The Game Critics Awards were a set of annual awards held after the E3 video game conference since 1998. The awards were given to products displayed at E3 with the title Best of E3 of their category. The 21st Annual Game Critics Awards was showcased for the final time in 2019, four years before E3 was permanently discontinued.

Format

The nominees and winners of the awards were chosen by individual judges representing 35 (as of 2011) major North American media outlets. The awards were given independently of the Expo's organizers.

Current categories

Note on "all systems" as platform: Because games shown at E3 may still be in development, the platforms for which the game is published might differ.

Best of Show

*2019: ''

Final Fantasy VII Remake is a 2020 action role-playing game developed and published by Square Enix for the PlayStation 4. It is the first in a planned trilogy of games remaking Square's '' Final Fantasy VII'' (1997), originally released for the PlayStation. An enhan ...

'' (for

PlayStation 4 The PlayStation 4 (PS4) is a home video game console developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Announced as the successor to the PlayStation 3 in February 2013, it was launched on November 15, 2013, in North America, November 29, 2013, in ...

) *2018: ''

Resident Evil 2 ''Resident Evil 2'' is a 1998 survival horror video game developed and published by Capcom for the PlayStation (console), PlayStation. The player controls rookie cop Leon S. Kennedy and college student Claire Redfield, who must escape Raccoon ...

'' (for PC,

and

Xbox One The Xbox One is a home video game console developed by Microsoft. Announced in May 2013, it is the successor to Xbox 360 and the third console in the Xbox#Consoles, Xbox series. It was first released in North America, parts of Europe, Austra ...

) *2017: ''

Super Mario Odyssey is a 2017 platform game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. An installment in the ''Super Mario'' series, it follows Mario and his new ally Cappy—a sentient hat—as they journey across various kingdoms to save Prince ...

'' (for

Switch In electrical engineering, a switch is an electrical component that can disconnect or connect the conducting path in an electrical circuit, interrupting the electric current or diverting it from one conductor to another. The most common type o ...

) *2016: '' The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild'' (for

Wii U The Wii U ( ) is a home video game console developed by Nintendo as the successor to the Wii. Released in late 2012, it is the first eighth-generation video game console and competed with Microsoft's Xbox One and Sony's PlayStation 4. The W ...

and Switch) *2015: ''

Fallout 4 ''Fallout 4'' is a 2015 action role-playing game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. It is the fourth main game in the ''Fallout'' series and was released worldwide on November 10, 2015, for Microsoft Windo ...

'' (for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One) *2014: '' Evolve'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2013: ''

Titanfall ''Titanfall'' is a media franchise that mainly features first-person shooter games. The series was created by Respawn Entertainment and debuted on Xbox and Microsoft Windows; it has expanded to other consoles and platforms. Gameplay In ''Titan ...

'' (for PC,

Xbox 360 The Xbox 360 is a home video game console developed by Microsoft. As the successor to the Xbox (console), original Xbox, it is the second console in the Xbox#Consoles, Xbox series. It was officially unveiled on MTV on May 12, 2005, with detail ...

and Xbox One) *2012: ''

The Last of Us ''The Last of Us'' is a 2013 action-adventure game developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. Players control Joel, a smuggler tasked with escorting a teenage girl, Ellie, across a post-apocalyptic United States ...

'' (for

PlayStation 3 The PlayStation 3 (PS3) is a home video game console developed and marketed by Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE). It is the successor to the PlayStation 2, and both are part of the PlayStation brand of consoles. The PS3 was first released on ...

) *2011: ''

BioShock Infinite ''BioShock Infinite'' is a first-person shooter video game developed by Irrational Games and published by 2K. The third installment of the ''BioShock'' series, ''Infinite'' was released worldwide for the PlayStation 3, Windows, Xbox 360, a ...

'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360) *2010:

Nintendo 3DS The is a foldable dual-screen handheld game console produced by Nintendo. Announced in March 2010 as the successor to the Nintendo DS, the console was released originally on February 26, 2011 and went through various revisions in its lifetime, ...

*2009: '' Uncharted 2: Among Thieves'' (for PlayStation 3) *2008: ''

Fallout 3 ''Fallout 3'' is a 2008 action role-playing game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. The third major installment in the ''Fallout'' series, it is the first game to be developed by Bethesda after acquiring ...

'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2007: ''

Rock Band ''Rock Band'' is a series of rhythm games first released in 2007 and developed by Harmonix. Based on their previous development work from the Guitar Hero, ''Guitar Hero'' series, the main ''Rock Band'' games have players use game controllers mod ...

'' (for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360) *2006:

Wii The Wii ( ) is a home video game console developed and marketed by Nintendo. It was released on November 19, 2006, in North America, and in December 2006 for most other regions of the world. It is Nintendo's fifth major home game console, f ...

*2005: ''

Spore In biology, a spore is a unit of sexual reproduction, sexual (in fungi) or asexual reproduction that may be adapted for biological dispersal, dispersal and for survival, often for extended periods of time, in unfavourable conditions. Spores fo ...

'' (for PC and

Mac Mac or MAC may refer to: Common meanings * Mac (computer), a line of personal computers made by Apple Inc. * Mackintosh, a raincoat made of rubberized cloth * Mac, a prefix to surnames derived from Gaelic languages * McIntosh (apple), a Canadi ...

) *2004:

PlayStation Portable The PlayStation Portable (PSP) is a handheld game console developed and marketed by Sony Interactive Entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment. It was first released in Japan on December 12, 2004, in North America on March 24, 2005, and in PA ...

*2003: ''

Half-Life 2 ''Half-Life 2'' is a 2004 first-person shooter game developed and published by Valve Corporation. It was published for Windows on Valve's digital distribution service, Steam. Like the original ''Half-Life'' (1998), ''Half-Life 2'' is played ent ...

'' (for PC) *2002: ''

Doom 3 ''Doom 3'' is a 2004 first-person shooter, first-person shooter game developed by id Software and published by Activision. ''Doom 3'' was originally released for Microsoft Windows on August 3, 2004, adapted for Linux later that year, and Vide ...

'' (for PC) *2001:

GameCube The is a PowerPC-based home video game console developed and marketed by Nintendo. It was released in Japan on September 14, 2001, in North America on November 18, 2001, in Europe on May 3, 2002, and in Australia on May 17, 2002. It is the suc ...

*2000: '' Black & White'' (for PC) *1999: ''

Freelancer ''Freelance'' (sometimes spelled ''free-lance'' or ''free lance''), ''freelancer'', or ''freelance worker'', are terms commonly used for a person who is self-employed and not necessarily committed to a particular employer long-term. Freelance w ...

'' (for PC)

Best Original Game

*2019: ''

The Outer Worlds ''The Outer Worlds'' is a 2019 action role-playing game developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Private Division. Set in an alternate future, the game takes place in Halcyon, a distant star system colonized by megacorporations. In ...

'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2018: ''

Dreams A dream is a succession of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations that usually occur involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep. Humans spend about two hours dreaming per night, and each dream lasts around 5–20 minutes, althou ...

'' (for PlayStation 4) *2017: ''

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Mario (; ) is a character created by the Japanese game designer Shigeru Miyamoto. He is the star of the ''Mario'' franchise, a recurring character in the ''Donkey Kong'' franchise, and the mascot of the Japanese video game company Nintendo. ...

'' (for Switch) *2016: ''

Horizon Zero Dawn ''Horizon Zero Dawn'' is a 2017 action role-playing game developed by Guerrilla Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment for the PlayStation 4. A port to Windows was released in 2020 as the first in a series of PlayStation exclusi ...

'' (for PlayStation 4) *2015: ''

'' (for PlayStation 4) *2014: ''

No Man's Sky ''No Man's Sky'' is an Action-adventure game, action-adventure survival game developed and published by Hello Games. It was released worldwide for the PlayStation 4 and Windows in August 2016, for Xbox One in July 2018, for the PlayStation 5 an ...

