# List of Game of the Year awards

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

## Events and ceremonies
### British Academy Games Awards (BAFTA Games 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 (BAFTA), and are thus commonly referred to as the BAFTA Games Awards.
| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 1998 | GoldenEye 007 | First-person shooter | Rare |
| 1999 | The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time | Action-adventure | Nintendo EAD |
| 2000 | Console: MediEvil 2 | Action-adventure | SCE Studio Cambridge |
| 2000 | Handheld: Pokémon Yellow | Role-playing | Game Freak |
| 2000 | PC: Deus Ex | Action role-playing | Ion Storm |
| 2001 | Console: Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec | Racing | Polyphony Digital |
| 2001 | Handheld: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 | Sports | Vicarious Visions |
| 2001 | PC: Max Payne | Third-person shooter | Remedy Entertainment |
| 2002 | Console: Halo: Combat Evolved | First-person shooter | Bungie |
| 2002 | Handheld: SMS Chess | | Purple Software |
| 2002 | PC: Neverwinter Nights | Role-playing | BioWare |
| 2003 | Call of Duty | First-person shooter | Infinity Ward |
| 2004 | Half-Life 2 | First-person shooter | Valve |
| 2006 | Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter | Tactical shooter | Ubisoft Paris |
| 2007 | BioShock | First-person shooter | Irrational Games |
| 2008 | Super Mario Galaxy | Platformer | Nintendo EAD |
| 2009 | Batman: Arkham Asylum | Action-adventure | Rocksteady Studios |
| 2010 | Mass Effect 2 | Action role-playing | BioWare |
| 2011 | Portal 2 | Puzzle-platformer | Valve |
| 2012 | Dishonored | Action-adventure | Arkane Studios |
| 2013 | The Last of Us | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2014 | Destiny | Action role-playing | Bungie |
| 2015 | Fallout 4 | Action role-playing | Bethesda Game Studios |
| 2016 | Uncharted 4: A Thief's End | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2017 | What Remains of Edith Finch | Adventure | Giant Sparrow |
| 2018 | God of War | Action-adventure | Santa Monica Studio |
| 2019 | Outer Wilds | Action-adventure | Mobius Digital |
| 2020 | Hades | Action role-playing | Supergiant Games |
| 2021 | Returnal | Third-person shooter | Housemarque |
| 2022 | Vampire Survivors | Roguelike | Poncle |
| 2023 | Baldur's Gate 3 | Role-playing | Larian Studios |

### Czech Game of the Year Awards

The Czech Game of the Year Awards were annual awards that recognize accomplishments in video game development. The awards have been dormant since 2021.
| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 2010 | Mafia II | Action-adventure game | 2K Czech |
| 2011 | Family Farm | Strategy video game | Hammerware |
| 2012 | Dead Trigger | First-person shooter | Madfinger Games |
| 2012 | Botanicula | Adventure | Amanita Design |
| 2013 | ArmA III | Tactical shooter | Bohemia Interactive |
| 2013 | Lums: The Game of Light and Shadows | Arcade game | Hyperbolic Magnetism |
| 2014 | Medieval Engineers | Sandbox | Keen Software House |
| 2014 | Dex | Action RPG Platformer | Dreadlocks Ltd |
| 2014 | Monzo | Simulation video game | Madfinger Games |
| 2014 | Coraabia | Online Card | ARK8 |
| 2015 | Factorio | Real-time strategy | Wube Software |
| 2015 | Rememoried | Art Adventure | Vladimír Kudělka |
| 2015 | Czechoslovakia 1938–89: The Assassination | Educational | Charles University |
| 2016 | Samorost 3 | Adventure | Amanita Design |
| 2017 | Attentat 1942 | Adventure | Charles University |
| 2018 | Beat Saber | Rhythm | Beat Games |
| 2019 | Pilgrims | Graphic adventure | Amanita Design |
| 2020 | Creaks | Graphic adventure | Amanita Design |
| 2021 | Svoboda 1945: Liberation | Graphic adventure | Charles Games |

### D.I.C.E. Awards

The D.I.C.E. Awards are awarded by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS), a non-profit organization of industry professionals. The awards were previously known as the Interactive Achievement Awards until 2013.
| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 1997/1998 | GoldenEye 007 | First-person shooter | Rare |
| 1998/1999 | The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time | Action-adventure | Nintendo EAD |
| 1999/2000 | The Sims | Life simulation | Maxis |
| 2000 | Diablo II | Action role-playing | Blizzard North |
| 2001 | Halo: Combat Evolved | First-person shooter | Bungie |
| 2002 | Battlefield 1942 | First-person shooter | Digital Illusions CE |
| 2003 | Call of Duty | First-person shooter | Infinity Ward |
| 2004 | Half-Life 2 | First-person shooter | Valve |
| 2005 | God of War | Action-adventure | Santa Monica Studio |
| 2006 | Gears of War | Third-person shooter | Epic Games |
| 2007 | Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare | First-person shooter | Infinity Ward |
| 2008 | LittleBigPlanet | Puzzle-platformer | Media Molecule |
| 2009 | Uncharted 2: Among Thieves | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2010 | Mass Effect 2 | Action role-playing | BioWare |
| 2011 | The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim | Action role-playing | Bethesda Game Studios |
| 2012 | Journey | Adventure | Thatgamecompany |
| 2013 | The Last of Us | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2014 | Dragon Age: Inquisition | Action role-playing | BioWare |
| 2015 | Fallout 4 | Action role-playing | Bethesda Game Studios |
| 2016 | Overwatch | First-person shooter | Blizzard Entertainment |
| 2017 | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |
| 2018 | God of War | Action-adventure | Santa Monica Studio |
| 2019 | Untitled Goose Game | Puzzle–stealth | House House |
| 2020 | Hades | Action role-playing | Supergiant Games |
| 2021 | It Takes Two | Action-adventure | Hazelight Studios |
| 2022 | Elden Ring | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2023 | Baldur's Gate 3 | Role-playing | Larian Studios |
| 2024 | Astro Bot | Puzzle-platformer | Team Asobi |

