Last Updated on June 9, 2024 by Jhonni Jets
Gaming accolades have come a long way from niche enthusiast publications. Major awards shows now honor the creative teams behind the biggest blockbusters and most innovative indie titles. While personal preferences will always vary, following these prominent ceremonies is a great way to stay informed on what the industry peers and critics consider the standout games of any given year.
The Game Awards
Hosted annually by Geoff Keighley since 2014, The Game Awards has emerged as the marquee event of the year. Broadcast live in over 40 countries, the ceremony honors achievements across multiple platforms and genres, with voting panels composed of media publications and Developer Steam groups. Big reveals and announcements are common, cementing it as a can’t-miss spectacle for fans. Major victories like The Last of Us Part II’s sweep in 2020 give wins real cachet.
DICE Awards
Organized by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) since 1998, the DICE Summit in Las Vegas brings together top developers for networking and workshops. The star-studded awards ceremony recognizes excellence in design and development. While audience-voted “Game of the Year” gets more attention, the DICE’s focus on craft makes it invaluable for observing trends. Winners like Hades in 2021 highlighted smashing successes from independent teams.
BAFTA Games Awards
Endorsed by the prestigious British Academy of Film and Television Arts, the BAFTA Games Awards celebrate interactive achievements with a panel of media and industry professionals. Held annually in London since 2004, it draws worldwide spectators for its prestige and pomp. Recognizing categories beyond tech and design also sets it apart, with recent honors going to provocative titles like Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice and Gone Home.
SXSW Gaming Awards
Part of the innovative South by Southwest conference in Austin, Texas, the SXSW Gaming Awards recognize outstanding creative and technical titles within an environment emphasizing independence and diversity. Judged by a volunteer army of games critics and journalists, it puts a focus on works that push boundaries. Recent breakthrough wins for innovative experiences like Kentucky Route Zero and What Remains of Edith Finch give it noteworthy clout.
The Game Developers Choice Awards
Started in 2001 and judged solely by fellow developers, the Game Developers Choice Awards ceremony at the annual Game Developers Conference has become the industry’s highest honor. Wins speak volumes given the peer voting process. Events like Overwatch sweeping categories in 2016 or Hades succeeding off an incredible indie darling run in 2021 make the GDCAs an essential bellwether.
EGX Rezzed Awards
Hosted yearly at an intimate event tied to the EGX gaming expo in London, the EGX Rezzed Awards foster community and spotlight creativity. Rather than a single overall prize, they break titles into thoughtful niches like best indie, design, and debut. Independent European games often get their breakout moment here, with past favorites including Hypnospace Outlaw and Mutazione. The casual atmosphere also makes it fun to follow online.
Developers Choice Online Awards
A companion to the Game Developers Choice Awards (GDCA), the Developers Choice Online Awards feature judged categories exclusive to games distributed through online services. It recognizes works released via PC platforms like Steam or consoles’ digital storesfronts. Successes here like Dead Cells in 2018 highlighted growing indie communities, with the rise of online services expanding career opportunities for creators globally.
Golden Joystick Awards Retro Awards
In addition to its main ceremony, the Golden Joystick Awards also presents the Retro Awards for titles released over 20 years ago. Paying homage to genre-defining classics gives a voice to games of eras past that laid foundations for the present. Titles like DOOM, Tetris, and The Legend of Zelda earn fresh acclaim, reminding how generations stay bonded through memorable interactive experiences crafting legacies.
While personal tastes will always vary, keeping an eye on these leading awards programs is a great way to stay informed on what the industry and its audiences consider the year’s most groundbreaking, entertaining and thought-provoking interactive works. Not only do they honor past successes, but their buildup also creates memorable reveals fueling anticipation for the future of the interactive medium.