techsupport The ‘Game of the Year’ (GOTY) award is one of the highest honors in the video game industry. Recognizing excellence and innovation in video games, the Game of the Year is a crucial indicator of which titles stood out in a year. However, several companies announce their GOTY for them; The Game Awards is the most taken into account and recognized medium.
This TSR article will explore why GOTY is relevant in the gaming community and how the winning game is selected.
What does GOTY mean in video games?
‘GOTY’ is an abbreviation that means ‘Game of the Year’ in English. This term is generally used in the video game industry and the geek community to highlight a game recognized as the most outstanding of the year.
The ‘Game of the Year’ awards are usually awarded by different organizations and media specialized in video games. These honors are a way to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements in video games.
The Game given the title ‘GOTY’ is usually selected by critics, journalists, and industry experts. Furthermore, it represents the best in design, innovation, narrative, graphics, gameplay, and other relevant aspects.
Moreover, games that win the ‘GOTY’ award often receive increased media attention and sales, as the title grants significant recognition in the industry and can influence players’ purchasing decisions.
Over the years, numerous games have received this prestigious award, reflecting the diversity and constant evolution of the video game industry.
Who serves as the jury to award the GOTY award?
The committee granting the honor of ‘Game of the Year’ (GOTY) in the video game industry may vary depending on the organization or event that awards it.
The GOTY selection process often involves a group of experts, video game critics, and journalists specializing in the field.
Here are some details about who usually sits on this jury:
Video game critics
This committee usually comprises video game critics and journalists. They generally work for websites, magazines, newspapers, and other specialized media. They have experience reviewing and evaluating games and can provide informed and detailed opinions on a video game’s technical and artistic aspects.
Industry professionals
The jury often includes people in the video game industry, such as programmers, designers, producers, or other experts. Your practical experience in game creation and development can bring a unique perspective to the evaluation.
Celebrities and influential personalities
Celebrities or influential personalities in entertainment or video games are also invited to be part of the jury. Your participation can increase the visibility of the award and provide different perspectives.
Audience Voting
At some events, the audience can vote for their favorite GOTY game. This is a way to involve the gaming community in selecting the winning Game.
It is important to note that the committee’s composition can vary greatly depending on the specific award or event. Some awards have larger, more diverse juries, while others may have smaller, more select panels.
Additionally, efforts are made to ensure fairness and integrity in the selection process. Often with specific rules about video game eligibility and conflicts of interest.
Ultimately, the jury’s goal is to evaluate a variety of games released during the year and select the one they feel stands out as the best in terms of quality, innovation, and contribution to the video game industry. The result is the ‘Game of the Year’ award at events like The Game Awards.
What type of video games can win the GOTY award?
The ‘Game of the Year’ (GOTY) is awarded to a game considered the best of the year in terms of quality and contribution to the video game industry. However, the type of Game that stands a chance of winning the GOTY award can vary, as a wide range of genres and styles are valued.
Here are some examples of the types of video games that can win the GotY award:
Adventure and action games
This video game genre is usually Famous for the GOTY award. Especially if they offer an immersive narrative, exciting gameplay, and stunning visual presentation; examples include titles like ‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on Nintendo Switch ‘ and ‘The Last of Us Part I&ll.’
Role-playing games (RPGs)
RPGs that offer deep stories, memorable characters, and solid gameplay also have a chance to win the GOTY award. Some titles considered of this genre are ‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’ and ‘Cyberpunk 2077’.
Independent games
These types of games are also part of being candidates for the GOTY award. If an independent video game stands out for its innovation, originality, and quality, it can compete with more significant games. Examples include ‘Hades’ and ‘Celeste’.
Open-world games
This genre of video games offers vast worlds to explore. Likewise, exciting missions and engaging gameplay are often considered for the GOTY award. Examples include ‘Red Dead Redemption 2’ and ‘Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’.
Strategy and simulation games
These video games provide deep and challenging experiences that can be recognized. The community has titles such as ‘Civilization VI’ and ‘Stardew Valley’ as a reference.
Indie art and narrative games
Some games in this class stand out for their focus on story and art.
Sports and racing games
If these games innovate in their genre and offer exceptional experiences, they can also win the GOTY award. Examples include ‘FIFA’ and ‘Forza Horizon’.
