Grand Theft Auto VI has been the most anticipated video game for years now, and 2026 seems to be the year it finally comes out, barring any other delays. Fans are already claiming it to be the strongest contender to win Game of the Year at the Game Awards, because with years of development, polish, ambition, and expectations, it could be the biggest gaming experience ever. However, it shouldn’t take away from over a decade of flawless games.
Game of the Year is one of the biggest honors for a title, and the most popular event is Geoff Keighley‘s Game Awards, which started in 2014 and has only been getting more and more well-known. That is why this list will rank every Game of the Year winner at the Game Awards from worst to best based on gameplay, narrative, art, design, originality, influence, prestige, staying power, popularity, fan opinion, and overall quality. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but these ten games in particular earned the title of the best.
12
‘Overwatch’ (2016)
Kicking off this list is one of the best that has aged the worst, but it is still a cultural icon that defined the 2010s: Overwatch. This arena multiplayer shooter has a multitude of modes where players select their heroes and battle it out with imaginative powers, distinct abilities and different purposes.
Some fans let modern perception influence their past thoughts because, in 2016, there wasn’t a bigger game than Overwatch. It hasn’t aged perfectly and feels stale now, but it was absolutely deserving of the title back then. Even though it is at the bottom of this list, Overwatch is still an engaging experience that revolutionized multiplayer shooters through its team-based dynamics and hero-centric characters.
11
‘Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’ (2025)
The next entry is also the most recent game of the year winner, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The Paintress is a monolithic entity who erases a specific age from the world every year until humanity is reduced to nothing. Expeditions are sent to stop it, and while they have mostly been unsuccessful, the 33rd expedition might be the one to put an end to the madness.
It may have been the unanimous and obvious winner of 2025, but in a list of the greatest games of the past decade, the competition is too steep. Still, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a masterful combination of real-time events and turn-based combat that creates an innovative gameplay loop. Its satisfying combat, excellent voice acting, and incredible art direction made it a modern “indie” staple.
10
‘The Last of Us Part II’ (2020)
There are a handful of polarizing game of the year winners, but perhaps the most controversial is The Last of Us Part II, which divided fans and critics. After the events of the last game, Ellie and Joel are living happily, that is, until a group splits them up. Ellie now sets out back into the zombie-infested world to seek revenge on those who took everything from her.
Not everyone may agree with it winning, but The Last of Us Part II is still a masterpiece in a weak year of gaming. It wasn’t perfect, but all the games on here are fantastic, including this one. Its narrative shift was bold and daring, going in a direction that was heartbreaking, making the story more uncomfortable and harrowing yet ultimately cathartic. The Last of Us Part II is a narrative masterclass that also boasts thrilling stealth-action-based gameplay.
9
‘Astro Bot’ (2024)
The platformer genre is dominated by Mario, but it has been unsuccessful in winning a game of the year award. However, 2024 changed things, with Astro Bot taking home the acclaimed award. After players crash their spaceship, they must travel around the world searching for their scattered crew and slowly rebuilding their ship to escape the world.
Astro Bot is pure fun from start to finish, delivering a game that is full of entertainment value. The haptic controls make the gameplay more engaging and immersive, but the true highlight is the perfect level design. The refined design creates a magnificent pace that teaches, tests, and challenges perfectly providing a nice progression of skills in Astro Bot’s charming style and creative gimmicks.
8
‘Dragon Age: Inquisition’ (2014)
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