### 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 (for games released in 1979 and earlier) 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 award were voted on by readers.
| Year | Arcade | Standalone | Console | Computer |
| 1979 | Space Invaders | Space Invaders | Space Invaders | Space Invaders |
| 1980 | Asteroids | Asteroids | Superman | Superman |
| 1981 | Pac-Man | Pac-Man | Asteroids | Star Raiders |
| 1982 | Tron | Galaxian | Demon Attack | David's Midnight Magic |
| 1983 | Pole Position | Q*bert | Under 16K: Ms. Pac-Man Over 16K: Lady Bug | Lode Runner |
| 1984 | Star Wars | Zaxxon | Space Shuttle | Ultima III: Exodus |
| 1992 | Street Fighter II | Street Fighter II | Street Fighter II | Street Fighter II |
| 1993 | Disney's Aladdin | Disney's Aladdin | Disney's Aladdin | Disney's Aladdin |

### Famitsu Awards

The Grand Prize winners of the annual Famitsu Awards, voted by Famitsu magazine's readers. An annual award ceremony has been held since 2005. Prior to 2005, the results were published in the magazine's annual "Best Hit Game Awards" feature since early 1987 (for games released in 1986).
| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 1986 | Dragon Quest | Role-playing | Chunsoft |
| 1987 | Dragon Quest II | Role-playing | Chunsoft |
| 1988 | Dragon Quest III | Role-playing | Chunsoft |
| 1989 | Final Fantasy II | Role-playing | Squaresoft |
| 1990 | Dragon Quest IV | Role-playing | Chunsoft |
| 1991 | Final Fantasy IV | Role-playing | Squaresoft |
| 2004 | Monster Hunter | Action role-playing | Capcom |
| 2005 | Resident Evil 4 | Survival horror | Capcom |
| 2005 | Kingdom Hearts II | Action role-playing | Square Enix |
| 2006 | Final Fantasy XII | Role-playing | Square Enix |
| 2006 | Pokémon Diamond and Pearl | Role-playing | Game Freak |
| 2007 | Super Mario Galaxy | Platformer | Nintendo EAD |
| 2007 | Monster Hunter Portable 2nd | Action role-playing | Capcom |
| 2008 | Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G | Action role-playing | Capcom |
| 2009 | Dragon Quest IX | Role-playing | Level-5 |
| 2010 | Monster Hunter Portable 3rd | Action role-playing | Capcom |
| 2011 | Monster Hunter Tri G | Action role-playing | Capcom |
| 2012 | Animal Crossing: New Leaf | Life simulation | Nintendo EAD |
| 2013 | Monster Hunter 4 | Action role-playing | Capcom |
| 2014 | Yo-kai Watch 2 | Role-playing | Level-5 |
| 2015 | Splatoon | Third-person shooter | Nintendo EAD |
| 2016 | Pokémon Sun and Moon | Role-playing | Game Freak |
| 2017 | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |
| 2017 | Dragon Quest XI | Role-playing | Square Enix |
| 2018 | Monster Hunter: World | Action role-playing | Capcom |
| 2018 | Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | Fighting | Bandai Namco Studios / Sora Ltd. |
| 2019 | Pokémon Sword and Shield | Role-playing | Game Freak |
| 2020 | Animal Crossing: New Horizons | Life simulation | Nintendo EPD |
| 2020 | Ghost of Tsushima | Action-adventure | Sucker Punch Productions |
| 2021 | Monster Hunter Rise | Action role-playing | Capcom |
| 2022 | Elden Ring | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2023 | The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |

### The Game Awards

Geoff Keighley, producer and host of the Spike Video Game Awards, created The Game Awards in 2014. The winners are determined by a blended vote between the voting jury (90%) and public fan voting (10%); the jury panel consists of members from around 100 global media outlets.
| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 2014 | Dragon Age: Inquisition | Action role-playing | BioWare |
| 2015 | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | Action role-playing | CD Projekt Red |
| 2016 | Overwatch | First-person shooter | Blizzard Entertainment |
| 2017 | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |
| 2018 | God of War | Action-adventure | Santa Monica Studio |
| 2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | Action-adventure | FromSoftware |
| 2020 | The Last of Us Part II | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2021 | It Takes Two | Action-adventure | Hazelight Studios |
| 2022 | Elden Ring | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2023 | Baldur's Gate 3 | Role-playing | Larian Studios |
| 2024 | Astro Bot | Platformer | Team Asobi |

### 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 (GDC), the largest annual gathering of professional video game developers.
| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 2000 | The Sims | Life simulation | Maxis |
| 2001 | Grand Theft Auto III | Action-adventure | DMA Design |
| 2002 | Metroid Prime | Action-adventure | Retro Studios |
| 2003 | Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic | Role-playing | BioWare |
| 2004 | Half-Life 2 | First-person shooter | Valve |
| 2005 | Shadow of the Colossus | Action-adventure | Japan Studio, Team Ico |
| 2006 | Gears of War | Third-person shooter | Epic Games |
| 2007 | Portal | Puzzle-platformer | Valve |
| 2008 | Fallout 3 | Action role-playing | Bethesda Game Studios |
| 2009 | Uncharted 2: Among Thieves | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2010 | Red Dead Redemption | Action-adventure | Rockstar San Diego |
| 2011 | The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim | Action role-playing | Bethesda Game Studios |
| 2012 | Journey | Adventure | Thatgamecompany |
| 2013 | The Last of Us | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2014 | Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor | Action-adventure | Monolith Productions |
| 2015 | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | Action role-playing | CD Projekt Red |
| 2016 | Overwatch | First-person shooter | Blizzard Entertainment |
| 2017 | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |
| 2018 | God of War | Action-adventure | Santa Monica Studio |
| 2019 | Untitled Goose Game | Puzzle–stealth | House House |
| 2020 | Hades | Action role-playing | Supergiant Games |
| 2021 | Inscryption | Roguelike | Daniel Mullins Games |
| 2022 | Elden Ring | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2023 | Baldur's Gate 3 | Role-playing | Larian Studios |

