The Game Awards 2025 have concluded with Sandfall Interactive’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 dominating the event. Not only did this acclaimed RPG secure the prestigious Game of the Year award, but it also triumphed in eight other categories, including Best Art Direction, Best Music, and Best Narrative. This remarkable achievement not only made Expedition 33 the standout success of the year but also the most awarded game in the history of The Game Awards.
Since the inception of The Game Awards in 2014, a total of 12 games have been honored with the Game of the Year title. These winners represent a mix of critically acclaimed masterpieces and titles that have not aged as gracefully. With Expedition 33 joining this elite group, it’s time to rank all 12 Game of the Year winners from worst to best, examining how they compare to one another.
The Evolution of Excellence: Ranking GOTY Winners
12. Dragon Age: Inquisition
The inaugural Game of the Year winner at The Game Awards, Dragon Age: Inquisition, finds itself at the bottom of this list. While it’s not a poor game by any means, being the last truly great RPG from BioWare, it was quickly overshadowed by subsequent RPGs that pushed the genre forward. Released in a relatively weak year for video games, Inquisition adhered to a formula that had already been well-trodden by BioWare, placing it at the end of our ranking.
11. It Takes Two
It Takes Two was a surprise winner in 2021, triumphing over titles like Deathloop and Metroid Dread. Hazelight Studios’ co-op-centric game demonstrated that such experiences could be worthy of top honors. Despite its success, It Takes Two ranks lower due to its divisive storyline, which doesn’t quite match the narrative excellence of other winners. Nonetheless, it remains a standout co-op experience.
10. Astro Bot
Astro Bot is celebrated as one of the greatest platformers, offering stellar controls and ingenious level design. Released to commemorate 30 years of PlayStation, it serves as a nostalgic reminder of the genre’s prominence. While straightforward in nature, its simplicity doesn’t detract from its charm, making it a high point of the PS5 generation.
9. Overwatch
Blizzard Entertainment’s Overwatch revolutionized multiplayer gaming when it launched in 2016. Despite its transition to Overwatch 2 and some controversial decisions, the original game’s impact on hero-based shooters is undeniable. Its influence remains significant, even if its name has been somewhat diminished over time.
8. The Last of Us Part II
The Last of Us Part II was a divisive winner in 2020, with its narrative choices sparking ongoing debate. However, its polish and attention to detail are unparalleled. Naughty Dog’s dedication to crafting an immersive experience is evident in every aspect, from character models to gameplay improvements, solidifying its place as a remarkable achievement in gaming.
7. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Despite its record-breaking success at The Game Awards, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 ranks in the middle. Its turn-based combat, unique story, and phenomenal performances are commendable, but the games that follow have already cemented their status as all-time classics.
6. Baldur’s Gate 3
Larian Studios’ Baldur’s Gate 3 revitalized the Dungeons & Dragons universe, setting a new standard for RPGs. Its complexity and depth may deter some players, but its replayability and innovation make it a standout title. Despite being a hardcore RPG, it remains a landmark achievement in gaming.
5. God of War
God of War surprised many by winning over Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2018. Its narrative, combined with action-packed gameplay and a stunning Norse mythology setting, created an unforgettable experience. This victory reaffirmed Santa Monica Studio’s status as a leading developer.
4. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
FromSoftware’s Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice stands out for its unique combat system, requiring players to master its mechanics. Known for its challenging boss fights, Sekiro offers a satisfying experience for those who persevere. It remains one of the best action games of the past decade.
3. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt transformed CD Projekt Red into a household name. Its open-world design and RPG elements set a new benchmark for the genre. The game’s influence extends beyond gaming, contributing to the success of The Witcher TV series on Netflix.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild redefined the franchise with its focus on exploration and experimentation. Its open-world design has inspired countless games since its 2017 release, making it one of the most influential titles in recent history.
1. Elden Ring
FromSoftware’s Elden Ring is hailed as the pinnacle of action-adventure games. Building on the mechanics of the Dark Souls series, it expanded the open-world concept introduced by Breath of the Wild. With its spellbinding world and immersive gameplay, Elden Ring represents the height of gaming excellence since The Game Awards began.
Implications and Future Perspectives
The ranking of Game of the Year winners not only highlights the evolution of gaming but also underscores the diverse experiences that have shaped the industry. Each title, in its own way, has contributed to the medium’s growth and continues to influence future developments. As the gaming landscape evolves, the legacy of these winners will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of game developers and players alike.