'' (for PlayStation 4) *2013: ''

'' (for PC, Xbox 360, and Xbox One) *2012: ''

'' (for PlayStation 3) *2011: ''

'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2010: ''

Dance Central ''Dance Central'' is a series of rhythm games developed by Harmonix, creators of the ''Guitar Hero'' and ''Rock Band'' video game series. Series ''Dance Central'' (2010) ''Dance Central'' was released exclusively for the Xbox 360 and was a l ...

'' (for Xbox 360) *2009: ''

Scribblenauts ''Scribblenauts'' is a series of Action game, action Puzzle video game, puzzle video games primarily developed by independent studio 5th Cell. The series is owned and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The first game in the seri ...

'' (for

Nintendo DS The is a foldable handheld game console produced by Nintendo, released globally across 2004 and 2005. The DS, an initialism for "Developers' System" or "Dual Screen", introduced distinctive new features to handheld games: two LCD screens worki ...

) *2008: ''

Mirror's Edge ''Mirror's Edge'' is a 2008 action-adventure platform game developed by DICE and published by Electronic Arts. The game was released for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in November 2008, and for Windows in January 2009. Set in a near-future city, i ...

'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2007: ''

LittleBigPlanet ''LittleBigPlanet'' (''LBP''; stylised as ''LittleBIGPlanet'') is a Puzzle video game, puzzle platform video game series created and produced by British developer Media Molecule and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Most games in th ...

'' (for PlayStation 3) *2006: ''

'' (for PC) *2005: ''Spore'' (for PC) *2004: ''

Donkey Kong Jungle Beat is a 2004 platform game, platform and Score (game), score-attack game developed and published by Nintendo for the GameCube. It follows the gorilla Donkey Kong (character), Donkey Kong as he sets out to defeat a series of evil kings to conquer t ...

'' (for

) *2003: ''

Full Spectrum Warrior ''Full Spectrum Warrior'' is a real-time tactics video game developed by Pandemic Studios and published by THQ for Xbox, Microsoft Windows and PlayStation 2. A sequel titled '' Full Spectrum Warrior: Ten Hammers'' was later released. Gameplay ...

'' (for PC and

Xbox Xbox is a video gaming brand that consists of four main home video game console lines, as well as application software, applications (games), the streaming media, streaming service Xbox Cloud Gaming, and online services such as the Xbox networ ...

) *2002: ''

Psychonauts ''Psychonauts'' is a 2005 platformer, platform game developed by Double Fine Productions and published by Majesco Entertainment for Microsoft Windows, Xbox (console), Xbox and PlayStation 2. Set in a Retrofuturism, retro-futuristic version of t ...

'' (for Xbox)2002 winners
/ref> *2001: '' Majestic'' (for PC) *2000: '' Black & White'' (for PC) *1999: '' Black & White'' (for PC)

Best Console Game

*2019: ''

'' (for PlayStation 4) *2018: ''

Spider-Man Spider-Man is a superhero in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, he first appearance, first appeared in the anthology comic book ''Amazing Fantasy'' #15 (August 1962) in ...

'' (for PlayStation 4) *2017: ''

'' (for Switch) *2016: '' The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild'' (for Wii U and Switch) *2015: '' Uncharted 4: A Thief's End'' (for PlayStation 4) *2014: '' Evolve'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2013: ''

'' (for Xbox 360 and Xbox One) *2012: ''

'' (for PlayStation 3) *2011: '' The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim'' (for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC) *2010: ''

Rage Rage may refer to: * Rage (emotion), an intense form of anger Games * Rage (collectible card game), a collectible card game * Rage (trick-taking card game), a commercial variant of the card game Oh Hell * ''Rage'' (video game), a 2011 first- ...

'' (for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360) *2009: '' Uncharted 2: Among Thieves'' (for PlayStation 3) *2008: ''

'' (for PlayStation 3) *2007: ''

Mass Effect ''Mass Effect'' is a military science fiction media franchise created by Casey Hudson. The franchise depicts a distant future where humanity and several alien civilizations have colonized the galaxy using technology left behind by Elder race, a ...

'' (for Xbox 360) *2006: ''

Gears of War ''Gears of War'' (also referred to as ''Gears'') is a media franchise centered on a series of video games created by Epic Games, developed and managed by The Coalition (company), The Coalition, and owned and published by Xbox Game Studios. The ...

'' (for Xbox 360) *2005: '' The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'' (for GameCube) *2004: ''

Halo 2 ''Halo 2'' is a 2004 first-person shooter video game developed by Bungie and published by Microsoft Game Studios for the Xbox console. ''Halo 2'' is the second installment in the ''Halo'' franchise and the sequel to 2001's critically acclai ...

'' (for Xbox) *2003: ''Halo 2'' (for Xbox) *2002: '' The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker'' (for GameCube) *2001: '' Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty'' (for

PlayStation 2 The PlayStation 2 (PS2) is a home video game console developed and marketed by Sony Interactive Entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment. It was first released in Japan on 4 March 2000, in North America on 26 October, in Europe on 24 Novembe ...

) *2000: ''

Jet Grind Radio (originally released in North America as ''Jet Grind Radio'') is a 2000 action game developed by Smilebit and published by Sega for the Dreamcast. The player controls a member of a youth gang, the GG's, as they use inline skates to traverse T ...

'' (for

Dreamcast The is the final home video game console manufactured by Sega. It was released in Japan on November 27, 1998, in North America on September 9, 1999 and in Europe on October 14, 1999. It was the first sixth-generation video game console, prec ...

) *1999: ''

Perfect Dark ''Perfect Dark'' is a 2000 first-person shooter developed and published by Rare for the Nintendo 64. The first game of the '' Perfect Dark'' series, it follows Joanna Dark, an agent of the Carrington Institute research centre, as she attempts ...

'' (for

Nintendo 64 The (N64) is a home video game console developed and marketed by Nintendo. It was released in Japan on June 23, 1996, in North America on September 29, 1996, and in Europe and Australia on March 1, 1997. As the successor to the Super Nintendo E ...

) *1998: ''

Metal Gear Solid is a franchise of stealth games created by Hideo Kojima. Developed and published by Konami, the first game, ''Metal Gear'', was released in 1987 for MSX home computers. The player often takes control of a special forces operative (usually S ...

'' (for

PlayStation is a video gaming brand owned and produced by Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), a division of Japanese conglomerate Sony. Its flagship products consists of a series of home video game consoles produced under the brand; it also consists ...

)

Best PC Game

*2019: ''

Doom Eternal ''Doom Eternal'' is a 2020 first-person shooter game developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks. The sequel to '' Doom'' (2016), and the seventh game in the ''Doom'' series, it was released for PlayStation 4, Stadia, Wind ...

'' *2018: ''

Anthem An anthem is a musical composition of celebration, usually used as a symbol for a distinct group, particularly the national anthems of countries. Originally, and in music theory and religious contexts, it also refers more particularly to sho ...

'' *2017: ''

Destiny 2 ''Destiny 2'' is a free-to-play online first-person shooter video game developed by Bungie. It was originally released as a pay-to-play game in 2017 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows. It became free-to-play, utilizing the games as a se ...

'' *2016: ''

Civilization VI ''Sid Meier's Civilization VI'' is a 2016 4X turn-based strategy video game developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K (company), 2K. The mobile and Nintendo Switch ports were published by Aspyr Media. It is the sequel to ''Civilization V'' ...

'' *2015: ''

'' *2014: ''

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege ''Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege'' is a 2015 tactical shooter game developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft. The game puts heavy emphasis on environmental destruction and cooperation between players. Each player assumes control o ...

