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'' (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'' (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'' (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'' (for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One) *2014: '' Evolve'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2013: '' Titanfall'' (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'' (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'' (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'' (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 *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) *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'' (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'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2018: '' Dreams'' (for PlayStation 4) *2017: '' Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle'' (for Switch) *2016: '' Horizon Zero Dawn'' (for PlayStation 4) *2015: '' Horizon Zero Dawn'' (for PlayStation 4) *2014: '' No Man's Sky'' (for PlayStation 4) *2013: '' Titanfall'' (for PC, Xbox 360, and Xbox One) *2012: '' The Last of Us'' (for PlayStation 3) *2011: '' BioShock Infinite'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2010: '' Dance Central'' (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'' (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'' (for

) *2003: '' Full Spectrum Warrior'' (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: '' Final Fantasy VII Remake'' (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: '' Super Mario Odyssey'' (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: '' Titanfall'' (for Xbox 360 and Xbox One) *2012: '' The Last of Us'' (for PlayStation 3) *2011: '' The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim'' (for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC) *2010: '' Rage'' (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'' (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'' (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'' *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: '' Fallout 4'' *2014: '' Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege'' *2013: '' Titanfall'' *2012: '' XCOM: Enemy Unknown'' *2011: '' BioShock Infinite'' *2010: '' Portal 2'' *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: '' Half-Life 2'' *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'' (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'' (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 *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 *2014: Oculus Rift *2013: Oculus Rift *2012:

*2011:

*2010:

*2009: Project Natal (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: Wii *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 (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 *2000: (Console)

*1999: (PC) Nvidia RIVA TNT2 *1999: (Console)

*1998: Microsoft SideWinder Freestyle Pro

Best Action Game

*2019: '' Doom Eternal'' (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'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2015: '' Star Wars Battlefront'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2014: '' Evolve'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2013: '' Titanfall'' (for PC, Xbox 360, and Xbox One) *2012: '' Halo 4'' (for Xbox 360) *2011: '' Battlefield 3'' (for PC) *2010: '' Rage'' (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'' (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: '' Half-Life 2'' (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: '' Super Mario Odyssey'' (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'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Wii U) *2012: '' The Last of Us'' (for PlayStation 3) *2011: '' BioShock Infinite'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2010: '' Portal 2'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2009: '' Uncharted 2: Among Thieves'' (for PlayStation 3) *2008: '' Dead Space'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2007: '' BioShock'' (for Xbox 360) *2006: '' Assassin’s Creed'' (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'' (for multiple systems) *2001: '' Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty'' (for PlayStation 2) *2000: '' Escape from Monkey Island'' (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'' (for PC)

Best Role Playing Game

*2019: '' Final Fantasy VII Remake'' (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'' (for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One) *2015: '' Fallout 4'' (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'' (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'' (for PC and Xbox 360) *2008: '' Fallout 3'' (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'' (for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and Xbox One) *2018: '' Forza Horizon 4'' (for PC and Xbox One) *2017: '' Forza Motorsport 7'' (for PC and Xbox One) *2016: '' Forza Horizon 3'' (for PC and Xbox One) *2015: '' Need for Speed'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2014: '' The Crew'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Xbox 360) *2013: '' Need for Speed Rivals'' (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'' (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'' (for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360) *2006: '' Excite Truck'' (for Wii) *2005: '' Burnout Revenge'' (for PlayStation 2 and Xbox) *2004: '' Burnout 3: Takedown'' (for PlayStation 2 and Xbox) *2003: '' Gran Turismo 4'' (for PlayStation 2) *2002: '' Auto Modellista'' (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'' (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) *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 ''(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'' (for multiple systems) *2007: '' Madden NFL 08'' (for multiple systems) *2006: '' Wii Sports'' (for Wii) *2005: '' Madden NFL 06'' (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'' (for GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Xbox) *2001: '' Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3'' (for PlayStation 2) *2000: '' Madden NFL 2001'' (for PlayStation 2) *1999: '' NFL 2K'' (for

