The Game Awards, also known as the "Oscars of gaming," have been an annual event since 2014. The ceremony celebrates the best video games of the year and is highly anticipated by gamers around the world. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history and impact of the Game Awards, including winners, controversies, and more.
History
The first Game Awards were held in 2014 by a group of video game journalists known as The Knowledgeable Gamers. They aimed to create an event that recognized the best games of the year, much like how the Oscars recognize the best movies. Since then, the ceremony has grown in popularity and is now produced by a team of industry professionals, including former IGN editor, Ryan Quinlan.
Winners
Over the years, the Game Awards have seen some incredible games win in various categories. Some of the most memorable winners include:
- 2014: Destiny won game of the year, and its soundtrack was also recognized as best original score.
- 2015: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt won game of the year and was also nominated for multiple other awards.
- 2016: Pokemon Go became a cultural phenomenon and won game of the year.
- 2017: Breath of the Wild was widely considered one of the greatest games of all time and won game of the year.
- 2018: Red Dead Redemption 2 won game of the year, and its soundtrack was also recognized as best original score.
- 2019: The Outer Wilds won game of the year, and it also received multiple nominations for other awards.
Controversies
The Game Awards have not been without controversy. One of the most notable controversies was in 2017 when developer Nolan Bushnell accused the ceremony of being biased against indie games. He claimed that the ceremony favored big-budget, AAA games over smaller, independent titles. This led to a public debate about the fairness and representation of indie games in the gaming industry.
Another controversy occurred in 2018 when the ceremony was held in Las Vegas instead of its usual location in Los Angeles. This move sparked criticism from some gamers who felt that the ceremony was being commercialized and had lost touch with its roots as a celebration of the best games of the year.
Impact
Despite the controversies, the Game Awards have had a significant impact on the gaming industry. The ceremony has become an important platform for developers to showcase their work and receive recognition for their efforts. It also provides gamers with a way to celebrate the best games of the year and connect with other like-minded individuals.
Moreover, the Game Awards have helped to raise awareness about the importance of video game journalism and the role it plays in shaping public opinion about gaming. The ceremony has become a source of inspiration for many aspiring game journalists and has helped to establish the industry as a legitimate form of storytelling.
FAQs
- When were the first Game Awards held?
The first Game Awards were held in 2014 by a group of video game journalists known as The Knowledgeable Gamers. - Who produces the Game Awards?
The Game Awards are now produced by a team of industry professionals, including former IGN editor, Ryan Quinlan. - What controversies have surrounded the Game Awards?
One of the most notable controversies was in 2017 when developer Nolan Bushnell accused the ceremony of being biased against indie games. Another controversy occurred in 2018 when the ceremony was held in Las Vegas instead of its usual location in Los Angeles. - What impact have the Game Awards had on the gaming industry?
The Game Awards have become an important platform for developers to showcase their work and receive recognition for their efforts. It also provides gamers with a way to celebrate the best games of the year and connect with other like-minded individuals. The ceremony has helped to raise awareness about the importance of video game journalism and the role it plays in shaping public opinion about gaming. - Who won game of the year in 2019?
The Outer Wilds won game of the year in 2019.
