As gamers, we eagerly anticipate the annual release of video game awards, eager to see which games will be recognized for their excellence. From the prestigious Game Developers Choice Awards (GDCA) to the more controversial People’s Choice Awards, these events provide us with a glimpse into the world of gaming and its most outstanding achievements. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at some of the main game awards and explore their winners, controversies, and future trends.
Game Developers Choice Awards (GDCA)
The Game Developers Choice Awards are one of the most prestigious awards in the gaming industry. They are chosen by a panel of over 500 game developers from around the world, who vote for the games they believe have made the biggest impact on the industry. The GDCA is divided into several categories, including:
* Game of the Year
* Best Art Direction
* Best Audio Direction
* Best Animation
* Best Performance
* Best Direction
* Best Multiplayer/Online Experience
* Best Mobile Game
* Best Handheld Game
- Best VR/AR Game
In recent years, some of the winners of the GDCA have included Red Dead Redemption 2, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Minecraft.
People’s Choice Awards
While the Game Developers Choice Awards are chosen by industry professionals, the People’s Choice Awards are chosen by gamers themselves. These awards are based on fan votes and are designed to give voice to the opinions of everyday players. The People’s Choice Awards include:
* Game of the Year
* Best Art Direction
* Best Animation
* Best Performance
* Best Multiplayer/Online Experience
* Best Mobile Game
* Best Handheld Game
- Best VR/AR Game
In recent years, some of the winners of the People’s Choice Awards have included Fortnite, Red Dead Redemption 2, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
The Escapist Games Awards
The Escapist Games Awards are another set of awards that recognize excellence in gaming. These awards are based on fan votes and cover a wide range of categories, including:
* Game of the Year
* Best Art Direction
* Best Animation
* Best Performance
* Best Multiplayer/Online Experience
* Best Mobile Game
* Best Handheld Game
- Best VR/AR Game
* Best Story
* Best Soundtrack
* Best Music Track
* Best Comic Book
* Best Novel
* Best Podcast
* Best Esports Team
* Best Esports Player
* Best Streamer
* Best Content Creator
In recent years, some of the winners of the Escapist Games Awards have included The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Life is Strange 2, and Overwatch.
Controversies Surrounding Game Awards
While game awards are designed to recognize excellence in gaming, they are not without controversy. Some of the most notable controversies surrounding game awards include:
- Vote manipulation: In recent years, there have been allegations that some game awards have been influenced by vote manipulation or other forms of cheating. This has led to calls for greater transparency and oversight in the voting process.
- Political bias: Some gamers have accused game award organizations of being politically biased and favoring certain games over others based on their political leanings.
- Subjectivity: Game awards are ultimately subjective and can be influenced by personal biases and preferences. This has led to criticism that some games are