The Game Awards 2025 have concluded, with Sandfall Interactive’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 dominating the event. The acclaimed RPG not only secured the prestigious Game of the Year title for 2025 but also triumphed in eight additional categories, including Best Art Direction, Best Music, and Best Narrative. This 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 its inception in 2014, The Game Awards have crowned 12 titles as Game of the Year, each representing a pinnacle of gaming excellence. With Expedition 33 joining this illustrious group, it’s time to revisit and rank all 12 winners, evaluating their impact and legacy within the gaming industry.
The Evolution of Game of the Year Winners
The Game Awards have become a staple in the gaming calendar, akin to the Oscars for the film industry. Each year, the event highlights the best in video game development, storytelling, and innovation. The winners reflect not only the tastes and trends of the gaming community but also the technological and creative advancements within the industry.
12) Dragon Age: Inquisition (2014)
The inaugural Game of the Year winner, Dragon Age: Inquisition, holds a special place as the last major RPG from BioWare before the studio’s shift in focus. While it was a remarkable game at its release, it was quickly overshadowed by subsequent RPGs that pushed the genre forward. The year 2014 was notably weak for video games, which perhaps contributed to its win.
11) It Takes Two (2021)
Hazelight Studios’ It Takes Two surprised many by securing the Game of the Year title, defeating strong contenders like Deathloop and Metroid Dread. Its emphasis on cooperative gameplay marked a significant moment for co-op experiences. Despite its success, the game’s narrative remains divisive, which places it lower on this list.
10) Astro Bot (2024)
Astro Bot stands out as a celebration of PlayStation’s legacy, offering stellar platforming and ingenious design. Released to commemorate PlayStation’s 30th anniversary, it serves as a nostalgic reminder of the genre’s prominence. However, its straightforward nature means it lacks the depth seen in other winners.
9) Overwatch (2016)
Blizzard’s Overwatch revolutionized multiplayer shooters with its hero-based gameplay. Although its transition to Overwatch 2 in 2023 faced criticism, the original game’s impact on the genre is undeniable. It set the stage for a new wave of multiplayer experiences.
8) The Last of Us Part II (2020)
Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us Part II remains divisive due to its bold narrative choices. However, its technical achievements and gameplay enhancements solidify its status as one of the most polished games ever. The attention to detail and emotional depth continue to be praised.
7) Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (2025)
Expedition 33 captivated audiences with its unique story and top-notch combat. While it excelled in 2025, its placement reflects the enduring legacy of other titles on this list. Its success underscores the potential for future RPGs to innovate and captivate.
6) Baldur’s Gate 3 (2023)
Larian Studios revitalized the Baldur’s Gate series with a deep, immersive RPG experience. Set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, it redefined what D&D games could achieve. Despite its complexity, it remains a benchmark for RPG depth and replayability.
5) God of War (2018)
God of War surprised many by winning over Red Dead Redemption 2. Its narrative and gameplay innovations reinvigorated the franchise, showcasing Santa Monica Studio’s prowess. The game’s Norse mythology setting and emotional storytelling remain influential.
4) Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019)
FromSoftware’s Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice offered a fresh take on action games with its samurai setting and challenging combat. Its boss battles and gameplay mechanics set a new standard for the genre, earning it a deserved spot among the best.
3) The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)
The Witcher 3 transformed the series into a global phenomenon. Its open-world design and narrative depth set new standards for RPGs. The game’s influence extends beyond gaming, contributing to the success of The Witcher TV series.
2) The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)
Nintendo’s Breath of the Wild redefined open-world gaming with its emphasis on exploration and freedom. Its innovative design inspired countless games, cementing its legacy as one of the most influential titles of the century.
1) Elden Ring (2022)
Elden Ring represents the pinnacle of open-world design, combining FromSoftware’s signature gameplay with expansive exploration. Its world-building and depth have set a new benchmark for the genre. As the most acclaimed Game of the Year winner, it exemplifies the best of modern gaming.
The Impact and Legacy of Game of the Year Winners
Each Game of the Year winner at The Game Awards has contributed to the evolution of the gaming industry. These titles not only reflect the technological advancements of their time but also the changing tastes and expectations of gamers worldwide. As the industry continues to grow, future winners will undoubtedly build upon the foundations laid by these iconic games.
The Game Awards will continue to serve as a barometer for excellence in gaming, celebrating creativity, innovation, and storytelling. As new titles emerge, they will strive to join this prestigious list, each aiming to leave an indelible mark on the gaming landscape.