### 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.
| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 1983 | Jetpac | Shooter | Ultimate |
| 1984 | Knight Lore | Action-adventure | Ultimate |
| 1985 | Way of the Exploding Fist | Fighting | Beam Software |
| 1986 | Gauntlet | Hack-and-slash | Atari Games |
| 1987 | Out Run | Racing | Sega |
| 1988 | 8-bit computers: Operation Wolf | Light gun shooter | Taito |
| 1988 | 16-bit computers: Speedball | Sports | Bitmap Brothers |
| 1988 | Consoles: Thunder Blade | Combat flight simulator | Sega |
| 1989 | 8-bit computers: The Untouchables | Shooter | Ocean Software |
| 1989 | 16-bit computers: Kick Off | Sports | Dino Dini |
| 1990 | 8-bit computers: Rick Dangerous 2 | Platformer | Core Design |
| 1990 | 16-bit computers: Kick Off 2 | Sports | Dino Dini |
| 1990 | 8-bit consoles: Mega Man | Platformer | Capcom |
| 1990 | 16-bit consoles: John Madden Football | Sports (American football) | Park Place Productions |
| 1991 | Sonic the Hedgehog | Platformer | Sega |
| 1992 | Street Fighter II | Fighting | Capcom |
| 1996/1997 | Super Mario 64 | Platformer | Nintendo EAD |
| 2002 | Grand Theft Auto III | Action-adventure | DMA Design |
| 2003 | Grand Theft Auto: Vice City | Action-adventure | Rockstar North |
| 2004 | Doom 3 | First-person shooter | id Software |
| 2005 | Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas | Action-adventure | Rockstar North |
| 2006 | The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion | Action role-playing | Bethesda Game Studios |
| 2007 | Gears of War | Third-person shooter | Epic Games |
| 2008 | Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare | First-person shooter | Infinity Ward |
| 2009 | Fallout 3 | Action role-playing | Bethesda Game Studios |
| 2010 | Mass Effect 2 | Action role-playing | BioWare |
| 2011 | Portal 2 | Puzzle-platformer | Valve |
| 2012 | The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim | Action role-playing | Bethesda Game Studios |
| 2013 | Grand Theft Auto V | Action-adventure | Rockstar North |
| 2014 | Dark Souls II | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2015 | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | Action role-playing | CD Projekt Red |
| 2016 | Dark Souls III | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2017 | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |
| 2018 | Fortnite Battle Royale | Battle royale | Epic Games |
| 2019 | Resident Evil 2 | Survival horror | Capcom |
| 2020 | The Last of Us Part II | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2021 | Resident Evil Village | Survival horror | Capcom |
| 2022 | Elden Ring | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2023 | Baldur's Gate 3 | Role-playing | Larian Studios |
| 2024 | Black Myth: Wukong | Action-adventure | Game Science |

### 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.
| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 1996 | Sakura Wars | Tactical role-playing | Overworks |
| 1997 | Final Fantasy VII | Role-playing | Square |
| 1998 | The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time | Action-adventure | Nintendo EAD |
| 1999 | Doko Demo Issyo | Strategy | Sony Computer Entertainment |
| 1999 | Final Fantasy VIII | Role-playing | Square |
| 2000 | Phantasy Star Online | Action role-playing | Sonic Team |
| 2001/2 | Final Fantasy X | Role-playing | Square |
| 2003 | Final Fantasy XI | MMORPG | Square |
| 2003 | Taiko no Tatsujin | Rhythm | Namco |
| 2004 | Monster Hunter | Action role-playing | Capcom |
| 2005 | Dragon Quest VIII | Role-playing | Level-5 |
| 2006 | Final Fantasy XII | Role-playing | Square Enix |
| 2006 | Dr. Kawashima's Brain Training | Puzzle | Nintendo SDD |
| 2007 | Wii Sports | Sports | Nintendo EAD |
| 2007 | Monster Hunter Portable 2nd | Action role-playing | Capcom |
| 2008 | Wii Fit | Fitness | Nintendo EAD |
| 2008 | Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G | Action role-playing | Capcom |
| 2009 | Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots | Action-adventure | Kojima Productions |
| 2009 | Mario Kart Wii | Racing | Nintendo EAD |
| 2010 | New Super Mario Bros. Wii | Platformer | Nintendo EAD |
| 2011 | Monster Hunter Portable 3rd | Action role-playing | Capcom |
| 2012 | Gravity Rush | Action-adventure | Project Siren |
| 2012 | JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All Star Battle | Fighting | CyberConnect2 |
| 2013 | Animal Crossing: New Leaf | Social simulation | Nintendo EAD |
| 2014 | Monster Hunter 4 | Action role-playing | Capcom |
| 2014 | Yo-kai Watch | Role-playing | Level-5 |
| 2015 | Yo-kai Watch 2 | Role-playing | Level-5 |
| 2016 | Splatoon | Third-person shooter | Nintendo EAD |
| 2017 | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |
| 2018 | Monster Hunter: World | Action role-playing | Capcom |
| 2019 | Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | Fighting | Bandai Namco Studios, Sora Ltd. |
| 2020 | Animal Crossing: New Horizons | Social simulation | Nintendo EPD |
| 2021 | Ghost of Tsushima | Action-adventure | Sucker Punch Productions |
| 2021 | Monster Hunter Rise | Action role-playing | Capcom |
| 2022 | Elden Ring | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2023 | Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak | Action role-playing | Capcom |
| 2024 | The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | Action role-playing | Nintendo EPD |

### New York Game Awards

The New York Videogame Critics Circle hosts an annual award show that recognizes the best contributions to the video game industry from the previous year.
| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 2011 | The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim | Action role-playing | Bethesda Game Studios |
| 2012 | The Walking Dead | Graphic adventure | Telltale Games |
| 2013 | The Last of Us | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2014 | Wolfenstein: The New Order | First-person shooter | MachineGames |
| 2015 | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | Action role-playing | CD Projekt Red |
| 2016 | Uncharted 4: A Thief's End | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2017 | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |
| 2018 | God of War | Action-adventure | Santa Monica Studio |
| 2019 | The Outer Worlds | Action role-playing | Obsidian Entertainment |
| 2020 | Hades | Action role-playing | Supergiant Games |
| 2021 | Psychonauts 2 | Platformer | Double Fine |
| 2022 | Elden Ring | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2023 | Baldur's Gate 3 | Role-playing | Larian Studios |
| 2024 | Astro Bot | Platformer | Team Asobi |

