Portable 2nd GAction role-playingPlayStation PortableCapcom
2009'Action-adventurePlayStation 3Kojima Productions
2009Mario Kart WiiRacingWiiNintendo EAD
2010New Super Mario Bros. WiiPlatformerWiiNintendo EAD
2011Monster Hunter Portable 3rdAction role-playingPlayStation PortableCapcom
2012Gravity RushAction-adventurePlayStation VitaProject Siren
2012'FightingPlayStation 3CyberConnect2
2013'Social SimulationNintendo 3DSNintendo EAD
2014Monster Hunter 4Action role-playingNintendo 3DSCapcom
2014Yo-kai WatchRole-playingNintendo 3DSLevel-5
2015Yo-kai Watch 2Role-playingNintendo 3DSLevel-5
2016SplatoonThird-person shooterWii UNintendo EAD
2017'Action-adventureNintendo Switch, Wii UNintendo EPD
2018Action role-playingPlayStation 4, Xbox OneCapcom
2019Super Smash Bros. UltimateFightingNintendo SwitchBandai Namco Studios, Sora Ltd.

NAVGTR Awards

The NAVGTR Awards are handed out by the National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers.
YearGameGenrePlatformDeveloper
2001Grand Theft Auto IIIAction-adventurePlayStation 2DMA Design
2002'Action-adventurePlayStation 2Rockstar North
2003'Action-adventureGame Boy Advance, PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox, Microsoft WindowsUbisoft Montreal
2004Half-Life 2First-person shooterMicrosoft WindowsValve
2005Shadow of the ColossusAction-adventurePlayStation 2Team Ico
2006ŌkamiAction-adventurePlayStation 2 WiiClover Studio
2007BioShockFirst-person shooterMicrosoft Windows, Xbox 360Irrational Games
2008LittleBigPlanetPuzzle-platformerPlayStation 3Media Molecule
2009'Action-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Rocksteady Studios
2010Red Dead RedemptionAction-adventurePlayStation 3, Xbox 360Rockstar San Diego
2011MinecraftSandboxMicrosoft Windows, OS X, Linux, Android, IOSMojang
2012JourneyAdventurePlayStation 3Thatgamecompany
2013The Last of UsAction-adventurePlayStation 3Naughty Dog
2014'Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox OneBioWare
2015'Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneCD Projekt Red
2016OverwatchFirst-person shooterMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneBlizzard Entertainment
2017Super Mario OdysseyPlatformNintendo SwitchNintendo EAD
2018God of WarAction-adventurePlayStation 4SIE Santa Monica Studio
2019'Action-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneFromSoftware

SXSW Gaming Awards

The winners of the SXSW Gaming Awards, started in 2014, are judged by the SXSW Gaming Advisory Board, which is composed of over 40 industry experts that are well-versed in the industry.
YearGameGenrePlatformDeveloper
2013The Last of UsAction-adventurePlayStation 3Naughty Dog
2014'Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox OneBioWare
2015'Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneCD Projekt Red
2016'Action-adventurePlayStation 4Naughty Dog
2017'Action-adventureNintendo Switch, Wii UNintendo EPD
2018God of WarAction-adventurePlayStation 4SIE Santa Monica Studio

VSDA Awards

The Video Software Dealers Association's VSDA Awards for home entertainment handed out awards for the best video games of the year until 2001.
YearGameGenrePlatformDeveloper
1983Pac-ManMazeArcade, Atari 2600Namco
1994NBA JamSportsArcade, Game Gear, Sega Genesis, SNES, Game Boy, Sega CDMidway Games
1995Donkey Kong CountryPlatformerSNESRare
1996'PlatformerSNESRare
1998GoldenEye 007First-person shooterNintendo 64Rare
1999'Action-adventureNintendo 64Nintendo EAD
2000Pokémon StadiumStrategyNintendo 64Nintendo EAD
2001Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2SportsPlayStation, Microsoft Windows, Game Boy Color, DreamcastNeversoft

Publications and media

''Ars Technica''

Starting in 2012, the editors of Ars Technica have published their top 20 games for each year.
YearGameGenreDeveloper
2012DishonoredAction-adventureArkane Studios
2013Papers, PleasePuzzle3909 LLC
2014Action role-playingBioWare
2015Rocket LeagueSportsPsyonix
2016OverwatchFirst-person shooterBlizzard Entertainment
2017Super Mario OdysseyPlatformerNintendo EPD
2018CelestePlatformerMatt Makes Games
2019ControlAction-adventureRemedy Entertainment

