The History of Game of the Year: A Critical Examination of Complexities
Introduction
The Game of the Year (GOTY) award is one of the most prestigious honors in the video game industry. It recognizes the best game released in a given year, and it is often seen as a definitive ranking of the quality of games. However, the history of the GOTY award is full of complexities and controversies. In this article, we will take a critical look at the history of the GOTY award, examining the factors that have influenced its evolution and the debates that have surrounded it.
The Early Years
The concept of a GOTY award can be traced back to the early days of video gaming. In 1982, Electronic Games magazine awarded their first-ever “Game of the Year” award to Pac-Man. However, it was not until the late 1990s that the GOTY award became a regular feature of the video game industry. In 1996, the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences (AIAS) launched the D.I.C.E. Awards, which included a GOTY category. The following year, the Game Developers Choice Awards (GDCA) launched their own GOTY award. These two awards quickly became the most prestigious GOTY awards in the industry.
The Rise of Popularity
In the early 2000s, the GOTY award became increasingly popular. This was due in part to the rise of gaming websites and magazines, which provided more coverage of the industry and its awards. It was also due to the increasing popularity of video games themselves. By the mid-2000s, GOTY awards were being handed out by a wide range of organizations, including game review websites, gaming magazines, and even mainstream media outlets.
Criticisms and Controversies
The increasing popularity of the GOTY award has not been without its detractors. Some critics have argued that the award is too subjective and that it often goes to the most popular games rather than the best games. Others have argued that the GOTY award is too narrow and that it does not take into account the wide range of games that are released each year. In addition to these criticisms, the GOTY award has also been the subject of several controversies. In 2013, the GDCA awarded their GOTY award to The Last of Us, despite the fact that the game had not been released yet. This decision was met with widespread criticism, and it eventually led to the GDCA changing their rules so that only games that have been released can be nominated for GOTY.
New Frontiers
In recent years, the GOTY award has continued to evolve. In 2018, the AIAS launched a new GOTY award category called the “Game of the Year for Impact”. This award is given to a game that has had a significant impact on society or culture. In 2020, the Game Awards, which is now the most prestigious GOTY award in the industry, launched a new award category called the “Player’s Voice Award”. This award is given to the game that is voted on by the public. These new awards reflect the changing landscape of the video game industry and the increasing importance of player feedback.
Conclusion
The history of the Game of the Year award is a complex and fascinating one. The award has evolved over time, reflecting the changing landscape of the video game industry. It has also been the subject of numerous criticisms and controversies. However, the GOTY award remains one of the most prestigious honors in the industry, and it continues to play an important role in recognizing the best games of the year.
As the video game industry continues to grow and evolve, it is likely that the GOTY award will continue to change. However, one thing is for sure: the GOTY award will continue to be a source of debate and discussion for years to come.