### 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. Host and producer Geoff Keighley created The Game Awards in 2014.
| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 2003 | Madden NFL 2004 | Sports | EA Tiburon |
| 2004 | Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas | Action-adventure | Rockstar North |
| 2005 | Resident Evil 4 | Survival horror | Capcom |
| 2006 | The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion | Action role-playing | Bethesda Game Studios |
| 2007 | BioShock | First-person shooter | Irrational Games |
| 2008 | Grand Theft Auto IV | Action-adventure | Rockstar North |
| 2009 | Uncharted 2: Among Thieves | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2010 | Red Dead Redemption | Action-adventure | Rockstar San Diego |
| 2011 | The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim | Action role-playing | Bethesda Game Studios |
| 2012 | The Walking Dead | Graphic adventure | Telltale Games |
| 2013 | Grand Theft Auto V | Action-adventure | Rockstar North |

### SXSW Gaming Awards

The winners of the SXSW Gaming Awards were judged by the SXSW Gaming Advisory Board, which is composed of over 40 industry members. South by Southwest announced in 2023 that the awards would be discontinued.
| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 2013 | The Last of Us | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2014 | Dragon Age: Inquisition | Action role-playing | BioWare |
| 2015 | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | Action role-playing | CD Projekt Red |
| 2016 | Uncharted 4: A Thief's End | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2017 | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |
| 2018 | God of War | Action-adventure | Santa Monica Studio |
| 2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | Action-adventure | FromSoftware |
| 2020 | Hades | Action role-playing | Supergiant Games |
| 2021 | Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker | MMORPG | Square Enix |

### 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.
| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 1982 | Pac-Man | Maze | Namco |
| 1993 | NBA Jam | Sports | Midway Games |
| 1994 | Donkey Kong Country | Platformer | Rare |
| 1995 | Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest | Platformer | Rare |
| 1997 | GoldenEye 007 | First-person shooter | Rare |
| 1998 | The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time | Action-adventure | Nintendo EAD |
| 1999 | Pokémon Stadium | Strategy | Nintendo EAD |
| 2000 | Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 | Sports | Neversoft |

## Publications and media
### Ars Technica

| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 2012 | Dishonored | Action-adventure | Arkane Studios |
| 2013 | Papers, Please | Puzzle | 3909 LLC |
| 2014 | Dragon Age: Inquisition | Action role-playing | BioWare |
| 2015 | Rocket League | Sports | Psyonix |
| 2016 | Overwatch | First-person shooter | Blizzard Entertainment |
| 2017 | Super Mario Odyssey | Platformer | Nintendo EPD |
| 2018 | Celeste | Platformer | Maddy Makes Games |
| 2019 | Control | Action-adventure | Remedy Entertainment |
| 2020 | Hades | Action role-playing | Supergiant Games |
| 2021 | Psychonauts 2 | Platform | Double Fine |
| 2022 | Elden Ring | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2023 | Baldur's Gate 3 | Role-playing | Larian Studios |

### Destructoid

| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 2007 | BioShock | First-person shooter | Irrational Games |
| 2008 | Left 4 Dead | First-person shooter | Valve |
| 2009 | Uncharted 2: Among Thieves | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2010 | Super Mario Galaxy 2 | Platform | Nintendo EAD |
| 2011 | Portal 2 | Puzzle-platform | Valve |
| 2012 | The Walking Dead | Graphic adventure | Telltale Games |
| 2013 | The Last of Us | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2014 | Bayonetta 2 | Hack 'n' slash | PlatinumGames |
| 2015 | Bloodborne | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2016 | Overwatch | First-person shooter | Blizzard Entertainment |
| 2017 | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |
| 2018 | God of War | Action-adventure | Santa Monica Studio |
| 2019 | The Outer Worlds | Action role-playing | Obsidian Entertainment |
| 2020 | Hades | Action role-playing | Supergiant Games |
| 2021 | Chicory: A Colorful Tale | Adventure | Greg Lobanov |
| 2022 | Elden Ring | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2023 | The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |
| 2024 | Astro Bot | Platformer | Team Asobi |

### Easy Allies

| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 2016 | The Last Guardian | Action-adventure | Japan Studio |
| 2017 | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |
| 2018 | God of War | Action-adventure | Santa Monica Studio |
| 2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | Action-adventure | FromSoftware |
| 2020 | Half-Life: Alyx | First-person shooter | Valve |
| 2021 | Returnal | Third-person shooter | Housemarque |
| 2022 | Elden Ring | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2023 | Resident Evil 4 | Survival horror | Capcom |
| 2024 | Balatro | Roguelike deck-building | LocalThunk |

### Edge

| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 1998 | The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time | Action-adventure | Nintendo EAD |
| 1999 | Gran Turismo 2 | Racing simulation | Polyphony Digital |
| 2002 | Metroid Prime | Action-adventure | Retro Studios |
| 2004 | Half-Life 2 | First-person shooter | Valve |
| 2005 | Resident Evil 4 | Survival horror | Capcom |
| 2006 | Final Fantasy XII | Role-playing | Square Enix |
| 2007 | Super Mario Galaxy | Platformer | Nintendo EAD |
| 2008 | Grand Theft Auto IV | Action-adventure | Rockstar North |
| 2009 | Borderlands | Action role-playing | Gearbox Software |
| 2010 | Super Mario Galaxy 2 | Platformer | Nintendo EAD |
| 2011 | The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword | Action-adventure | Nintendo EAD |
| 2012 | Dishonored | Action-adventure | Arkane Studios |
| 2013 | Grand Theft Auto V | Action-adventure | Rockstar North |
| 2014 | Bayonetta 2 | Action | PlatinumGames |
| 2015 | Bloodborne | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2016 | The Last Guardian | Action-adventure | Japan Studio |
| 2017 | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |
| 2018 | Red Dead Redemption 2 | Action-adventure | Rockstar Games |
| 2019 | Outer Wilds | Action-adventure | Mobius Digital |
| 2020 | No direct GOTY award was given | No direct GOTY award was given | No direct GOTY award was given |
| 2021 | Deathloop | First-person shooter | Arkane Studios |
| 2022 | Elden Ring | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2022 | Immortality | Interactive film | Sam Barlow |
| 2023 | The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |
| 2024 | Astro Bot | Platformer | Team Asobi |

### Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM)

| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 1988 | Double Dragon | Beat 'em up | Technōs Japan |
| 1989 | Ghouls 'n Ghosts | Platform | Capcom |
| 1990 | Strider | Platform | Capcom |
| 1991 | Sonic the Hedgehog | Platformer | Sonic Team |
| 1992 | Street Fighter II | Fighting | Capcom |
| 1993 | Samurai Shodown | Fighting | SNK |
| 1994 | Donkey Kong Country | Platformer | Rare |
| 1995 | Twisted Metal | Vehicular combat | SingleTrac |
| 1996 | Super Mario 64 | Platformer | Nintendo EAD |
| 1997 | GoldenEye 007 | First-person shooter | Rare |
| 1998 | The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time | Action-adventure | Nintendo EAD |
| 1999 | Soulcalibur | Fighting | Namco |
| 2000 | Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 | Sports | Neversoft |
| 2001 | Halo: Combat Evolved | First-person shooter | Bungie |
| 2002 | Metroid Prime | Action-adventure | Retro Studios |
| 2003 | Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time | Action-adventure | Ubisoft Montreal |
| 2004 | Halo 2 | First-person shooter | Bungie |
| 2005 | Resident Evil 4 | Survival horror | Capcom |
| 2006 | The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | Action-adventure | Nintendo EAD |
| 2007 | BioShock | First-person shooter | Irrational Games |
| 2008 | Grand Theft Auto IV | Action-adventure | Rockstar North |
| 2009 | Uncharted 2: Among Thieves | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2010 | Red Dead Redemption | Action-adventure | Rockstar San Diego |
| 2011 | The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim | Action role-playing | Bethesda Game Studios |
| 2012 | Far Cry 3 | First-person shooter | Ubisoft Montreal |
| 2013 | BioShock Infinite | First-person shooter | Irrational Games |
| 2014 | Dragon Age: Inquisition | Action role-playing | BioWare |
| 2015 | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | Action role-playing | CD Projekt Red |
| 2016 | Overwatch | First-person shooter | Blizzard Entertainment |
| 2017 | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |
| 2018 | Red Dead Redemption 2 | Action-adventure | Rockstar Games |
| 2019 | Control | Action-adventure | Remedy Entertainment |
| 2020 | The Last of Us Part II | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2021 | Psychonauts 2 | Platform | Double Fine |
| 2022 | Elden Ring | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |

### Empire

| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 2014 | Dark Souls II | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2015 | Bloodborne | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2016 | Uncharted 4: A Thief's End | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2017 | Super Mario Odyssey | Platform | Nintendo EAD |
| 2018 | God of War | Action-adventure | Santa Monica Studio |
| 2019 | Resident Evil 2 | Action-adventure | Capcom |
| 2020 | The Last of Us Part II | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2021 | Deathloop | First-person shooter | Arkane Studios |
| 2022 | Elden Ring | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2023 | Baldur's Gate 3 | Role-playing | Larian Studios |
| 2024 | Astro Bot | Platformer | Team Asobi |

### Entertainment Weekly

| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 2007 | BioShock | First-person shooter | Irrational Games |
| 2008 | Wii Fit | Fitness game | Nintendo EAD |
| 2010 | Red Dead Redemption | Action-adventure | Rockstar San Diego |
| 2012 | Journey | Adventure | Thatgamecompany |
| 2013 | BioShock Infinite | First-person shooter | Irrational Games |
| 2015 | Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain | Action-adventure | Kojima Productions |
| 2016 | Inside | Puzzle-platformer | Playdead |
| 2017 | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |
| 2018 | God of War | Action-adventure | Santa Monica Studio |
| 2019 | Resident Evil 2 | Survival horror | Capcom |
| 2020 | The Last of Us Part II | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2021 | Resident Evil Village | Survival horror | Capcom |

### Eurogamer

| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 1999 | Unreal Tournament | First-person shooter | Epic Games |
| 2000 | Deus Ex | Action role-playing | Ion Storm |
| 2001 | Grand Theft Auto III | Action-adventure | DMA Design |
| 2002 | Ico | Action-adventure | Team Ico |
| 2003 | Grand Theft Auto: Vice City | Action-adventure | Rockstar North |
| 2004 | Half-Life 2 | First-person shooter | Valve |
| 2005 | Psychonauts | Platformer | Double Fine Productions |
| 2006 | Guitar Hero | Rhythm | Harmonix |
| 2007 | Portal | Puzzle-platformer | Valve |
| 2008 | LittleBigPlanet | Puzzle-platformer | Media Molecule |
| 2009 | Uncharted 2: Among Thieves | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2010 | Mass Effect 2 | Action role-playing | BioWare |
| 2011 | Portal 2 | Puzzle-platformer | Valve |
| 2012 | Fez | Puzzle-platformer | Polytron Corporation |
| 2013 | Super Mario 3D World | Platformer | Nintendo EAD |
| 2014 | Mario Kart 8 | Racing | Nintendo EAD |
| 2015 | Bloodborne | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2016 | Overwatch | First-person shooter | Blizzard Entertainment |
| 2017 | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |
| 2018 | Tetris Effect | Puzzle | Monstars Inc. and Resonair |
| 2019 | Outer Wilds | Action-adventure | Mobius Digital |
| 2020 | Hades | Action role-playing | Supergiant Games |
| 2021 | Unpacking | Puzzle | Witch Beam |
| 2022 | Elden Ring | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2023 | Cocoon | Puzzle | Geometric Interactive |
| 2024 | Indiana Jones and the Great Circle | Action-adventure | MachineGames |