'' *2013: ''

'' *2012: '' XCOM: Enemy Unknown'' *2011: ''

'' *2010: ''

Portal 2 ''Portal 2'' is a 2011 puzzle-platform game developed by Valve for Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. The digital PC versions are distributed online by Valve's Steam service, while all retail editions are distributed by Elect ...

'' *2009: '' Star Wars: The Old Republic'' *2008: ''

'' *2007: ''

Crysis ''Crysis'' is a first-person shooter video game series created by Crytek. The series revolves around a group of military protagonists with " nanosuits", technologically advanced suits of armor that give them enhanced physical strength, speed, ...

'' *2006: ''Spore'' *2005: ''Spore'' *2004: '' Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory'' *2003: ''

'' *2002: ''

'' *2001: ''

Star Wars Galaxies ''Star Wars Galaxies'' (''Galaxies'') is a discontinued '' Star Wars-''themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) for Microsoft Windows, developed by Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) and published by LucasArts. The open worl ...

'' *2000: '' Black & White'' *1999: ''

'' *1998: ''

Half-Life Half-life is a mathematical and scientific description of exponential or gradual decay. Half-life, half life or halflife may also refer to: Film * Half-Life (film), ''Half-Life'' (film), a 2008 independent film by Jennifer Phang * ''Half Life: ...

Best Handheld Game

*2017: '' Metroid: Samus Returns'' (for Nintendo 3DS) *2015: '' The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes'' (for Nintendo 3DS) *2014: '' Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' (for Nintendo 3DS) *2013: '' Tearaway'' (for

PlayStation Vita The PlayStation Vita (PS Vita) is a handheld game console developed and marketed by Sony Computer Entertainment. It was first released in Japan on December 17, 2011, then in other international territories on February 22, 2012, and was produced ...

) *2012: ''Sound Shapes'' (for PlayStation Vita) *2011: ''

Sound Shapes ''Sound Shapes'' is a 2012 music platform video game developed by Queasy Games and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita. It was originally released in 2012 and a port for the PlayStation 4 was re ...

'' (for PlayStation Vita) *2010: '' God of War: Ghost of Sparta'' (for

) *2009: ''

'' (for Nintendo DS) *2008: '' Resistance: Retribution'' (for PlayStation Portable) *2007: '' The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass'' (for Nintendo DS) *2006: ''The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass'' (for Nintendo DS) *2005: ''

Nintendogs (stylized in all lowercase) is a 2005 real-time pet simulation video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS handheld video game console. It was released in Japan, and was later released in: North America, Australia, New ...

'' (for Nintendo DS)

Best Peripheral/Hardware

*2019: Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 *2018:

Xbox Adaptive Controller The Xbox Adaptive Controller (XAC) is a video game controller designed by Microsoft for Windows PCs and the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S video game consoles. The controller was designed for people with disabilities to help make user input for v ...

*2017:

Xbox One X The Xbox One is a home video game console developed by Microsoft. Announced in May 2013, it is the successor to Xbox 360 and the third console in the Xbox series. It was first released in North America, parts of Europe, Australia, and South ...

*2016:

PlayStation VR The PlayStation VR (PS VR) is a virtual reality headset developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment, which was released in October 2016. The headset works with the company's PlayStation 4 video game console and is forward compatible with PlaySta ...

*2015:

Oculus Touch Oculus Touch is a line of motion controller systems used by Meta Platforms (formerly Oculus) virtual reality headsets. The controller was first introduced in 2016 as a standalone accessory for the Oculus Rift CV1, and began to be bundled with the ...

*2014:

Oculus Rift Oculus Rift is a discontinued line of virtual reality headsets, virtual reality headsets developed and manufactured by Oculus VR, a virtual reality company founded by Palmer Luckey that is widely credited with reviving the virtual reality indust ...

*2013:

*2012:

*2011:

*2010:

*2009:

Project Natal Kinect is a discontinued line of motion sensing input devices produced by Microsoft and first released in 2010. The devices generally contain RGB cameras, and infrared projectors and detectors that map depth through either structured light or ...

(for Xbox 360) *2008: ''

Rock Band 2 ''Rock Band 2'' is a 2008 rhythm game developed by Harmonix, published by MTV Games, and distributed by Electronic Arts. It is the sequel to ''Rock Band (video game), Rock Band'' (2007) and the second installment in the Rock Band, ''Rock Band ' ...

'' Ion "Drum Rocker" Set *2007: ''

'' instruments *2006:

*2005:

*2004:

*2003:

EyeToy The EyeToy is a color webcam for use with the PlayStation 2. Supported games use computer vision and gesture recognition to process images taken by the EyeToy. This allows players to interact with the games using motion, color detection, and als ...

(for PlayStation 2) *2002:

WaveBird Wireless Controller The WaveBird Wireless Controller (stylized as WAVEBIRD, commonly shortened to WaveBird or WaveBird controller) is a radio frequency-based wireless controller manufactured by Nintendo for use with the GameCube home video game console. Its name is ...

(for GameCube) *2001: (PC)

Nvidia Nvidia Corporation ( ) is an American multinational corporation and technology company headquartered in Santa Clara, California, and incorporated in Delaware. Founded in 1993 by Jensen Huang (president and CEO), Chris Malachowsky, and Curti ...

GeForce 3 The GeForce 3 series (NV20) is the third generation of Nvidia's GeForce line of graphics processing units (GPUs). Introduced in February 2001, it advanced the GeForce architecture by adding programmable pixel and vertex shaders, multisample ant ...

*2001: (Console)

*2000: (PC) nVidia

GeForce 2 The GeForce 2 series (NV15) is the second generation of Nvidia's GeForce line of graphics processing units (GPUs). Introduced in 2000, it is the successor to the GeForce 256. The GeForce 2 family comprised a number of models. The ''GeForce 2 GT ...

*2000: (Console)

*1999: (PC) Nvidia

RIVA TNT2 The RIVA TNT2 is a graphics processing unit manufactured by Nvidia starting in early 1999. The chip is codenamed "NV5" because it is the 5th graphics chip design by Nvidia, succeeding the RIVA TNT (NV4). RIVA is an acronym for ''Real-time Interac ...

*1999: (Console)

*1998: Microsoft SideWinder Freestyle Pro

Best Action Game

*2019: ''

'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, Stadia, and Xbox One) *2018: ''

'' (for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One) *2017: '' Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2016: ''

Battlefield 1 ''Battlefield 1'' is a 2016 first-person shooter game developed by DICE and published by Electronic Arts. It is the tenth installment in the ''Battlefield'' series and the first main entry in the series since ''Battlefield 4'' in 2013. It was ...

'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2015: ''

Star Wars Battlefront ''Star Wars: Battlefront'' is a series of first- and third-person shooter video games based on the ''Star Wars'' franchise. Players take the role of characters from the franchise in either of two opposing factions in different time periods o ...

'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2014: '' Evolve'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2013: ''

'' (for PC, Xbox 360, and Xbox One) *2012: ''

Halo 4 ''Halo 4'' is a 2012 first-person shooter video game developed by 343 Industries and published by Xbox Game Studios, Microsoft Studios for the Xbox 360 video game console. ''Halo 4''s story follows a Human genetic enhancement, genetically enha ...

'' (for Xbox 360) *2011: ''

Battlefield 3 ''Battlefield 3'' is a 2011 first-person shooter game developed by DICE and published by Electronic Arts. It is the sixth main installment in the '' Battlefield'' series and a follow-up to '' Battlefield 2'' (2005). The game was released on Micr ...

'' (for PC) *2010: ''

'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2009: '' Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2008: ''

Gears of War 2 ''Gears of War 2'' is a 2008 third-person shooter video game developed by Epic Games and published by Xbox Game Studios, Microsoft Game Studios for the Xbox 360. It is the second installment of the Gears of War, ''Gears of War'' series, with le ...

