The Best and Worst Game of the Year Winners: A Decade in Review

As the year comes to a close, it's time to take a look back at all the winners of the coveted Game of the Year award over the last decade. These games are hailed as the best of the best, but are they really worth playing? Let's find out as we rank each winner from worst to best.

10. Overwatch (GOTY 2016)

In 2016, Overwatch took the gaming world by storm. With its fast-paced gameplay and unique characters, it was an instant hit. However, the game's reputation has been tarnished by its sequel, Overwatch 2, which is filled with predatory microtransactions. Despite its initial success, Overwatch falls to the bottom of our list.

9. Dragon Age: Inquisition (GOTY 2014)

2014 wasn't a great year for games, and Dragon Age: Inquisition was the first winner of the Game of the Year title. While it has a passionate fan base and a rich story, it feels a bit dated compared to more recent releases. We eagerly await the release of its successor, Dreadwolf.

8. It Takes Two (GOTY 2021)

It Takes Two is a unique winner of the Game of the Year award. Developed by a relatively small studio, this co-op game offers a fresh take on platforming challenges. However, some players found the character Dr. Hakim to be annoying. Despite this, It Takes Two secures a spot in the middle of our rankings.

7. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (GOTY 2019)

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a fast-paced action game that puts a samurai twist on the Soulsborne genre. While it's a great game, it didn't offer enough innovation to justify its Game of the Year title. We still prefer the other FromSoftware winner on our list.

6. God of War (GOTY 2018)

God of War is a triple-A game that ticks all the boxes. It has stunning graphics, engaging combat, and epic boss fights. However, it didn't bring anything particularly new to the table, which is why it falls in the middle of our rankings.

5. The Last of Us Part 2 (GOTY 2020)

The Last of Us Part 2 divided fans with its bold gameplay changes and morally complex story. It offered a more nuanced perspective on good versus evil, which some players appreciated. While it didn't quite reach the top of our list, it certainly deserves recognition.

4. Elden Ring (GOTY 2022)

Elden Ring, the latest release from FromSoftware, takes the fourth spot on our list. This game opened up the genre to new players while maintaining the challenge the studio is known for. With its innovative character customization and captivating gameplay, Elden Ring outshined the competition in 2022.

3. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (GOTY 2015)

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is often hailed as one of the best games of all time. Its industry-changing impact, immersive world-building, and compelling story make it a standout title. It's no surprise that The Witcher 3 secures a spot in the top three.

2. Baldur's Gate 3 (GOTY 2023)

While Baldur's Gate 3 hasn't won Game of the Year yet, we predict it will in the future. This game offers a fresh take on the RPG genre with its massive world and impactful decision-making. With its deep gameplay structure, Baldur's Gate 3 is not only deserving of recognition but also one of the best Game of the Year winners.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (GOTY 2017)

And finally, at the top of our list is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This game broke the industry with its massive open world and innovative gameplay mechanics. It set a new standard for game design and captivated players with its natural, immersive world. Breath of the Wild is truly a game that all others are compared to.

So, there you have it - the best and worst Game of the Year winners of the last decade. While opinions may vary, these games have undoubtedly made their mark on the gaming industry and are worth checking out.