So, in short, the GOTY award is not limited to a specific genre of video games. Instead, it is awarded to the Game that stands out in its category and is considered the best in quality and contribution to the industry in a given year.
This reflects the diversity and constant evolution of the video game industry, as games from different genres can be recognized for their merits.
What video game characteristics are taken into account for the GOTY award?
The ‘Game of the Year’ (GOTY) award selection process in the video game industry involves evaluating characteristics and factors contributing to a game’s quality and influence in a given year.
Below are some of the key characteristics and considerations that juries and critics typically take into account when awarding the GotY Award:
General quality
However, the excellence of the Game is essential. This includes gameplay, graphics, music, level design, and technical execution. A game must excel in these areas to be considered for the GOTY award.
Innovation
The ability of a video game to contribute new ideas and concepts to the medium is an essential factor. Games that introduce original gameplay mechanics, innovative narratives, or creative approaches often stand out.
Narrative and script
The quality of the story and script is crucial, especially in video games focused on the story. A game with a profound proposition, memorable characters, and an immersive narrative has an advantage.
Cultural impact and influence
Some video games can have an intense artistic effect. It is leading to other games or culture in general. This can be an essential factor in winning the GOTY award.
Player experience
The experience that the Game offers to the user is essential. However, this includes player satisfaction, immersion, fun, and replayability. Video games that keep players engaged for long periods tend to be valued.
Originality and creativity
That a game is unique and stands out from other titles is a vital factor. Video games that stray from conventional formulas or offer a fresh, unique take on a genre are often considered more for GOTY.
Technical Impact
The technology used in the Game, such as cutting-edge graphics, advanced artificial intelligence, or realistic physics, can be a significant factor.
Critical and popular reception
The opinion of critics and the public’s reaction are essential. Games that receive widespread praise and positive response from players are more likely to be considered for the GOTY award.
Longevity and post-launch content
The Game’s ability to stay relevant with additional content, updates, and expansions may influence the decision.
Commercial success
Although not the only factor, a video game’s market reach is often considered. Games that achieve high sales or generate a large player base are usually considered.
It is crucial to note that the importance of these factors may vary depending on the jury and the organization that awards the GOTY award. Ultimately, the Game that wins the GOTY is considered the best, representing a combination of excellence in multiple areas and an outstanding contribution to the video game industry in the year.
What is the GOTY 2023 Gala?
GOTY 2023 or The Game Awards are usually awards events in which the best video games of the year are recognized and honored in various categories, including the GOTY award. During the gala, awards are given to outstanding video games in areas such as game design, narrative, graphics, music, and more.
The GOTY gala is also often an essential event for the video game industry, bringing together developers, critics, journalists, and gamers to celebrate outstanding achievements in video games. The ceremony often features exclusive previews of upcoming games, live musical performances, and the reveal of the GOTY award winner, which is one of the night’s most anticipated moments.
This event, until August, still has no confirmation date. However, it is theorized that it may be in December 2023, and The Game Awards was held in December of last year.
What video game has recently won this award?
If we review who were the nominees and winners of the last The Game Awards, we can see that the video game Elden Ring won five awards, winning the sections of Best Role-Playing Game, Best Art Direction, Best Direction, Audience Vote, and GOTY (Best Game of the year)
So, Elden Ring was the number 1 game. However, other games entirely acclaimed by the audience also sounded strong, such as God of War Ragnarok.
This Game was another GOTY candidate, and although it did not win, it did win the awards for Best Narrative, Best Soundtrack and Music, Best Audio Design, Best Acting, Innovation in Accessibility, and Best Action and Adventure Game.
Moreover, other games that won awards were Final Fantasy XIV as Best Active Game, Stray as Best Indie, Marvel Snap as Best Mobile Game, Bayonetta 3 as Best Action Game, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land as Best Family Game.
We cannot forget Gran Turismo 7 as the Best Sports Game, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope as the Best Strategy Game, Valorant as the Best Esports, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom as the most anticipated title.
List of nominees and winners 2023
Although there are still several games to be released in this year 2023, there are already several deliveries that fans have so acclaimed that they can most likely compete for GOTY 2023 or some significant categories of The Game Awards; these games will win the GOTY 2023 are:
- Final Fantasy XVI
- Star Wars: Jedi Survivor
- Street Fighter 6
- Mortal Kombat 1
- Tekken 8
- Resident Evil 4 Remake
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- HiFi Rush