'' (for Xbox 360) *2007: '' Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2006: ''

'' (for Xbox 360) *2005: ''

F.E.A.R. ''F.E.A.R.'' is a first-person shooter Horror game#Psychological horror, psychological horror video game series created by Craig Hubbard in 2005. Released on Microsoft Windows, Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360, there are three main games i ...

'' (for PC) *2004: ''

'' (for Xbox) *2003: ''

'' (for PC) *2002: ''

'' (for PC) *2001: '' Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader'' (for GameCube) *2000: '' Halo: Combat Evolved'' (for PC) *1999: ''

Team Fortress 2 ''Team Fortress 2'' (''TF2'') is a Multiplayer video game, multiplayer first-person shooter game developed and published by Valve Corporation in 2007. It is the sequel to the 1996 ''Team Fortress'' Mod (video gaming), mod for ''Quake (video g ...

'' (for PC) *1998: ''

'' (for PC)

Best Action/Adventure Game

*2019: '' Watch Dogs: Legion'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, Stadia, and Xbox One) *2018: ''

'' (for PlayStation 4) *2017: ''

'' (for Switch) *2016: '' The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild'' (for Wii U and Switch) *2015: '' Uncharted 4: A Thief's End'' (for PlayStation 4) *2014: '' Batman: Arkham Knight'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2013: ''

Watch Dogs ''Watch Dogs'' (stylized as ''WATCH_DOGS'') is an action-adventure video game franchise published by Ubisoft, and developed primarily by its Montreal and Toronto studios using the Disrupt game engine. The series' eponymous first title was rele ...

'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Wii U) *2012: ''

'' (for PlayStation 3) *2011: ''

'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2010: ''

'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2009: '' Uncharted 2: Among Thieves'' (for PlayStation 3) *2008: ''

Dead Space ''Dead Space'' is a science fiction horror franchise created and directed by Glen Schofield. ''Dead Space'' was developed by Visceral Games and published and owned by Electronic Arts. The franchise's chronology is not presented in a linear format ...

'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2007: ''

BioShock ''BioShock'' is a 2007 first-person shooter video game developed by 2K Boston (later Irrational Games) and 2K Australia, and published by 2K. The first game in the ''BioShock'' series, it was released for Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360 ...

'' (for Xbox 360) *2006: ''

Assassin’s Creed ''Assassin's Creed'' is a historical fiction, historical action-adventure video game series and media franchise published by Ubisoft and developed mainly by its studio Ubisoft Montreal using the game engine Anvil (game engine), Anvil and its m ...

'' (for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360) *2005: '' The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'' (for GameCube) *2004: '' Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory'' (for PC) *2003: '' Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time'' (for multiple systems) *2002: ''

Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell ''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell'' is a series of stealth action-adventure video games, the first of which was released in 2002, and their tie-in novels that were endorsed by Tom Clancy. The series follows Sam Fisher, a highly trained agent of a f ...

'' (for multiple systems) *2001: '' Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty'' (for PlayStation 2) *2000: ''

Escape from Monkey Island ''Escape from Monkey Island'' is an adventure game developed and released by LucasArts in 2000. It is the fourth game in the '' Monkey Island'' series, and the sequel to the 1997 videogame '' The Curse of Monkey Island''. It is the first game in ...

'' (for PC) *1999: ''

Oni An ( ) is a kind of ''yōkai'', demon, orc, ogre, or troll in Japanese folklore. They are believed to live in caves or deep in the mountains or in hell. Oni are known for their superhuman strength and have been associated with powers like th ...

'' (for PC) *1998: ''

Grim Fandango ''Grim Fandango'' is a 1998 adventure game directed by Tim Schafer and developed and published by LucasArts for Microsoft Windows. It is the first adventure game by LucasArts to use 3D computer graphics overlaid on pre-rendered static backgro ...

'' (for PC)

Best Role Playing Game

*2019: ''

'' (for PlayStation 4) *2018: ''

Kingdom Hearts III is a 2019 action role-playing game developed and published by Square Enix for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, and Nintendo Switch. It is the third main installment in the '' Kingdom Hearts'' series and the twelfth game overall, and ser ...

'' (for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One) *2017: '' Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom'' (for PC and PlayStation 4) *2016: ''

Final Fantasy XV is a 2016 action role-playing game developed and published by Square Enix. The fifteenth main installment of the ''Final Fantasy'' series, it was released for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in November 2016, Windows in March 2018, and as a lau ...

'' (for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One) *2015: ''

'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2014: '' Dragon Age: Inquisition'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One) *2013: ''

The Elder Scrolls Online ''The Elder Scrolls Online'', abbreviated ''ESO'', is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by ZeniMax Online Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. The game is a part of the '' Elder Scrolls'' series. It was ...

'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2012: '' South Park: The Stick of Truth'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2011: '' The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2010: '' Star Wars: The Old Republic'' (for PC) *2009: ''

Mass Effect 2 ''Mass Effect 2'' is a 2010 action role-playing game developed by BioWare and published by Microsoft Game Studios and Electronic Arts. It was released for Windows and the Xbox 360 in January 2010, as well as the PlayStation 3 the following ye ...

'' (for PC and Xbox 360) *2008: ''

'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2007: ''

'' (for Xbox 360) *2006: ''Mass Effect'' (for Xbox 360) *2005: '' The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion'' (for PC and Xbox 360) *2004: ''

Jade Empire ''Jade Empire'' is an action role-playing game developed by BioWare, originally published by Microsoft Game Studios in 2005 as an Xbox exclusive. It was later ported to Microsoft Windows personal computers (PC) and published by 2K in 2007. ...

'' (for Xbox) *2003: ''

Fable Fable is a literary genre defined as a succinct fictional story, in prose or verse, that features animals, legendary creatures, plants, inanimate objects, or forces of nature that are anthropomorphized, and that illustrates or leads to a parti ...

'' (for Xbox) *2002: ''

Neverwinter Nights ''Neverwinter Nights'' is a series of video games developed by BioWare and Obsidian Entertainment, based on the ''Forgotten Realms'' campaign setting of the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' role-playing game. Aside from also being set around the city Nev ...

'' (for PC) *2001: ''Neverwinter Nights'' (for PC) *2000: ''Neverwinter Nights'' (for PC) *1999: '' Vampire: The Masquerade – Redemption'' (for PC) *1998: ''

Baldur's Gate ''Baldur's Gate'' is a series of role-playing video games set in the Forgotten Realms '' Dungeons & Dragons'' campaign setting. The series has been divided into two sub-series, known as the ''Bhaalspawn Saga'' and the ''Dark Alliance'', both t ...

'' (for PC)

Best Racing Game

*2019: ''

Crash Team Racing ''Crash Team Racing'' (stylized as ''CTR: Crash Team Racing'') is a 1999 kart racing game developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation. It is the fourth installment in the ''Crash Bandicoot'' series ...

'' (for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and Xbox One) *2018: ''

Forza Horizon 4 ''Forza Horizon 4'' is a 2018 racing video game developed by Playground Games and published by Microsoft Studios. It was released on 2 October 2018 for Windows and Xbox One after being announced at Xbox's E3 2018 conference. An enhanced versio ...

'' (for PC and Xbox One) *2017: ''

Forza Motorsport 7 ''Forza Motorsport 7'' is a 2017 racing video game developed by Turn 10 Studios and published by Microsoft Studios, serving as the tenth installment in the '' Forza'' series. It was released on Windows 10 and the Xbox One family of consoles on ...

'' (for PC and Xbox One) *2016: ''

Forza Horizon 3 ''Forza Horizon 3'' is a 2016 racing video game developed by Playground Games and published by Microsoft Studios for the Xbox One and Windows. It is the ninth instalment in the ''Forza'' series and the third instalment in the ''Forza Horizon'' ...