''Destructoid''

''Easy Allies'' (formerly GameTrailers)

The winners of the Easy Allies Game of the Year are chosen by its staff.
YearGameGenrePlatformDeveloper
2005Resident Evil 4Survival horrorGameCube, PlayStation 2Capcom
2006'Action-adventureGameCube, WiiNintendo EAD
2007Super Mario GalaxyPlatformerWiiNintendo EAD
2008Grand Theft Auto IVAction-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Rockstar North
2009'First-person shooterMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Infinity Ward
2010Mass Effect 2Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360BioWare
2011'Action-adventurePlayStation 3Naughty Dog
2012'Turn-based tacticsMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Firaxis Games
2013The Last of UsAction-adventurePlayStation 3Naughty Dog
2014'Collectible cardAndroid, iOS, Microsoft Windows, OS XBlizzard Entertainment
2015BloodborneAction role-playingPlayStation 4FromSoftware
2016The Last GuardianAction-adventurePlayStation 4SIE Japan Studio
2017'Action-adventureNintendo Switch, Wii UNintendo EPD
2018God of WarAction-adventurePlayStation 4SIE Santa Monica Studio
2019Action-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneFromSoftware

''Edge''

The winners of the Edge Game of the Year are chosen by its editors.
YearGameGenrePlatformDeveloper
1998'Action-adventureNintendo 64Nintendo EAD
2002Metroid PrimeAction-adventureGameCubeRetro Studios
2004Half-Life 2First-person shooterMicrosoft WindowsValve
2005Resident Evil 4Survival horrorGameCube, PlayStation 2Capcom
2006Final Fantasy XIIRole-playingPlayStation 2Square Enix
2007Super Mario GalaxyPlatformerWiiNintendo EAD
2008Grand Theft Auto IVAction-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Rockstar North
2009BorderlandsAction role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Gearbox Software
2010Super Mario Galaxy 2PlatformerWiiNintendo EAD
2011'Action-adventureWiiNintendo EAD
2012DishonoredAction-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Arkane Studios
2013Grand Theft Auto VAction-adventurePlayStation 3, Xbox 360Rockstar North
2014Bayonetta 2ActionWii UPlatinumGames
2015BloodborneAction role-playingPlayStation 4FromSoftware
2016The Last GuardianAction-adventurePlayStation 4SIE Japan Studio
2017Action-adventureNintendo Switch, Wii UNintendo EPD
2018Red Dead Redemption 2Action-adventurePlayStation 4, Xbox OneRockstar Studios
2019Outer WildsAction-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneMobius Digital

''Electronic Gaming Monthly''

The winners of the Electronic Gaming Monthly Game of the Year are chosen by its editors.
YearGameGenrePlatformDeveloper
1988Double DragonBeat 'em upArcade, NES, SMSTechnōs Japan
1989Ghouls 'n GhostsPlatformArcade, Sega GenesisCapcom
1990StriderPlatformArcade, Sega GenesisCapcom
1991Sonic the HedgehogPlatformerSega GenesisSonic Team
1992'FightingArcade, SNESCapcom
1993Samurai ShodownFightingArcade, Neo-GeoSNK
1994Donkey Kong CountryPlatformerSNESRare
1995Twisted MetalVehicular combatPlayStationSingleTrac
1996Super Mario 64PlatformerNintendo 64Nintendo EAD
1997GoldenEye 007First-person shooterNintendo 64Rare
1998'Action-adventureNintendo 64Nintendo EAD
1999Soul CaliburFightingSega DreamcastNamco
2000Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2SportsPlayStation, Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color, DreamcastNeversoft
2001'First-person shooterXboxBungie
2002Metroid PrimeAction-adventureGameCubeRetro Studios
2003'Action-adventureGame Boy Advance, PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox, Microsoft WindowsUbisoft Montreal
2004Halo 2First-person shooterXboxBungie
2005Resident Evil 4Survival horrorGameCube, PlayStation 2Capcom
2006'Action-adventureGameCube, WiiNintendo EAD
2007BioShockFirst-person shooterMicrosoft Windows, Xbox 360Irrational Games
2008Grand Theft Auto IVAction-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Rockstar North
2009'Action-adventurePlayStation 3Naughty Dog
2010Red Dead RedemptionAction-adventurePlayStation 3, Xbox 360Rockstar San Diego
2011'Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Bethesda Game Studios
2012Far Cry 3First-person shooterMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Ubisoft Montreal
2013BioShock InfiniteFirst-person shooterMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Irrational Games
2014'Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox OneBioWare
2015'Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneCD Projekt Red
2016OverwatchFirst-person shooterMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneBlizzard Entertainment
2017'Action-adventureNintendo Switch, Wii UNintendo EPD
2018Red Dead Redemption 2Action-adventurePlayStation 4, Xbox OneRockstar Studios
2019ControlAction-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneRemedy Entertainment

