The Most Anticipated Categories in Every Game Awards Event

16 May 2025

If you're a gamer (or just an enthusiast of all things virtual), then you know that the gaming world has its own version of the Oscars—the Game Awards. Every year, this event rolls around and makes us all feel like kids on Christmas morning. The glitz, the glam, the "and the winner is" moments—it's all there. But let's be real: while the actual awards are cool, it's the categories themselves that get everyone talking. They're the heart of the excitement, the juicy core of every Game Awards event.

So, let’s pull up a gaming chair, grab some snacks, and dive into the most highly anticipated categories that keep gamers collectively holding their breath. Spoiler alert: we're going full nerd here.

1. Game of the Year (GOTY)

This is the big kahuna, the crown jewel, the mic-drop moment of every Game Awards event. If the Game Awards were a dinner party, GOTY is the host, the main event everyone came for—other awards are just the hors d'oeuvres.

Why is this category such a big deal? Because it’s not just about graphics or soundtracks; it’s about everything. A contender for this title needs to slap harder than a controller hitting the ground after a rage quit. It has to deliver on gameplay, innovation, story, and that je ne sais quoi that keeps players glued to their screens.

Think about past winners like The Last of Us Part II or Elden Ring—these games didn’t just set the bar; they launched it into orbit. Fans even argue over nominations for months like they’re defending their Ph.D. thesis. Seriously, if your favorite game doesn’t make the list, it feels personal.

2. Best Game Direction

This one’s for the visionaries—the folks who looked at a blank slate and thought, “You know what? I’m gonna turn this into something mind-blowing.” Best Game Direction is like the “Best Director” award in Hollywood, except instead of yelling “cut” on set, these masterminds coordinate intricate coding, level designs, and every detail that makes a game work.

What makes this category spicy? It’s all about rewarding risk-takers. The games that transport us to new dimensions (literally and figuratively) usually shine here. Think of titles like Death Stranding, which took the concept of delivering packages and made it existential. Yeah, it’s weird—but that’s why it stood out.

3. Best Narrative

Who says video games can’t tell incredible stories? I mean, sure, sometimes you’re too busy dodging bullets to notice the dialogue, but when a game nails its narrative, it’s like reading a novel you can actually interact with.

This category is for the tear-jerkers, the plot-twisters, and the tales that linger in your mind long after you've put the controller down. Red Dead Redemption 2, for example, isn’t just a game—it’s an emotional rollercoaster with cowboy hats.

Why does this category slap so hard? Because it proves games aren’t just entertainment; they’re art. And let’s face it, we all love a good “feels trip,” don’t we?

4. Best Art Direction

Okay, be honest—how many times have you paused a game just to gape at the scenery? Whether it’s an alien world bathed in neon or a medieval castle dripping in gothic vibes, the artistry of a game can blow your mind.

This category is for those jaw-dropping visuals that make you say, “How the heck did they even create this?” Games like Ori and the Will of the Wisps and Ghost of Tsushima have won this award not because they’re photorealistic, but because they’re beautiful.

Art direction isn’t just about looking pretty—it’s about creating a vibe, an atmosphere, a world you want to get lost in. And honestly? We’d live in some of these virtual realms if we could.

5. Best Soundtrack (Music)

Let’s talk tunes. Ever notice how some games hit different when the music is just right? Whether it’s an epic orchestral score or a techno beat that gets your blood pumping, a killer soundtrack can make a game unforgettable.

This category celebrates the composers who know how to strike all the right chords. Games like Doom Eternal (shoutout to Mick Gordon for those gnarly metal riffs) or Final Fantasy VII Remake have owned this category because they turn music into a weapon of mass immersion.

Fun fact: Some fans listen to these soundtracks while working out or driving—proof that game music slaps harder than your average Spotify playlist.

6. Best Multiplayer Game

If you’ve ever screamed at your friends over voice chat, you know this category matters. Best Multiplayer Game is where competition meets camaraderie, where betrayal in Among Us can ruin friendships (or strengthen them, depending on your moral compass).

This category is all about games that bring people together—sometimes to collaborate, sometimes to duke it out. Titles like Call of Duty: Warzone and Fortnite have dominated this space, proving that multiplayer games aren’t just games—they’re social hubs.

Pro tip: Winning “Best Multiplayer” gives a game instant clout. It’s like earning a badge that says, “Yeah, people can’t stop playing me.”

7. Best Indie Game

Ah, indie games—the underdogs of the gaming world. This category is where creativity shines, unburdened by billion-dollar budgets or massive corporations.

Every year, there’s that one indie darling that steals everyone’s hearts. Remember Hades? It didn’t just win awards; it won over gamers with its charming characters, flawless mechanics, and sheer vibe.

Why does this category matter? Because it proves you don’t need flashy graphics or AAA marketing to make a lasting impact. Often, indie titles bring fresh ideas to the table that leave even the big shots sweating.

8. Most Anticipated Game

This award might as well be called the “Hype Machine Award” because it’s all about what’s coming next. Gamers are natural hype-ologists, dissecting every trailer, teaser, and rumor like they’re studying for finals.

This category doesn’t honor what’s already out but what’s on the horizon. Think of games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom or Starfield—titles that had fans frothing at the mouth months (if not years) before release.

And when the most anticipated game finally drops? You better believe the world collectively loses its mind. This category is like the trailer before the blockbuster movie—it sets the stage for something epic.

9. Best Ongoing Game

Games that keep evolving deserve their moment in the spotlight, too. This award celebrates titles that refuse to fade away, constantly adding new content and keeping their communities hooked.

Think of games like Fortnite, Destiny 2, or Apex Legends. These aren’t just games; they’re living, breathing ecosystems. With new expansions, events, and updates rolling out all the time, they manage to pull players back in even years after launch.

It’s like a long-term relationship—but, you know, with a game.

10. Best Esports Game

Last but not least, let’s talk esports. This category is for the games that pack stadiums, break Twitch records, and turn regular players into rockstars. Titles like League of Legends, CS:GO, and Valorant have cemented themselves as staples in this space.

What makes a great esports game? Balanced gameplay, a high skill ceiling, and that magical spectator appeal. If you’ve ever watched a nail-biting match on your screen and yelled, “HOW DID THEY EVEN DO THAT?!”, you’ve felt the magic of this category.

Plus, the esports community is insanely passionate. Winning this award basically solidifies a game’s place as a competitive juggernaut.

Final Thoughts

Every Game Awards event is like a buffet of excitement, and these categories are the tastiest dishes. Whether you're a fan of the emotional storytelling in narrative-driven games or the chaotic fun of multiplayer madness, there’s something for everyone. It’s a celebration of what makes gaming extraordinary and why we keep coming back for more.

So, the next time you’re tuning in to the Game Awards, keep an eye on these categories—they’re the beating heart of the show, the reason we scream at our screens in joy or outrage. And hey, maybe one day your favorite game will snag a win and validate all those hours you spent playing it.