### Game Informer

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.
| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 1992 | Street Fighter II | Fighting | Capcom |
| 1993 | Mortal Kombat | Fighting | Midway Games |
| 1994 | Donkey Kong Country | Platformer | Rare |
| 1995 | Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest | Platformer | Rare |
| 1996 | Super Mario 64 | Platformer | Nintendo EAD |
| 1997 | Final Fantasy VII | Role-playing | Square |
| 1998 | The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time | Action-adventure | Nintendo EAD |
| 1999 | Tony Hawk's Pro Skater | Sports | Neversoft |
| 2000 | Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 | Sports | Neversoft |
| 2001 | Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty | Action-adventure | Konami Computer Entertainment Japan |
| 2002 | Grand Theft Auto: Vice City | Action-adventure | Rockstar North |
| 2003 | The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker | Action-adventure | Nintendo EAD |
| 2004 | Halo 2 | First-person shooter | Bungie |
| 2005 | Resident Evil 4 | Survival horror | Capcom |
| 2006 | The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | Action-adventure | Nintendo EAD |
| 2007 | BioShock | First-person shooter | Irrational Games |
| 2008 | Grand Theft Auto IV | Action-adventure | Rockstar North |
| 2009 | Uncharted 2: Among Thieves | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2010 | Red Dead Redemption | Action-adventure | Rockstar San Diego |
| 2011 | The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim | Action role-playing | Bethesda Game Studios |
| 2012 | Mass Effect 3 | Action role-playing | BioWare |
| 2013 | The Last of Us | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2014 | Dragon Age: Inquisition | Action role-playing | BioWare |
| 2015 | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | Action role-playing | CD Projekt Red |
| 2016 | Overwatch | First-person shooter | Blizzard Entertainment |
| 2017 | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |
| 2018 | God of War | Action-adventure | Santa Monica Studio |
| 2019 | Control | Action-adventure | Remedy Entertainment |
| 2020 | The Last of Us Part II | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2021 | Halo Infinite | First-person shooter | 343 Industries |
| 2022 | Elden Ring | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2023 | The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |

### GameSpot

| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 1996 | Diablo | Action role-playing | Blizzard North |
| 1997 | Total Annihilation | Real-time strategy | Cavedog Entertainment |
| 1998 | Console: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time | Action-adventure | Nintendo EAD |
| 1998 | PC: Grim Fandango | Graphic adventure | LucasArts |
| 1999 | Console: Soulcalibur | Fighting | Namco |
| 1999 | PC: EverQuest | MMORPG | Sony Online Entertainment |
| 2000 | Console: Chrono Cross | Role-playing | Square |
| 2000 | PC: The Sims | Life simulation | Maxis |
| 2001 | Console: Grand Theft Auto III | Action-adventure | DMA Design |
| 2001 | PC: Serious Sam: The First Encounter | First-person shooter | Croteam |
| 2002 | Metroid Prime | Action-adventure | Retro Studios |
| 2003 | The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker | Action-adventure | Nintendo EAD |
| 2004 | World of Warcraft | MMORPG | Blizzard Entertainment |
| 2005 | Resident Evil 4 | Survival horror | Capcom |
| 2006 | Gears of War | Third-person shooter | Epic Games |
| 2007 | Super Mario Galaxy | Platformer | Nintendo EAD |
| 2008 | Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots | Action-adventure | Kojima Productions |
| 2009 | Demon's Souls | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2010 | Red Dead Redemption | Action-adventure | Rockstar San Diego |
| 2011 | The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim | Action role-playing | Bethesda Game Studios |
| 2012 | Journey | Adventure | Thatgamecompany |
| 2013 | The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds | Action-adventure | Nintendo EAD |
| 2014 | Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor | Action-adventure | Monolith Productions |
| 2015 | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | Action role-playing | CD Projekt Red |
| 2016 | Overwatch | First-person shooter | Blizzard Entertainment |
| 2017 | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |
| 2018 | Red Dead Redemption 2 | Action-adventure | Rockstar Games |
| 2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | Action-adventure | FromSoftware |
| 2020 | Half-Life: Alyx | First-person shooter | Valve |
| 2021 | Deathloop | First-person shooter | Arkane Studios |
| 2022 | Elden Ring | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2023 | Baldur's Gate 3 | Role-playing | Larian Studios |
| 2024 | Metaphor: ReFantazio | Role-playing | Atlus |

### GameSpy

| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 1999 | Unreal Tournament | First-person shooter | Epic Games |
| 2000 | Deus Ex | Action role-playing | Ion Storm |
| 2001 | Grand Theft Auto III | Action-adventure | DMA Design |
| 2002 | Metroid Prime | Action-adventure | Retro Studios |
| 2003 | Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic | Role-playing | BioWare |
| 2004 | Halo 2 | First-person shooter | Bungie |
| 2005 | Civilization IV | Turn-based strategy | Firaxis Games |
| 2006 | The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | Action-adventure | Nintendo EAD |
| 2007 | Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare | First-person shooter | Infinity Ward |
| 2008 | Fallout 3 | Action role-playing | Bethesda Game Studios |
| 2009 | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 | First-person shooter | Infinity Ward |
| 2010 | Red Dead Redemption | Action-adventure | Rockstar San Diego |
| 2011 | The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim | Action role-playing | Bethesda Game Studios |
| 2012 | XCOM: Enemy Unknown | Turn-based tactics | Firaxis Games |

### GamesRadar+

| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 2006 | The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | Action-adventure | Nintendo EAD |
| 2007 | The Orange Box | First-person shooter | Valve |
| 2008 | Fallout 3 | Action role-playing | Bethesda Game Studios |
| 2009 | Batman: Arkham Asylum | Action-adventure | Rocksteady Studios |
| 2010 | Red Dead Redemption | Action-adventure | Rockstar San Diego |
| 2011 | Portal 2 | Puzzle-platformer | Valve |
| 2012 | The Walking Dead | Graphic adventure | Telltale Games |
| 2013 | The Last of Us | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2014 | Destiny | Action role-playing | Bungie |
| 2015 | Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain | Action-adventure | Kojima Productions |
| 2016 | Titanfall 2 | First-person shooter | Respawn Entertainment |
| 2017 | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |
| 2018 | God of War | Action-adventure | Santa Monica Studio |
| 2019 | Control | Action-adventure | Remedy Entertainment |
| 2020 | Hades | Action role-playing | Supergiant Games |
| 2021 | Deathloop | Action-adventure | Arkane Studios |
| 2022 | Elden Ring | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2023 | Baldur's Gate 3 | Role-playing | Larian Studios |
| 2024 | Helldivers 2 | Third-person shooter | Arrowhead Game Studios |