''Empire''

The winners of the Empire Game of the Year are chosen by its editors.
YearGameGenrePlatformDeveloper
2014Dark Souls IIAction role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360FromSoftware
2015BloodborneAction role-playingPlayStation 4FromSoftware
2016Action-adventurePlayStation 4Naughty Dog
2017Super Mario OdysseyPlatformNintendo SwitchNintendo EAD
2018God of WarAction-adventurePlayStation 4SIE Santa Monica Studio
2019Resident Evil 2Action-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneCapcom

''Entertainment Weekly''

The winners of the Entertainment Weekly Game of the Year are chosen by its editors.
YearGameGenrePlatformDeveloper
2007BioShockFirst-person shooterMicrosoft Windows, Xbox 360Irrational Games
2008Wii FitFitness gameWiiNintendo EAD
2010Red Dead RedemptionAction-adventurePlayStation 3, Xbox 360Rockstar San Diego
2012JourneyAdventurePlayStation 3Thatgamecompany
2013BioShock InfiniteFirst-person shooterMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Irrational Games
2015'Action-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox OneKojima Productions
2016InsidePuzzle-platformerMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OnePlaydead
2017'Action-adventureNintendo Switch, Wii UNintendo EPD
2018God of WarAction-adventurePlayStation 4SIE Santa Monica Studio

''Eurogamer''

The winners of the Eurogamer Game of the Year are chosen by its editors.
YearGameGenrePlatformDeveloper
1999Unreal TournamentFirst-person shooterMicrosoft WindowsEpic Games
2000Deus ExAction role-playingMicrosoft Windows, Mac OSIon Storm
2001Grand Theft Auto IIIAction-adventurePlayStation 2DMA Design
2002IcoAction-adventurePlayStation 2Team Ico
2003'Action-adventurePlayStation 2Rockstar North
2004Half-Life 2First-person shooterMicrosoft WindowsValve
2005PsychonautsPlatformerMicrosoft Windows, Xbox, PlayStation 2Double Fine Productions
2006Guitar HeroRhythmPlayStation 2Harmonix
2007PortalPuzzle-platformerMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Valve
2008LittleBigPlanetPuzzle-platformerPlayStation 3Media Molecule
2009'Action-adventurePlayStation 3Naughty Dog
2010Mass Effect 2Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360BioWare
2011Portal 2Puzzle-platformerMicrosoft Windows, OS X, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Valve
2012FezPuzzle-platformerXbox 360Polytron Corporation
2013Super Mario 3D WorldPlatformerWii UNintendo EAD
2014Mario Kart 8RacingWii UNintendo EAD
2015BloodborneAction role-playingPlayStation 4FromSoftware
2016OverwatchFirst-person shooterMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneBlizzard Entertainment
2017Action-adventureNintendo Switch, Wii UNintendo EPD
2018Tetris EffectPuzzlePlayStation 4, PlayStation VRMonstars Inc. and Resonair
2019Outer WildsAction-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneMobius Digital

''Famitsu''