'' (for PC and Xbox One) *2015: ''

Need for Speed ''Need for Speed'' (''NFS'') is a racing game franchise published by Electronic Arts and currently developed by Criterion Games (the developers of the ''Burnout'' series). Most entries in the series are generally arcade racing games centered ...

'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2014: '' The Crew'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Xbox 360) *2013: ''

Need for Speed Rivals ''Need for Speed Rivals'' is a 2013 racing video game developed in collaboration between EA Gothenburg, Ghost Games and Criterion Games, and published by Electronic Arts. It is the twentieth installment in the ''Need for Speed'' series, and the ...

'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox) *2012: '' Need for Speed: Most Wanted'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2011: ''

Forza Motorsport 4 ''Forza Motorsport 4'' is a 2011 racing video game developed by Turn 10 Studios and published by Microsoft Studios for the Xbox 360. It is the fourth installment in the ''Forza'' series. It is the first title in the series to support the Kinect ...

'' (for Xbox 360) *2010: '' Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2009: '' Split/Second'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2008: '' Pure'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2007: ''

Burnout Paradise ''Burnout Paradise'' is a 2008 racing video game developed by Criterion Games and published by Electronic Arts for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows. It was also released on the PlayStation Store and via Xbox Live Marketplace's Games ...

'' (for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360) *2006: '' Excite Truck'' (for Wii) *2005: ''

Burnout Revenge ''Burnout Revenge'' is a 2005 racing video game developed by Criterion Games and published by Electronic Arts for PlayStation 2, Xbox and Xbox 360. Similar to its predecessor '' Burnout 3: Takedown'', ''Revenge'' focuses on a mixture of racing ...

'' (for PlayStation 2 and Xbox) *2004: '' Burnout 3: Takedown'' (for PlayStation 2 and Xbox) *2003: ''

Gran Turismo 4 ''Gran Turismo 4'' is a 2004 sim racing video game developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 2. It is the fourth main installment and the sixth overall in the ''Gran Turismo'' series. It was ...

'' (for PlayStation 2) *2002: ''

Auto Modellista is a racing game developed and published by Capcom, first released on PlayStation 2, later ported to GameCube and Xbox. Description ''Auto Modellista'' distinguished itself from other games of the same genre with cel-shaded graphics, which gav ...

'' (for PlayStation 2) *2001: '' Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec'' (for PlayStation 2) *2000: '' Need For Speed: Motor City'' (for PC) *1999: '' Driver'' (for PC and PlayStation) *1998: '' Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit'' (for PC and PlayStation)

Best Sports Game

*2019: ''

eFootball Pro Evolution Soccer 2020 ''eFootball PES 2020'' (''eFootball Pro Evolution Soccer 2020'') is a List of association football video games, football simulation video game developed by PES Productions and published by Konami for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, ...

'' (for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One) *2018: ''

FIFA 19 ''FIFA 19'' is a football simulation video game developed by EA Vancouver and released by Electronic Arts on 28 September 2018 for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Microsoft Windows. It is the 26th install ...

'' (for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One) *2017: ''

FIFA 18 ''FIFA 18'' is a association football, football simulation video game, simulation video game developed and published by Electronic Arts and released worldwide on 29 September 2017 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, ...

'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One) *2016: '' Steep'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2015: ''

FIFA 16 ''FIFA 16'' is a football simulation video game developed by EA Canada and published by Electronic Arts under the EA Sports label. It was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Android and iOS. The g ...

'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360,

iOS Ios, Io or Nio (, ; ; locally Nios, Νιός) is a Greek island in the Cyclades group in the Aegean Sea. Ios is a hilly island with cliffs down to the sea on most sides. It is situated halfway between Naxos and Santorini. It is about long an ...

, and

Android Android most commonly refers to: *Android (robot), a humanoid robot or synthetic organism designed to imitate a human * Android (operating system), a mobile operating system primarily developed by Google * Android TV, a operating system developed ...

) *2014: ''

NHL 15 ''NHL 15'' is an ice hockey video game developed by EA Canada and published by EA Sports. It is the 24th installment of the ''NHL'' series and was released on September 9, 2014 in North America then three days later in Europe, Australia and N ...

'' (for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One) *2013: ''

NHL 14 ''NHL 14'' is an ice hockey video game developed by EA Canada and published by EA Sports. It is the 23rd installment of the ''NHL'' series and was released in September 2013. However, the game was released on September 7, 2013 for subscribers of ...

''(for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360) *2012: '' FIFA Soccer 13'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2011: '' FIFA Soccer 12'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2010: ''

NBA Jam ''NBA Jam'' is a List of basketball video games, basketball video game series based on the National Basketball Association (NBA). Initially developed as arcade games by Midway Games, Midway, the game found popularity with its photorealistic digi ...

'' (for Wii) *2009: '' Fight Night Round 4'' (for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360) *2008: ''

Madden NFL 09 ''Madden NFL 09'' is an American football video game based on the NFL that was published by EA Sports and developed by EA Tiburon. It is the 20th annual installment in the ''Madden NFL'' video game franchise. The game was released for the Ninten ...

'' (for multiple systems) *2007: ''

Madden NFL 08 ''Madden NFL 08'' is a 2007 American football video game based on the National Football League that was published by EA Sports and developed by EA Tiburon. It is the 19th installment in the ''Madden NFL'' video game franchise. It features Tenne ...

'' (for multiple systems) *2006: ''

Wii Sports ''Wii Sports'' is a 2006 sports simulation video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii video game console. The game was released in North America along with the Wii on 19 November 2006, and in Japan, Australia, and Europe the fo ...

'' (for Wii) *2005: ''

Madden NFL 06 ''Madden NFL 06'' is an American football video game released in 2005. It is the 16th installment of the Madden NFL series by EA Sports, named for color commentator John Madden. It is the first Madden game for the PlayStation Portable and Xbox 3 ...

'' (for multiple systems) *2004: ''

Madden NFL 2005 ''Madden NFL 2005'' is an American football simulation video game based on the NFL that was developed by EA Tiburon, along with Exient Entertainment and Budcat Creations, and published by EA Sports. The 16th installment of the '' Madden NFL ...

'' (for multiple systems) *2003: ''

Tony Hawk's Underground ''Tony Hawk's Underground'' is a 2003 skateboarding video game and the fifth entry in the ''Tony Hawk's'' series, following ''Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4''. It was developed by Neversoft and published by Activision for the GameCube, PlayStation 2 ...

'' (for multiple systems) *2002: ''

NFL 2K3 ''NFL 2K3'' is an American football video game released in 2002 for PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube. It was developed by Visual Concepts and published by Sega. It is the only NFL 2K game for the GameCube. The cover athlete features Brian Urlache ...

'' (for GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Xbox) *2001: ''

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 ''Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3'' is a 2001 skateboarding video game and the third installment in the ''Tony Hawk's'' series. It was published by Activision under the Activision O2 label in 2001 for the PlayStation, PlayStation 2, Game Boy Color and ...

'' (for PlayStation 2) *2000: '' Madden NFL 2001'' (for PlayStation 2) *1999: ''

NFL 2K ''NFL 2K'' is an American football video game series developed by Visual Concepts and published by Sega. The series was originally exclusive to Sega's Dreamcast video game console due to the absence of EA Sports's Madden NFL series on the syst ...

'' (for

) *1998: '' Madden NFL 99'' (for PC, Nintendo 64, and PlayStation)

Best Fighting Game

*2018: ''

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' is a 2018 crossover fighting game developed by Bandai Namco Studios and Sora Ltd. and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. It is the fifth installment in the '' Super Smash Bros.'' series, succeeding ' ...