### Gamest

| Year | Title | Genre | Developer |
| 1987 | Darius | Scrolling shooter | Taito |
| 1988 | Gradius II | Scrolling shooter | Konami |
| 1989 | Tetris | Puzzle | Sega |
| 1990 | Final Fight | Beat 'em up | Capcom |
| 1991 | Street Fighter II: The World Warrior | Fighting | Capcom |
| 1992 | Street Fighter II Dash (Champion Edition) | Fighting | Capcom |
| 1993 | Samurai Shodown | Fighting | SNK |
| 1994 | The King of Fighters '94 | Fighting | SNK |
| 1995 | Virtua Fighter 2 | Fighting | Sega AM2 |
| 1996 | Street Fighter Zero 2 (Street Fighter Alpha 2) | Fighting | Capcom |
| 1997 | Vampire Savior (Darkstalkers 3) | Fighting | Capcom |
| 1998 | Psychic Force 2012 | Fighting | Taito |

### GameTrailers

| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 2005 | Resident Evil 4 | Survival horror | Capcom |
| 2006 | The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | Action-adventure | Nintendo EAD |
| 2007 | Super Mario Galaxy | Platformer | Nintendo EAD |
| 2008 | Grand Theft Auto IV | Action-adventure | Rockstar North |
| 2009 | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 | First-person shooter | Infinity Ward |
| 2010 | Mass Effect 2 | Action role-playing | BioWare |
| 2011 | Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2012 | XCOM: Enemy Unknown | Turn-based tactics | Firaxis Games |
| 2013 | The Last of Us | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2014 | Hearthstone | Card game | Blizzard Entertainment |
| 2015 | Bloodborne | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |

### Giant Bomb

| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 2008 | Grand Theft Auto IV | Action-adventure | Rockstar North |
| 2009 | Uncharted 2: Among Thieves | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2010 | Mass Effect 2 | Action role-playing | BioWare |
| 2011 | The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim | Action role-playing | Bethesda Game Studios |
| 2012 | XCOM: Enemy Unknown | Turn-based tactics | Firaxis Games |
| 2013 | The Last of Us | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2014 | Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor | Action-adventure | Monolith Productions |
| 2015 | Super Mario Maker | Platformer | Nintendo EAD |
| 2016 | Hitman | Stealth | IO Interactive |
| 2017 | PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds | Battle royale | PUBG Corporation |
| 2018 | Tetris Effect | Puzzle | Monstars Inc./Resonai |
| 2019 | Outer Wilds | Action-adventure | Mobius Digital |
| 2020 | Hades | Action role-playing | Supergiant Games |
| 2021 | Chicory: A Colorful Tale | Adventure | Greg Lobanov |
| 2022 | Elden Ring | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2023 | The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |
| 2024 | Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown | Action-adventure | Ubisoft Montpellier |

### The Guardian

| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 2007 | Crackdown | Action-adventure | Realtime Worlds |
| 2010 | Red Dead Redemption | Action-adventure | Rockstar San Diego |
| 2011 | Portal 2 | Puzzle-platformer | Valve |
| 2012 | Dishonored | Action-adventure | Arkane Studios |
| 2012 | XCOM: Enemy Unknown | Turn-based tactics | Firaxis Games |
| 2013 | Super Mario 3D World | Platformer | Nintendo EAD |
| 2014 | Mario Kart 8 | Racing | Nintendo EAD |
| 2015 | Bloodborne | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2016 | Uncharted 4: A Thief's End | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2017 | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |
| 2018 | Red Dead Redemption 2 | Action-adventure | Rockstar Games |
| 2019 | Outer Wilds | Action-adventure | Mobius Digital |
| 2020 | Animal Crossing: New Horizons | Life simulation | Nintendo EPD |
| 2021 | Returnal | Third-person shooter | Housemarque |
| 2022 | Wordle | Puzzle | Josh Wardle |
| 2023 | The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |
| 2024 | Astro Bot | Platformer | Team Asobi |

### Hardcore Gamer

| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 2012 | Far Cry 3 | First-person shooter | Ubisoft |
| 2013 | The Last of Us | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2014 | Dragon Age: Inquisition | Action role-playing | BioWare |
| 2015 | Tales from the Borderlands | Graphic adventure | Telltale Games |
| 2016 | Owlboy | Platform-adventure | D-Pad Studio |
| 2017 | Nier: Automata | Action role-playing | PlatinumGames |
| 2018 | God of War | Action-adventure | Santa Monica Studio |
| 2019 | Resident Evil 2 | Survival horror | Capcom |
| 2020 | Ghost of Tsushima | Action-adventure | Sucker Punch Productions |
| 2021 | Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart | Third-person shooter | Insomniac Games |
| 2022 | God of War Ragnarök | Action-adventure | Santa Monica Studio |
| 2023 | Alan Wake 2 | Survival horror | Remedy Entertainment |
| 2024 | Astro Bot | Platformer | Team Asobi |

### IGN

| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 2001 | Halo: Combat Evolved | First-person shooter | Bungie |
| 2002 | Battlefield 1942 | First-person shooter | Digital Illusions CE |
| 2003 | Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic | Role-playing | BioWare |
| 2004 | Half-Life 2 | First-person shooter | Valve |
| 2005 | God of War | Action-adventure | Santa Monica Studio |
| 2006 | Ōkami | Action-adventure | Clover Studio |
| 2007 | Super Mario Galaxy | Platformer | Nintendo EAD |
| 2008 | Fallout 3 | Action role-playing | Bethesda Game Studios |
| 2009 | Uncharted 2: Among Thieves | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2010 | Mass Effect 2 | Action role-playing | BioWare |
| 2011 | Portal 2 | Puzzle-platformer | Valve |
| 2012 | Journey | Adventure | Thatgamecompany |
| 2013 | The Last of Us | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2014 | Dragon Age: Inquisition | Action role-playing | BioWare |
| 2015 | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | Action role-playing | CD Projekt Red |
| 2016 | Overwatch | First-person shooter | Blizzard Entertainment |
| 2017 | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |
| 2018 | God of War | Action-adventure | Santa Monica Studio |
| 2019 | Control | Action-adventure | Remedy Entertainment |
| 2020 | Hades | Action role-playing | Supergiant Games |
| 2021 | Forza Horizon 5 | Racing | Playground Games |
| 2022 | Elden Ring | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2023 | The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |
| 2024 | Metaphor: ReFantazio | Role-playing | Atlus |