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

Best Fighting Game

*2018: '' Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' (for Switch) *2017: '' Dragon Ball FighterZ'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2016: '' Injustice 2'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2014: '' Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'' (for Wii U) *2012: '' Injustice: Gods Among Us'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii U) *2011: '' Street Fighter X Tekken'' (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'' (for Arcade) *2007: '' Virtua Fighter 5'' (for PlayStation 3) *2006: '' Heavenly Sword'' (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'' (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 or Turn-Based) *2019: '' John Wick Hex'' (for Mac and PC) *2018: '' Total War: Three Kingdoms'' (for PC) *2017: '' Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle'' (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'' (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'' (for PC and Xbox 360) *2008: '' Tom Clancy's EndWar'' (for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360) *2007: '' World in Conflict'' (for PC) *2006: '' Supreme Commander'' (for PC) *2005: '' Company of Heroes'' (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'' (for PC) *1998: (RTS) ''Homeworld'' *1998: (turn-based) '' Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri''

Best Social/Casual/Puzzle/Family Game

*2019: '' Luigi's Mansion 3'' (for Switch) *2018: '' Overcooked 2'' (for PlayStation 4, Switch and Xbox One) *2017: '' Hidden Agenda'' (for PlayStation 4) *2016: '' Skylanders: Imaginators'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Wii U) *2015: '' Super Mario Maker'' (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: '' Sound Shapes'' (for PlayStation Vita) *2010: '' Rock Band 3'' (for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii) *2009: '' DJ Hero'' (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'' (for PlayStation 2) *2004: '' Donkey Kong Jungle Beat'' (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'' (for GameCube) *2000: '' Samba de Amigo'' (for Dreamcast) *1999: '' Um Jammer Lammy'' (for PlayStation) *1998: '' Sentinel Returns''

Best Online Multiplayer

*2019: '' Call of Duty: Modern Warfare'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2018: '' Battlefield V'' (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: '' Star Wars Battlefront'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2014: '' Evolve'' (for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One) *2013: '' Titanfall'' (for PC, Xbox 360 and Xbox One) *2012: '' Halo 4'' (for Xbox 360) *2011: '' Battlefield 3'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2010: '' Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'' (for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360) *2009: '' Left 4 Dead 2'' (for PC and Xbox 360) *2008: '' Left 4 Dead'' (for PC and Xbox 360) *2007: '' Halo 3'' (for Xbox 360) *2006: '' Enemy Territory: Quake Wars'' (for PC) *2005: '' Battlefield 2'' (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'' (for PC and Xbox One) *2018: '' Ori and the Will of the Wisps'' (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: '' No Man's Sky'' (for PlayStation 4) *2014: ''No Man's Sky'' (for PlayStation 4)

Best VR/ AR Game

*2019: ''Phantom: Covert Ops'' (for Oculus Quest and PC) *2018: '' Tetris Effect'' (for PlayStation 4) *2017: '' Lone Echo'' (for PC) *2016: '' Batman: Arkham VR'' (for PlayStation 4)

Best Ongoing Game

*2019: ''

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

, Mac, PC, PlayStation 4, Switch and Xbox One)

Special Commendation for Graphics, Sound or Innovation

*2019: (G) '' Cyberpunk 2077'' (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'' (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) '' No Man's Sky'' (for PlayStation 4) *2012: (G) '' Star Wars 1313'' (for TBA) *2012: (G) '' Watch Dogs'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2012: (S) '' The Last of Us'' (for PlayStation 3) *2012: (I) ''Watch Dogs'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2010: (G) '' Rage'' (for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) *2007: (G) '' Killzone 2'' (for PlayStation 3) *2005: (G) '' Killzone'' (for PlayStation 3) *2004: (G) '' Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory'' (for PC) *2003: (G) '' Half-Life 2'' (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) '' Um Jammer Lammy'' (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: '' Dance Central'' (for Xbox 360)

Best Simulation Game

(Combat, Flight, Non-Combat) *2008: '' Tom Clancy's EndWar'' (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: '' Full Spectrum Warrior'' (for PC and Xbox) *2002: '' The Sims Online'' (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'' (for PC)

Best Platformer

*1999: '' Donkey Kong 64'' (for Nintendo 64)

Most Promising New Game

*1998: '' Homeworld''

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