'' (for Switch) *2017: ''

Dragon Ball FighterZ ''Dragon Ball FighterZ'' (pronounced "ˈfaɪtəz") is a 2.5D fighting game co-developed by Arc System Works and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Based on the ''Dragon Ball'' franchise, it was released for the PlayStation 4, Windows, and ...

'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2016: ''

Injustice 2 ''Injustice 2'' is a 2017 fighting video game. It is the sequel to 2013's '' Injustice: Gods Among Us'' and the second installment in the ''Injustice'' series which is based on the DC Universe. It is developed by NetherRealm Studios and publish ...

'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2014: ''

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and , both commonly referred to together as ''Super Smash Bros. 4'' or ''Smash 4'', are 2014 crossover fighting games developed by Bandai Namco Studios and Sora Ltd. and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U video game cons ...

'' (for Wii U) *2012: '' Injustice: Gods Among Us'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii U) *2011: ''

Street Fighter X Tekken (pronounced "Street Fighter Cross Tekken") is a 2012 crossover fighting video game published by Capcom, who developed with Dimps, for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation Vita, and with QLOC for Windows. The game features characters fro ...

'' (for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PlayStation Vita) *2010: '' Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds'' (for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360) *2009: '' Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars'' (for Wii) *2008: ''

Street Fighter IV is a 2008 fighting game developed by Capcom and Dimps and published by Capcom. It was the first original main entry in the series since '' Street Fighter III'' in 1997, a hiatus of eleven years. Designed for the Taito Type X2 arcade hardware, ...

'' (for

Arcade Arcade most often refers to: * Arcade game, a coin-operated video, pinball, electro-mechanical, redemption, etc., game ** Arcade video game, a coin-operated video game ** Arcade cabinet, housing which holds an arcade video game's hardware ** Arcad ...

) *2007: ''

Virtua Fighter 5 is a fighting video game developed and published by Sega. It is the fifth installment of the ''Virtua Fighter'' series. The original version was released in July 2006 on the Sega Lindbergh arcade system board with a number of updates before h ...

'' (for PlayStation 3) *2006: ''

Heavenly Sword ''Heavenly Sword'' is a 2007 action-adventure game developed by British company Ninja Theory and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 3. The game revolves around player-character Nariko and her eponymous sword, battling ag ...

'' (for PlayStation 3) *2005: ''

Soulcalibur III is a 2005 fighting game developed and published by Namco as a sequel to ''Soulcalibur II'' (2002) and the fourth installment in the ''Soulcalibur'' series. It was originally released for the PlayStation 2 and was followed by an improved arcade ...

'' (for PlayStation 2) *2004: '' Def Jam: Fight for NY'' (for multiple systems) *2003: ''

Soulcalibur II is a 2002 fighting game developed and published by Namco. It is the third installment in the ''Soulcalibur'' series of weapon-based fighting games as the sequel to ''Soulcalibur'' (1998). Originally intended to be released on Sega's NAOMI arcad ...

'' (for multiple systems) *2002: ''

Tekken 4 is a 2001 fighting game developed and published by Namco for arcades. Initially released for Namco's System 246 hardware, it was then ported to the PlayStation 2 home console in 2002. As the fourth main installment in the '' Tekken'' series fol ...

'' (for PlayStation 2) *2001: '' Super Smash Bros. Melee'' (for GameCube) *2000: ''

Ultimate Fighting Championship The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is an American mixed martial arts (MMA) promoter (entertainment), promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is owned and operated by TKO Group Holdings, a majority owned subsidiary of Endeavor ( ...

'' (for Dreamcast) *1999: ''

Soulcalibur is a fighting game franchise developed by Bandai Namco Studios and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. There are a total of seven main installments and various media spin-offs, including music albums and a series of manga books in the ...

'' (for Dreamcast) *1998: ''

Tekken 3 is a 1997 fighting game developed and published by Namco. It is the third installment in the ''Tekken'' series and the first game built on the Namco System 12 arcade game, arcade hardware. The game takes place twenty years after ''Tekken 2'' (1 ...

Best Strategy Game

(

Real-Time Real-time, realtime, or real time may refer to: Computing * Real-time computing, hardware and software systems subject to a specified time constraint * Real-time clock, a computer clock that keeps track of the current time * Real-time Control Syst ...

Turn-Based Timekeeping is relevant to many types of games, including video games, tabletop role-playing games, board games, and sports. The passage of time must be handled in a way that players find fair and easy to understand. In many games, this is don ...

) *2019: ''

John Wick Hex ''John Wick Hex'' is a 2019 tactical role-playing game developed by Bithell Games and originally published by Good Shepherd Entertainment. Based on the ''John Wick'' franchise, it was released on 8 October 2019 for macOS and Windows. The PlaySt ...

'' (for Mac and PC) *2018: '' Total War: Three Kingdoms'' (for PC) *2017: ''

'' (for Switch) *2016: ''

'' (for PC) *2014: '' Civilization: Beyond Earth'' (for PC) *2013: '' Total War: Rome II'' (for PC) *2012: '' XCOM: Enemy Unknown'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2011: ''

From Dust ''From Dust'' is a god video game, designed by Éric Chahi and developed by Ubisoft Montpellier. The game was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation Network, and Xbox Live Arcade in 2011. Described as a spiritual successor to '' Populous' ...

'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2010: ''

Civilization V ''Sid Meier's Civilization V'' is a 4X turn-based strategy video game developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K (company), 2K. It is the sequel to Civilization IV, ''Civilization IV'', and was released for Microsoft Windows, Windows in Sep ...

'' (for PC) *2009: ''

Supreme Commander 2 ''Supreme Commander 2'' is a real-time strategy (RTS) Military science fiction video game developed by Gas Powered Games and published by Square Enix as the sequel to '' Supreme Commander''. A Windows-only demo was initially released via Steam o ...

'' (for PC and Xbox 360) *2008: ''

Tom Clancy's EndWar ''Tom Clancy's EndWar'' is a strategy video game Strategy video game is a major Video game genres, video game genre that focuses on analyzing and strategizing over direct quick reaction in order to secure success. Although many types of vid ...

'' (for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360) *2007: ''

World in Conflict ''World in Conflict'' is a 2007 real-time tactics video game developed by the Swedish video game company Massive Entertainment and published by Vivendi Games for Microsoft Windows. The game was released in September 2007, receiving generally favo ...

'' (for PC) *2006: '' Supreme Commander'' (for PC) *2005: ''

Company of Heroes ''Company of Heroes'' is a real-time strategy video game series developed by Relic Entertainment. The series is set during World War II. Games ''Company of Heroes'' The first game in the series was released on September 12, 2006, in Nort ...

'' (for PC) *2004: '' The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth'' (for PC) *2003: '' Command & Conquer: Generals'' (for PC) *2002: '' Rome: Total War'' (for PC) *2001: ''

Age of Mythology ''Age of Mythology'' is a real-time strategy video game developed by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft Game Studios. It was released on October 31, 2002 in North America and on November 14, 2002 in Europe. A spin-off from the ''A ...

'' (for PC) *2000: '' Black & White'' (for PC) *1999: ''

Homeworld ''Homeworld'' is a real-time strategy video game developed by Relic Entertainment and published by Sierra Studios on September 28, 1999, for Windows. Set in space, the science fiction game follows the Kushan exiles of the planet Kharak after t ...

'' (for PC) *1998: (RTS) ''Homeworld'' *1998: (turn-based) ''

Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri ''Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri'' is a 4X video game, considered a spiritual sequel to the ''Civilization'' series. Set in a science fiction depiction of the 22nd century, the game begins as seven competing ideological factions land on the plane ...

Best Social/Casual/Puzzle/Family Game

*2019: ''

Luigi's Mansion 3 is a 2019 action-adventure video game developed by Next Level Games and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. It is the third installment in the ''Luigi's Mansion'' series following '' Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon'' (2013). The game see ...

