What Makes a Game the “Best” in Game Awards?

29 May 2025

Let’s be honest—when it comes to game awards, the stakes are HIGH. I mean, we're not just talking about slapping a shiny trophy on a game box, are we? We’re talking about eternal bragging rights that developers will flex for years, fans will scream over on Reddit, and gamers will use to fuel endless arguments. But what exactly makes a game deserving of the title of “best” at any game awards? Is it just flashy graphics? A killer storyline? Or is it all about the vibes? Let’s break it down—because this debate is messier than your inventory after 20 hours of looting.

It’s More Than Just Graphics (So Chill, Visual Junkies)

Sure, we all LOVE eye-popping visuals. A game with stunning graphics feels like art in motion. Think of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild—the moment you step into its vast, beautifully crafted world, it’s like stepping into a watercolor painting. But let me spill the tea: graphics alone do NOT make a game award-worthy.

Why? Well, if pretty visuals were enough, then every game with a big budget would win. Games like Celeste and Undertale—with their pixel-art aesthetics—have proven that emotional depth and innovative gameplay can outshine AAA graphics. So yeah, graphics are the cherry on top, not the whole dang sundae.

Storytelling That’ll Punch You in Your Feelings

If a game doesn’t hit you right in the feels, is it even worth playing? Narrative-driven games are the heart and soul of countless Game of the Year winners. From the gut-wrenching storytelling in The Last of Us to the jaw-dropping twists in Bioshock, the best games make you feel something—and I’m not just talking about the frustration of dying 15 times in a boss fight.

Award-winning games embrace storytelling in all forms. It could be environmental storytelling (like in Dark Souls, where lore is woven into every creepy detail) or a cinematic experience with dialogue so sharp it feels like a movie (Red Dead Redemption 2, anyone?). One way or another, these games grab you by the heartstrings and don’t let go. They make you invest in their worlds, their characters, and sometimes, even their villains. (Looking at you, Vaas from Far Cry 3—you psychopath, you!)

Gameplay That Feels as Good as It Looks

Let’s not sugarcoat it: if a game doesn’t play well, it’s going to flop harder than a fish out of water. We gamers are picky, and we deserve gameplay mechanics that feel smooth, intuitive, and downright ADDICTIVE. In fact, some of the best award-winning games are praised for pushing boundaries and changing how we think about gameplay.

Take Portal, for example—a game that literally changed the physics puzzle genre forever. Or think about Hades, which made the repetitive roguelike formula fresh and exciting with smooth combat, evolving narrative, and a soundtrack that SLAPS. These games didn’t just recycle old ideas—they reinvented the wheel. And THAT’S what gets judges talking.

Soundtracks That Stay Glued to Your Brain

If you can hum it, it’s iconic. Period. A great soundtrack can elevate a game from “meh” to “chef’s kiss.” Just think about Skyrim. Can you even hear the word “Dovahkiin” without the epic main theme blaring in your head? Didn’t think so.

Sometimes it’s orchestral, sometimes it’s synth-heavy (shoutout to Cyberpunk 2077), and sometimes it’s just a heartbreaking piano melody (Journey, anyone?). Award-winning soundtracks don’t just fill the silence—they create moments. They make boss fights more intense, explorations more thrilling, and endings more memorable. Honestly, a killer soundtrack is like the seasoning on a perfectly cooked steak. Without it, something’s just… off.

Innovation That Blows Everyone’s Minds

Okay, here’s the thing: nothing screams “award-worthy” more than a game that flips the script. The gaming world loves a visionary. Whether it’s introducing a groundbreaking mechanic, blending genres, or creating something so fresh it makes the industry go, “Wait, what just happened?”

Take Minecraft, for instance. It’s a literal sandbox, and yet it changed gaming forever. Or Journey, which turned multiplayer into an emotional connection between strangers. These games are the trendsetters, the boundary-pushers, and the rebels of the industry. If there’s one thing judges L-O-V-E, it’s innovation.

Replayability That Keeps Us Coming Back

Some games are like a one-night stand: thrilling for a weekend but forgettable afterward. Award-winning games? They’re more like a soulmate. You keep coming back, year after year, because they’re just that good—and no matter how many times you replay them, they still hit the same.

Whether it’s new endings to discover, hidden content to unlock, or gameplay that’s just endlessly fun (Super Mario Odyssey, looking at you), replayability is key. Longevity MATTERS. Nobody wants a game that’s all hype and no substance.

Emotional Impact: Did It Change Your Life?

This might sound dramatic, but hey, video games are an art form. The best games don’t just entertain—they linger with you long after the credits roll. They’re the kind of experiences that make you sit in silence, staring at the screen, wondering if you’ll ever recover emotionally. (Red Dead Redemption 2 ending, I’m STILL not okay.)

Games that win big at awards ceremonies often have this magical ability to connect with players on a deep level. Whether it’s through their themes (like Celeste’s tackling of mental health) or their characters (Mass Effect squad mates are practically family at this point), these games leave a mark. And you know what? That’s what makes them unforgettable.

The Fan Factor (Yup, Gamers Have a Say)

Let’s not ignore the power of the players. Sure, game awards usually have “expert panels” made up of critics, developers, and industry bigwigs, but fan votes? Those matter, too. A LOT. In fact, fan hype can turn an underdog into an overnight sensation.

Think about Among Us. It didn’t blow up until YEARS after it was released, all thanks to players spreading the word like wildfire. Gamers dictate trends, and their undying passion (or rage) can heavily influence a game’s success. After all, if nobody’s talking about it, is it even award-worthy?

A Sprinkle of Luck (Yeah, I'm Serious)

Sometimes, timing is everything. A great game released during a dry spell (Elden Ring in 2022, for example) might sweep the awards simply because it dominates everyone’s attention. On the flip side, two amazing games coming out in the same year could mean one gets overshadowed (RIP Horizon Zero Dawn vs. Breath of the Wild).

Luck might not seem like a “skill,” but it’s definitely a factor. Timing, marketing, and even random occurrences (streamers making a game go viral overnight) can make or break a game’s shot at stardom.

What REALLY Makes a Game the “Best”?

If you’re still reading and waiting for me to hand you a one-size-fits-all formula, let me stop you right there. There IS no exact science to what makes a game the best at awards. It’s this delicious, complicated mix of art, innovation, fun, and emotional impact—wrapped up in a package that just feels right.

So the next time you’re watching the Game Awards and screaming at your TV because your favorite game didn’t win, just remember: it’s all subjective. But hey, isn’t that what makes gaming such a wild ride? No two players see it the same, and that’s the real beauty of it.