The Grand Prize winners of the annual Famitsu Awards, voted by the magazine's readers. An annual award ceremony is held.
YearGameGenrePlatformDeveloper
1990'Role-playingFamicomChunsoft
2004Monster HunterAction role-playingPlayStation 2Capcom
2005Resident Evil 4Survival horrorGameCube, PlayStation 2Capcom
2005Kingdom Hearts IIAction role-playingPlayStation 2Square Enix
2006Final Fantasy XIIRole-playingPlayStation 2Square Enix
2006Pokémon Diamond and PearlRole-playingNintendo DSGame Freak
2007Super Mario GalaxyPlatformerWiiNintendo EAD
2007Monster Hunter Portable 2ndAction role-playingPlayStation PortableCapcom
2008Monster Hunter Portable 2nd GAction role-playingPlayStation PortableCapcom
2009'Role-playingNintendo DSLevel-5
2010Monster Hunter Portable 3rdAction role-playingPlayStation PortableCapcom
2011Monster Hunter Tri GAction role-playingNintendo 3DSCapcom Production Studio 1
2012'Life simulationNintendo 3DSNintendo EAD
2013Monster Hunter 4Action role-playingNintendo 3DSCapcom
2014Yo-kai Watch 2: "Pioneer & Originator" and "Star Performer"Role-playingNintendo 3DSLevel-5
2015SplatoonThird-person shooterWii UNintendo EAD
2016Pokémon Sun and MoonRole-playingNintendo 3DSGame Freak
2017'Action-adventureWii U / SwitchNintendo EPD
2017'Role-playing3DS / PS4Square Enix
2018'Action role-playingPS4 / Xbox One / PCCapcom
2018Super Smash Bros. UltimateFightingSwitchBandai Namco Studios / Sora Ltd.

''Game Informer''

The winners of the Game Informer Game of the Year are chosen by its editors. During their earlier years of publication they would give awards for the best game on each console available at the time, occasionally giving an award to the overall best game of the year. In 2017, they retroactively awarded a GOTY award for each past year that did not have an overall best game.
YearGameGenrePlatformDeveloper
1992Street Fighter IIFightingSNESCapcom
1993Mortal KombatFightingSNESMidway Games
1994Donkey Kong CountryPlatformerSNESRare
1995'PlatformerSNESRare
1996Super Mario 64PlatformerNintendo 64Nintendo EAD
1997Final Fantasy VIIRole-playingPlayStationSquare
1998'Action-adventureNintendo 64Nintendo EAD
1999Tony Hawk's Pro SkaterSportsPlayStation, Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color, DreamcastNeversoft
2000Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2SportsPlayStation, Microsoft Windows, Game Boy Color, DreamcastNeversoft
2001'Action-adventurePlayStation 2Konami Computer Entertainment Japan
2002'Action-adventurePlayStation 2Rockstar North
2003'Action-adventureGameCubeNintendo EAD
2004Halo 2First-person shooterXbox 360, Microsoft WindowsBungie
2005Resident Evil 4Survival horrorGameCube, PlayStation 2Capcom
2006'Action-adventureGameCube, WiiNintendo EAD
2007BioShockFirst-person shooterMicrosoft Windows, Xbox 360Irrational Games
2008Grand Theft Auto IVAction-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Rockstar North
2009'Action-adventurePlayStation 3Naughty Dog
2010Red Dead RedemptionAction-adventurePlayStation 3, Xbox 360Rockstar San Diego
2011'Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Bethesda Game Studios
2012Mass Effect 3Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360BioWare
2013The Last of UsAction-adventurePlayStation 3Naughty Dog
2014'Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox OneBioWare
2015'Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneCD Projekt Red
2016OverwatchFirst-person shooterMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneBlizzard Entertainment
2017Action-adventureNintendo Switch, Wii UNintendo EPD
2018God of WarAction-adventurePlayStation 4SIE Santa Monica Studio
2019ControlAction-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneRemedy Entertainment

''GameSpot''