'' (for Switch) *2018: ''

Overcooked 2 ''Overcooked 2'' (stylized as ''OVERCOOKED! 2'') is a cooperative video game, cooperative cooking simulation video game developed by Team17 alongside Ghost Town Games, and published by Team17. The sequel to ''Overcooked'', it was released for L ...

'' (for PlayStation 4, Switch and Xbox One) *2017: ''

Hidden Agenda Hidden Agenda or Hidden Agendas may refer to: Video games * ''Hidden Agenda'' (1988 video game), a 1988 text-based game * ''Hidden Agenda'' (2017 video game), a thriller video game developed by Supermassive Games for the PlayStation 4 Film * ...

'' (for PlayStation 4) *2016: '' Skylanders: Imaginators'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Wii U) *2015: ''

Super Mario Maker is a 2015 platform game and game creation system developed and published by Nintendo. An entry in the ''Super Mario'' series, the game allowed players to create, play, and share courses based on previous ''Super Mario'' titles including ''Sup ...

'' (for Wii U) *2014: ''Mario Maker'' (for Wii U) *2013: '' Fantasia: Music Evolved'' (for Xbox 360 and Xbox One) *2012: ''

Dance Central 3 ''Dance Central 3'' is a 2012 rhythm game developed by Harmonix and Backbone Entertainment and published by Microsoft Studios for the Xbox 360 Kinect. It is the sequel to ''Dance Central 2'' (2011) and the third installment in the ''Dance Centra ...

'' (for Xbox 360) *2011: ''

'' (for PlayStation Vita) *2010: ''

Rock Band 3 ''Rock Band 3'' is a 2010 rhythm game developed by Harmonix. The game was initially published and distributed by MTV Games and Electronic Arts, respectively, on October 26, 2010. Mad Catz took over both roles and re-released the title on Novembe ...

'' (for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii) *2009: ''

DJ Hero ''DJ Hero'' is a 2009 rhythm game developed by FreeStyleGames and published by Activision. It is the first spin-off of the ''Guitar Hero'' series. It was released on October 27, 2009, in North America and on October 29, 2009, in Europe. The gam ...

'' (for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii) *2008: ''

'' (for PlayStation 3) *2007: ''

'' (for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360) *2006: ''

Guitar Hero II ''Guitar Hero II'' is a 2006 rhythm game developed by Harmonix and published by RedOctane for the PlayStation 2 and Activision for the Xbox 360. It is the sequel to ''Guitar Hero (video game), Guitar Hero'' (2005) and the second installment in t ...

'' (for PlayStation 2) *2005: ''

We Love Katamari ''We Love Katamari'' is a 2005 action-puzzle video game developed and published by Namco for the PlayStation 2. It is the sequel to the 2004 sleeper hit '' Katamari Damacy''. The player controls a diminutive character named the Prince as he rolls ...

'' (for PlayStation 2) *2004: ''

'' (for GameCube) *2003: '' The EyeToy Games'' (for PlayStation 2) *2002: ''

Super Monkey Ball 2 is a platform video game developed by Amusement Vision and published by Sega for the GameCube. It is the second installment in the ''Super Monkey Ball'' series, and the first installment to have a storyline and to be exclusively released on a ...

'' (for GameCube) *2001: ''

Pikmin is a real-time strategy and puzzle video game series created by Shigeru Miyamoto, and published by Nintendo. The games focus on directing a horde of plant-like creatures called Pikmin to collect items by destroying obstacles, avoiding hazards, ...

'' (for GameCube) *2000: ''

Samba de Amigo is a 1999 rhythm game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega for arcades. It later saw a port to the Dreamcast in 2000 and the Wii in 2008. Based primarily on Latin American culture, the game sees players shaking maraca controllers to ...

'' (for Dreamcast) *1999: ''

Um Jammer Lammy is a 1999 rhythm video game developed by NanaOn-Sha and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation. It is a spin-off and follow up to 1996's ''PaRappa the Rapper'', once again featuring the collaboration of music producer and ...

'' (for PlayStation) *1998: ''

Sentinel Returns ''Sentinel Returns'' is a video game developed by Hookstone, produced by No-Name Games and published by Sony (under the Psygnosis label) in 1998, for Microsoft Windows and PlayStation. It is the sequel to '' The Sentinel'' by Geoff Crammond and f ...

Best Online Multiplayer

*2019: '' Call of Duty: Modern Warfare'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2018: ''

Battlefield V ''Battlefield V'' is a 2018 first-person shooter game developed by DICE and published by Electronic Arts. The game is the successor to 2016's '' Battlefield 1'' and the eleventh main installment in the ''Battlefield'' series. It is based on Wor ...

'' (for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One) *2017: '' Star Wars Battlefront II'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2016: ''

Titanfall 2 ''Titanfall 2'' is a 2016 first-person shooter, first-person shooter game developed by Respawn Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts. A sequel to 2014's ''Titanfall (video game), Titanfall'', the game was released worldwide on October ...

'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2015: ''

'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2014: '' Evolve'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2013: ''

'' (for PC, Xbox 360 and Xbox One) *2012: ''

'' (for Xbox 360) *2011: ''

'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2010: '' Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'' (for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360) *2009: ''

Left 4 Dead 2 ''Left 4 Dead 2'' is a 2009 first-person shooter video game developed and published by Valve. The sequel to '' Left 4 Dead'' (2008) and the second game in the '' Left 4 Dead'' series, it was released for Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360 in November ...

'' (for PC and Xbox 360) *2008: ''

Left 4 Dead ''Left 4 Dead'' is a 2008 first-person shooter game developed by Valve South and published by Valve. It was originally released for Windows and Xbox 360 in November 2008 and for Mac OS X in October 2010, and is the first title in the '' Left 4 ...

'' (for PC and Xbox 360) *2007: ''

Halo 3 ''Halo 3'' is a 2007 first-person shooter video game developed by Bungie for the Xbox 360 console. The third installment in the ''Halo'' franchise following '' Halo: Combat Evolved'' (2001) and ''Halo 2'' (2004), the game's story centers on th ...

'' (for Xbox 360) *2006: '' Enemy Territory: Quake Wars'' (for PC) *2005: ''

Battlefield 2 ''Battlefield 2'' is a 2005 first-person shooter game developed by Digital Illusions CE and published by Electronic Arts for Microsoft Windows. It was released in June 2005 as the third game in the ''Battlefield'' franchise. Players fight ...

'' (for PC) *2004: ''

'' (for Xbox) *2003: ''

City of Heroes ''City of Heroes'' (''CoH'') is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game originally created by Cryptic Studios prior to the IP’s acquisition by NCSoft. Previously developed by the now-defunct Paragon Studios, it is currently developed ...

'' (for PC) *2002: ''

'' (for PC) *2001: ''Star Wars Galaxies'' (for PC) *2000: ''

'' (for PC) *1999: ''

'' (for PC) *1998: ''

EverQuest ''EverQuest'' is a 3D fantasy-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) originally developed by Verant Interactive and 989 Studios for Windows. It was released by Sony Online Entertainment in March 1999 in North America, ...

Best Independent Game

*2019: ''

12 Minutes ''Twelve Minutes'' is an adventure game developed by Luís António and published by Annapurna Interactive. It was originally released on August 19, 2021, for Windows, Xbox One and Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox Series X/S, with versions for N ...

'' (for PC and Xbox One) *2018: ''

Ori and the Will of the Wisps ''Ori and the Will of the Wisps'' is a platform-adventure Metroidvania video game developed by Moon Studios and published by Xbox Game Studios. Announced during E3 2017, the title is a direct sequel to 2015's ''Ori and the Blind Forest'', and was ...

