NEWS  Games  December 9, 2023  Reading time: 3 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

In a grand spectacle of virtual realms and pixelated triumphs, Timothée Chalamet, renowned as the face of Wonka, unveiled the coveted Game of the Year at the pinnacle of the video game industry's premier awards gala in Los Angeles.

Baldur's Gate 3, the fantastical RPG woven from the threads of Dungeons and Dragons lore, claimed the spotlight, declared a magnum opus by its Belgian architects, Larian. A labor of passion, the epic RPG secured a dazzling six victories, encompassing best performance, best RPG, and the adoration of players.

 BALDUR'S GATE 3 - LARIAN 

Embracing an alter ego from his teenage years, Timothée, alias "ModdedController360," stepped into the gaming realm once more, reminiscing about his now-vanished YouTube channel that paid homage to vibrant gaming peripherals. Not merely content with the Game of the Year laurel, Baldur's Gate 3 secured a total of six accolades, crowning Neil Newbon, the performer behind the beloved Astarion, with the best performance award.

 IMAGE BY LARIAN 

The triumphs extended beyond the realms of fantasy, as the survival horror odyssey Alan Wake 2 clinched three trophies for its game direction, narrative, and artistry.

 ALAN WAKE 2 - REMEDY ENTERTAINMENT 

Diverse victories graced the ceremony, from The Last of Us TV series triumphing as the best adaptation to Cyberpunk 2077's recognition as the best ongoing game. The independent gaming frontier celebrated Cocoon as the best in its category. The gaming cosmos witnessed innovations, with Forza Motorsport earning acclaim for accessibility and Tchia emerging as the impactful game of the year in the action-adventure genre.

The contenders for the coveted Game of the Year included Super Mario Wonder, Spider-Man 2, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Alan Wake 2, and Resident Evil 4: Remake, each vying for the crown in the digital arena.

Beyond the accolades, The Game Awards served as a nexus of revelation, introducing enthusiasts to forthcoming titles. Exodus, a sci-fi RPG from Archetype Entertainment, teased a glimpse of its virtual universe, crafted by ex-Bioware visionaries. Hideo Kojima, a luminary in video game creation, shared a peek into OD (Overdose), a collaboration with the visionary director Jordan Peele.

 FINAL FANTASY VII: REBIRTH - SQUARE ENIX 

Reminiscent echoes of the past resounded with the revelation of a remake for the 2013 game Brothers: A Tale Of Two Sons. Meanwhile, spectacles like Hellblade 2: Senua's Saga and Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth (available for pre-order here) unfolded in captivating new vistas. The gaming tapestry expanded with a glimpse into Jurassic Park: Survival gameplay, coupled with the resurgence of classic franchises—Crazy Taxi and Jet Set Radio, announced by Sega.

Yet, amid the glitz and digital pageantry, the backdrop of the gaming industry's challenges cast a shadow. A year marked by waves of layoffs in gaming companies, including industry giants like Epic Games, Ubisoft Montreal, and Niantic, loomed large. Geoff Keighley's orchestration of The Game Awards, often lauded for its spectacle, faced criticism this year. The show's swift traversal through multiple awards, without granting winners their moment in the spotlight, drew ire, especially in a year when the industry weathered significant workforce challenges.

As the curtain fell on this gaming extravaganza, with 31 awards spanning audio design, best independent game, and innovations in accessibility, the industry's luminaries and fans alike absorbed the echoes of triumphs and the challenges resonating within the realms of code and creativity.

You can read the complete list of winners on the Game Awards Website.

 COVER IMAGE BY GAME AWARDS