The winners of the GameSpot Game of the Year are chosen by its editors. Awards from 1998–2001 were split between console and PC.
YearGameGenrePlatformDeveloper
1996DiabloAction role-playingMicrosoft WindowsBlizzard North
1997Total AnnihilationReal-time strategyMicrosoft Windows, Mac OSCavedog Entertainment
1998Console: 'Action-adventureNintendo 64Nintendo EAD
1998PC: Grim FandangoGraphic adventureMicrosoft WindowsLucasArts
1999Console: SoulcaliburFightingArcade, DreamcastNamco
1999PC: EverQuestMMORPGMicrosoft WindowsSony Online Entertainment
2000Console: Chrono CrossRole-playingPlayStationSquare
2000PC: The SimsLife simulationMicrosoft Windows, Mac OSMaxis
2001Console: Grand Theft Auto IIIAction-adventurePlayStation 2DMA Design
2001PC: 'First-person shooterMicrosoft WindowsCroteam
2002Metroid PrimeAction-adventureGameCubeRetro Studios
2003'Action-adventureGameCubeNintendo EAD
2004World of WarcraftMMORPGMicrosoft Windows, OS XBlizzard Entertainment
2005Resident Evil 4Survival horrorGameCube, PlayStation 2Capcom
2006Gears of WarThird-person shooterXbox 360Epic Games
2007Super Mario GalaxyPlatformerWiiNintendo EAD
2008'Action-adventurePlayStation 3Kojima Productions
2009Demon's SoulsAction role-playingPlayStation 3FromSoftware
2010Red Dead RedemptionAction-adventurePlayStation 3, Xbox 360Rockstar San Diego
2011 Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Bethesda Game Studios
2012 JourneyAdventurePlayStation 3Thatgamecompany
2013 Action-adventureNintendo 3DSNintendo EAD
2014'Action-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox OneMonolith Productions
2015'Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneCD Projekt Red
2016OverwatchFirst-person shooterMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneBlizzard Entertainment
2017'Action-adventureNintendo Switch, Wii UNintendo EPD
2018Red Dead Redemption 2Action-adventurePlayStation 4, Xbox OneRockstar Studios
2019'Action-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneFromSoftware

''GamesRadar+''

holds a Platinum Chalice Awards feature each year, as part of that, the Game of the Year chosen by its editors.
YearGameGenrePlatformDeveloper
2006'Action-adventureGameCube, WiiNintendo EAD
2007The Orange BoxFirst-person shooterMicrosoft Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, OS X, LinuxValve
2008Fallout 3Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Bethesda Game Studios
2009'Action-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Rocksteady Studios
2010Red Dead RedemptionAction-adventurePlayStation 3, Xbox 360Rockstar San Diego
2011Portal 2Puzzle-platformerMicrosoft Windows, OS X, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Valve
2012The Walking DeadGraphic adventureiOS, Microsoft Windows, OS X, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Telltale Games
2013The Last of UsAction-adventurePlayStation 3Naughty Dog
2014DestinyAction role-playingPlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox OneBungie
2015'Action-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox OneKojima Productions
2016Titanfall 2First-person shooterMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneRespawn Entertainment
2017'Action-adventureNintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii UNintendo EPD
2018God of WarAction-adventurePlayStation 4SIE Santa Monica Studio
2019ControlAction-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneRemedy Entertainment

''Giant Bomb''

The winners of the Giant Bomb Game of the Year are chosen by its editors.
YearGameGenrePlatformDeveloper
2008Grand Theft Auto IVAction-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Rockstar North
2009Action-adventurePlayStation 3Naughty Dog
2010Mass Effect 2Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360BioWare
2011 Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Bethesda Game Studios
2012 Turn-based tacticsMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Firaxis Games
2013 The Last of UsAction-adventurePlayStation 3Naughty Dog
2014 Action-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox OneMonolith Productions
2015 Super Mario MakerPlatformerWii UNintendo EAD
2016HitmanStealthMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneIO Interactive
2017PlayerUnknown's BattlegroundsBattle royaleMicrosoft Windows, Xbox OnePUBG Corporation
2018Tetris EffectPuzzlePlayStation 4, PlayStation VRMonstars Inc./Resonai
2019Outer WildsAction-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneMobius Digital

''Hardcore Gamer''

Hardcore Gamer Game of the Year is chosen by its staff.
YearGameGenrePlatformDeveloper
2012Far Cry 3First-person shooterMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Ubisoft
2013The Last of UsAction-adventurePlayStation 3Naughty Dog
2014'Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox OneBioWare
2015Tales from the BorderlandsGraphic adventureAndroid, iOS, Microsoft Windows, OS X, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox OneTelltale Games
2016OwlboyPlatform-adventureMicrosoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneD-Pad Studio
2017'Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OnePlatinumGames
2018God of WarAction-adventurePlayStation 4SIE Santa Monica Studio
2019Resident Evil 2Survival horrorMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneCapcom

''IGN''