'' (for PC and Xbox One) *2017: ''

The Artful Escape ''The Artful Escape'' is a platform video game developed by Beethoven & Dinosaur and published by Annapurna Interactive. The game was originally released on September 9, 2021 for Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, and for PlayStation 4, ...

'' (for PC and Xbox One) *2016: ''

Inside Inside may refer to: Film * ''Inside'' (1996 film), an American television film directed by Arthur Penn and starring Eric Stoltz * ''Inside'' (2002 film), a Canadian prison drama film * ''Inside'' (2006 film), an American thriller film starri ...

'' (for PC and Xbox One) *2015: ''

'' (for PlayStation 4) *2014: ''No Man's Sky'' (for PlayStation 4)

Best VR/ AR Game

*2019: ''Phantom: Covert Ops'' (for

Oculus Quest The first-generation Oculus Quest is a discontinued virtual reality headset developed by Oculus (now Reality Labs), a brand of Meta Platforms, and released on May 21, 2019. Similar to its predecessor, Oculus Go, it is a standalone device, tha ...

and PC) *2018: ''

Tetris Effect The Tetris effect occurs when someone dedicates vast amounts of time, effort and concentration on an activity which thereby alters their thoughts, dreams, and other experiences not directly linked to said activity. The term originates from the p ...

'' (for PlayStation 4) *2017: ''

Lone Echo ''Lone Echo'' is a 2017 virtual reality adventure game developed by Ready At Dawn, and published by Oculus Studios. Set aboard a space station orbiting Saturn, it allows players to move in zero-gravity by grabbing and pushing off of the environm ...

'' (for PC) *2016: '' Batman: Arkham VR'' (for PlayStation 4)

Best Ongoing Game

*2019: ''

'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, Stadia, and Xbox One) *2018: ''

Fortnite ''Fortnite'' is an online video game and game platform developed by Epic Games and released in 2017. It is available in seven distinct game mode versions that otherwise share the same general gameplay and game engine: '' Fortnite Battle Roy ...

'' (for

, PC, PlayStation 4, Switch and Xbox One)

Special Commendation for Graphics, Sound or Innovation

*2019: (G) ''

Cyberpunk 2077 ''Cyberpunk 2077'' is a 2020 action role-playing game developed by CD Projekt Red and published by CD Projekt. Based on Mike Pondsmith's ''Cyberpunk (role-playing game), Cyberpunk'' tabletop game series, the plot is set in the fictional metrop ...

'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2018: (G) ''Cyberpunk 2077'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2018: (G) ''

The Last of Us Part II ''The Last of Us Part II'' is a 2020 action-adventure game developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Set four years after '' The Last of Us'' (2013), the game focuses on two playable characters in a post-apo ...

'' (for PlayStation 4) *2018: (G) ''

Ghost of Tsushima In folklore, a ghost is the soul or spirit of a dead person or non-human animal that is believed by some people to be able to appear to the living. In ghostlore, descriptions of ghosts vary widely, from an invisible presence to translucen ...

'' (for PlayStation 4) *2018: (S) ''The Last of Us Part II'' (for PlayStation 4) *2018: (I) ''Cyberpunk 2077'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2016: (G) ''

God of War A war god in mythology associated with war, combat, or bloodshed. They occur commonly in polytheism, polytheistic religions. Unlike most gods and goddesses in polytheistic religions, monotheistic deities have traditionally been portrayed in their ...

'' (for PlayStation 4) *2015: (G) '' Uncharted 4: A Thief's End'' (for PlayStation 4) *2014: (I) ''

'' (for PlayStation 4) *2012: (G) ''

Star Wars 1313 ''Star Wars 1313'' is a cancelled action-adventure video game that was under development by LucasArts. The game would take a more mature, gritty direction compared to past ''Star Wars'' video games and, like 2002's '' Star Wars: Bounty Hunter'' ...

'' (for TBA) *2012: (G) ''

'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2012: (S) ''

'' (for PlayStation 3) *2012: (I) ''Watch Dogs'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2010: (G) ''

'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2007: (G) ''

Killzone 2 ''Killzone 2'' is a 2009 first-person shooter video game developed by Guerrilla Games and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 3. It is the second main installment in the ''Killzone'' series, following 2004's '' Killzone ...

'' (for PlayStation 3) *2005: (G) ''

Killzone ''Killzone'' is a series of first-person shooter video games for Sony Interactive Entertainment's (SIE) video game consoles. The main series and the PlayStation Portable (PSP) installment were developed by Guerrilla Games, a subsidiary of SIE ...

'' (for PlayStation 3) *2004: (G) '' Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory'' (for PC) *2003: (G) ''

'' (for PC) *2002: (S) ''

'' (for PC) *2001: (S) '' Medal of Honor: Allied Assault'' (for PC) *2000: (G) '' Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty'' (for PlayStation and GameCube) *1999: (G) ''

'' (for PC) *1999: (+S) '' Outcast'' (for PC) *1999: (+S) ''

'' (for PlayStation)

Discontinued categories

Best Downloadable Game

*2013: ''

Transistor A transistor is a semiconductor device used to Electronic amplifier, amplify or electronic switch, switch electrical signals and electric power, power. It is one of the basic building blocks of modern electronics. It is composed of semicondu ...

'' (for PC and PlayStation 4) *2012: '' The Unfinished Swan'' (for PlayStation 3) *2011: ''

Bastion A bastion is a structure projecting outward from the curtain wall of a fortification, most commonly angular in shape and positioned at the corners of the fort. The fully developed bastion consists of two faces and two flanks, with fire from the ...

'' (for PC and Xbox 360)

Best Motion Simulation Game

*2012: ''

'' (for Xbox 360) *2011: '' The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword'' (for Wii) *2010: ''

'' (for Xbox 360)

Best Simulation Game

(Combat, Flight, Non-Combat) *2008: ''

'' (for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360) *2006: ''

'' (for PC) *2005: ''Spore'' (for PC) *2004: ''

The Sims 2 ''The Sims 2'' is a 2004 social simulation video game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. It is the second major title in ''The Sims'' series, and is the sequel to ''The Sims''. The game was released for Microsoft Windows on ...

'' (for PC) *2003: ''

'' (for PC and Xbox) *2002: ''

The Sims Online ''The Sims Online'' was a 2002 massively multiplayer online game (MMO) developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts (EA) for Microsoft Windows. The game was a subscription-based online multiplayer version of the 2000 Maxis game ''The Sims ...

'' (for PC) *2001: ''The Sims Online'' (for PC) *2000: '' MechWarrior 4: Vengeance'' (for PC) *1999: (, F) '' Jane's USAF'' (for PC) *1999: (, N) ''

'' (for PC) *1998: (, C) ''Fighter Legends'' (for PC) *1998: (, N) ''

Railroad Tycoon II ''Railroad Tycoon II'' is a business simulation video game in the ''Railroad Tycoon'' series developed by PopTop Software and published by Gathering of Developers. It was released for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, PlayStation and Dreamcast. It ...

'' (for PC)

Best Platformer

*1999: ''

Donkey Kong 64 ''Donkey Kong 64'' is a 1999 platform game developed by Rare (company), Rare and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64. It is the first ''Donkey Kong'' game to feature 3D gameplay. As the gorilla Donkey Kong (character), Donkey Kong, the p ...

'' (for Nintendo 64)

Most Promising New Game

*1998: ''

Best Booth

*1999:

Electronic Arts Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) is an American video game company headquartered in Redwood City, California. Founded in May 1982 by former Apple Inc., Apple employee Trip Hawkins, the company was a pioneer of the early home computer game industry ...

Best Party

*1998 :

Babylon 5 ''Babylon 5'' is an American space opera television series created by writer and producer J. Michael Straczynski, under the Babylonian Productions label, in association with Straczynski's Synthetic Worlds Ltd. and Warner Bros. Domestic Tel ...

References

{{Reflist Video game awards Awards established in 1998