### Kotaku

| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 2007 | Super Mario Galaxy | Platformer | Nintendo EAD |
| 2008 | Grand Theft Auto IV | Action-adventure | Rockstar North |
| 2009 | Uncharted 2: Among Thieves | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2010 | Red Dead Redemption | Action-adventure | Rockstar San Diego |
| 2011 | Portal 2 | Puzzle-platformer | Valve |
| 2012 | XCOM: Enemy Unknown | Turn-based tactics | Firaxis Games |
| 2013 | The Last of Us | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2022 | Elden Ring | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2023 | Alan Wake 2 | Survival horror | Remedy Entertainment |
| 2024 | Astro Bot | Platformer | Team Asobi |

### PC Gamer

| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 2011 | The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim | Action role-playing | Bethesda Game Studios |
| 2012 | Mass Effect 3 | Action role-playing | BioWare |
| 2013 | Spelunky | Platform | Mossmouth, LLC |
| 2014 | Alien: Isolation | Survival horror | Creative Assembly |
| 2015 | Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain | Action-adventure | Kojima Productions |
| 2016 | Dishonored 2 | Action-adventure | Arkane Lyon |
| 2017 | Divinity: Original Sin II | Role-playing | Larian Studios |
| 2018 | Into the Breach | Turn-based strategy | Subset Games |
| 2019 | Disco Elysium | Role-playing | ZA/UM |
| 2020 | Death Stranding | Action | Kojima Productions |
| 2021 | Valheim | Sandbox, Survival | Iron Gate Studio |
| 2022 | Elden Ring | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2023 | Baldur's Gate 3 | Role-playing | Larian Studios |
| 2024 | Balatro | Roguelike deck-building | LocalThunk |

### Polygon

| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 2012 | The Walking Dead | Graphic adventure | Telltale Games |
| 2013 | Gone Home | Adventure | The Fullbright Company |
| 2014 | Dragon Age: Inquisition | Action role-playing | BioWare |
| 2015 | Her Story | Interactive movie | Sam Barlow |
| 2016 | Doom | First-person shooter | id Software |
| 2017 | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |
| 2018 | God of War | Action-adventure | Santa Monica Studio |
| 2019 | Outer Wilds | Action-adventure | Mobius Digital |
| 2020 | Hades | Action role-playing | Supergiant Games |
| 2021 | Inscryption | Roguelike | Daniel Mullins Games |
| 2022 | Elden Ring | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2023 | The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |
| 2024 | Balatro | Roguelike deck-building | LocalThunk |

### The Telegraph

| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 2008 | Fable II | Action role-playing | Lionhead Studios |
| 2009 | Uncharted 2: Among Thieves | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2011 | Batman: Arkham City | Action-adventure | Rocksteady Studios |
| 2012 | The Walking Dead | Graphic adventure | Telltale Games |
| 2013 | The Last of Us | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2014 | Alien: Isolation | Survival horror | Creative Assembly |
| 2015 | Bloodborne | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |
| 2016 | Dishonored 2 | Action-adventure | Arkane Studios |
| 2017 | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |
| 2018 | Red Dead Redemption 2 | Action-adventure | Rockstar Games |
| 2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | Action-adventure | FromSoftware |
| 2020 | The Last of Us Part II | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2021 | Deathloop | First-person shooter | Arkane Studios |
| 2022 | Elden Ring | Action role-playing | FromSoftware |

### Time

| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 2006 | Wii Sports | Sports | Nintendo EAD |
| 2007 | Halo 3 | First-person shooter | Bungie |
| 2008 | Grand Theft Auto IV | Action-adventure | Rockstar North |
| 2009 | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 | First-person shooter | Infinity Ward |
| 2010 | Alan Wake | Action-adventure | Remedy Entertainment |
| 2011 | Minecraft | Sandbox | Mojang |
| 2012 | Guild Wars 2 | MMORPG | ArenaNet |
| 2013 | Grand Theft Auto V | Action-adventure | Rockstar North |
| 2014 | 80 Days | Interactive fiction | Inkle |
| 2015 | Prune | Puzzle | Joel McDonald |
| 2016 | The Witness | Puzzle | Thekla, Inc. |
| 2017 | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |
| 2018 | God of War | Action-adventure | Santa Monica Studio |
| 2020 | Hades | Action role-playing | Supergiant Games |
| 2021 | Metroid Dread | Action-adventure | MercurySteam |
| 2022 | God of War Ragnarök | Action-adventure | Santa Monica Studio |
| 2023 | Alan Wake 2 | Survival horror | Remedy Entertainment |
| 2024 | Dragon Age: The Veilguard | Action role-playing | BioWare |

### USgamer

| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 2015 | Super Mario Maker | Platform | Nintendo EAD |
| 2016 | Overwatch | First-person shooter | Blizzard Entertainment |
| 2017 | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |
| 2018 | Red Dead Redemption 2 | Action-adventure | Rockstar Games |
| 2019 | Disco Elysium | Role-playing | ZA/UM |
| 2020 | Hades | Action role-playing | Supergiant Games |

### Yahoo!

| Year | Game | Genre | Developer(s) |
| 2007 | Super Mario Galaxy | Platformer | Nintendo EAD |
| 2008 | Fallout 3 | Action role-playing | Bethesda Game Studios |
| 2009 | Uncharted 2: Among Thieves | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2010 | Red Dead Redemption | Action-adventure | Rockstar San Diego |
| 2011 | Batman: Arkham City | Action-adventure | Rocksteady Studios |
| 2012 | The Walking Dead | Graphic adventure | Telltale Games |
| 2013 | The Last of Us | Action-adventure | Naughty Dog |
| 2014 | Dragon Age: Inquisition | Action role-playing | BioWare |
| 2015 | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | Action role-playing | CD Projekt Red |
| 2017 | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Action-adventure | Nintendo EPD |