's game of the year is chosen by its staff.
YearGameGenrePlatformDeveloper
2001'First-person shooterXboxBungie
2002Battlefield 1942First-person shooterMicrosoft WindowsDigital Illusions CE
2003'Role-playingMicrosoft Windows, XboxBioWare
2004Half-Life 2First-person shooterMicrosoft WindowsValve
2005God of WarAction-adventurePlayStation 2SCE Santa Monica Studio
2006ŌkamiAction-adventurePlayStation 2Clover Studio
2007Super Mario GalaxyPlatformerWiiNintendo EAD
2008Fallout 3Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Bethesda Game Studios
2009'Action-adventurePlayStation 3Naughty Dog
2010Mass Effect 2Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3BioWare
2011Portal 2Puzzle-platformerMicrosoft Windows, OS X, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Valve
2012JourneyAdventurePlayStation 3Thatgamecompany
2013The Last of Us Action-adventurePlayStation 3Naughty Dog
2014'Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox OneBioWare
2015'Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneCD Projekt Red
2016OverwatchFirst-person shooterMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneBlizzard Entertainment
2017'Action-adventureNintendo Switch, Wii UNintendo EPD
2018God of WarAction-adventurePlayStation 4SIE Santa Monica Studio
2019ControlAction-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneRemedy Entertainment

''Polygon''

's Game of the Year is chosen by its staff.
YearGameGenrePlatformDeveloper
2012The Walking DeadGraphic adventureiOS, Microsoft Windows, OS X, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Telltale Games
2013Gone HomeAdventureMicrosoft Windows, OS X, LinuxThe Fullbright Company
2014'Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox OneBioWare
2015Her StoryInteractive movieMicrosoft Windows, OS X, iOSSam Barlow
2016DoomFirst-person shooterMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox Oneid Software
2017'Action-adventureNintendo Switch, Wii UNintendo EPD
2018God of WarAction-adventurePlayStation 4SIE Santa Monica Studio
2019Outer WildsAction-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneMobius Digital

''Time''

The winners of the Time Game of the Year are chosen by its editors.
YearGameGenrePlatformDeveloper
2006Wii SportsSportsWiiNintendo EAD
2007Halo 3First-person shooterXbox 360Bungie
2008Grand Theft Auto IVAction-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Rockstar North
2009'First-person shooterMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Infinity Ward
2010Alan WakeAction-adventureXbox 360Remedy Entertainment
2011MinecraftSandboxMicrosoft Windows, OS X, Linux, Android, iOSMojang
2012Guild Wars 2MMORPGMicrosoft WindowsArenaNet
2013Grand Theft Auto VAction-adventurePlayStation 3, Xbox 360Rockstar North
201480 DaysInteractive fictioniOS, AndroidInkle
2015PrunePuzzleiOS, AndroidJoel McDonald
2016The WitnessPuzzleMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iOSThekla, Inc.
2017'Action-adventureNintendo Switch, Wii UNintendo EPD
2018God of WarAction-adventurePlayStation 4SIE Santa Monica Studio

''USgamer''

Starting in 2015, the staff of USgamer have published their top 20 games for each year.
YearGameGenrePlatformDeveloper
2015Super Mario MakerPlatformWii UNintendo EAD
2016OverwatchFirst-person shooterMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneBlizzard Entertainment
2017Action-adventureNintendo Switch, Wii UNintendo EPD
2018Red Dead Redemption 2Action-adventurePlayStation 4, Xbox OneRockstar Studios
2019Disco ElysiumRole-playingMicrosoft WindowsZA/UM

''Yahoo!''

The winners of the Yahoo! Game of the Year are chosen by Yahoo! Finance editors.
YearGameGenrePlatformDeveloper
2007Super Mario GalaxyPlatformerWiiNintendo EAD
2008Fallout 3Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Bethesda Game Studios
2009'Action-adventurePlayStation 3Naughty Dog
2010Red Dead RedemptionAction-adventurePlayStation 3, Xbox 360Rockstar San Diego
2011'Action-adventureMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Rocksteady Studios
2012The Walking DeadGraphic adventureiOS, Microsoft Windows, OS X, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360Telltale Games
2013The Last of UsAction-adventurePlayStation 3Naughty Dog
2014'Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox OneBioWare
2015'Action role-playingMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneCD Projekt Red
2017Action-adventureNintendo Switch, Wii UNintendo EPD