The Golden Joystick Awards are unique in that the people choose the winners. Your vote could decide whether a game you love gets the award it deserves. This year’s Golden Joystick Awards was particularly special, as they celebrated 50 years of gaming. As such, the winners of this year’s awards can feel proud that they were nominated and successfully secured the vote for the best in their category.
1. Best Visual Design Winner
This year, the winner of Best Visual Design was the newest installment in the Ratchet & Clank series, “Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart.” This game is only available on the PS5 right now, but that didn’t deter people from voting for it. As expected for a game on a brand-new console, its visuals are gorgeous. It features an interdimensional adventure complete with well-crafted weaponry and a fresh face to the series.
2. Platform Games of the Year
As the year wraps up, a few significant contenders stand out as the games of the year on their respective platforms. Because developers typically release games on multiple platforms, you can expect to see overlaps in some results. However, this year, each platform boasted its own unique game of the year for its hardware.
PC’s Game of the Year: Hitman 3
The last of a trilogy, “Hitman 3” is a stealth-based game that encourages players to explore the world in their own way. “Hitman 3” also features locations from the first two games to those who own them.
Playstation’s Game of the Year: Resident Evil Village
“Resident Evil Village” is the eighth in the Resident Evil series. The story continues from where the seventh left off, and it’s full of impressive locations and interesting characters.
Xbox’s Game of the Year: Psychonauts 2
This year, Xbox’s Game of the Year is a new game, surprisingly not from one of its most popular series. “Psychonauts 2” is the sequel to a game that came out in 2005. The series continues to bring awareness to and destigmatize the topic of mental illness and health.
Nintendo’s Game of the Year: Metroid Dread
“Metroid Dread” is the latest in Samus’s side-scrolling adventures. Metroid is a fan-favorite series that first came out in 1986, making it an excellent addition to the 50-year celebration of video games.
3. Best Gaming Hardware
This year introduced the Playstation 5, the latest in the series of Sony’s Playstation consoles. While some gamers may still have an issue procuring a PS5 because of its high demand, those who have gotten the chance to experience its next-level features seem pleased with it.
4. Ultimate Game of the Year Award
The Ultimate Game of the Year Award is the most sought-after award and highest-anticipated category because the winner is the best of the best. Not only will it typically win on its platform, but it also beats the other winners. This year’s winner is “Resident Evil Village.” Of the numerous accolades it won at the Golden Joystick Awards this year, the Ultimate Game of the Year award is by far the most stunning.
5. Ultimate Game of All Time
The Ultimate Game of All Time Award winner shouldn’t shock any seasoned gamer: “Dark Souls” took the award, and for a good reason. In the last ten years, its popularity has never waned. “Dark Souls” emphasizes exploration and includes excellent multiplayer capabilities.
Other Golden Joystick Awards Winners
The Golden Joystick Awards don’t stop there. Plenty of other notable titles were featured as exemplary in their field. Some of the breakthrough winners include:
- Best Indie Game: “Death’s Door,” a game full of mystery and a rich world with beautiful art.
- Best Storytelling: “Life Is Strange: True Colors,” from a series known for its dazzling writing.
- Best Multiplayer Game: “It Takes Two,” which encourages partners to work together to solve problems while experiencing a well-written story.
- Still Playing Award: “Final Fantasy XIV,” around ten years after its initial release, still has incredible replay value.
Many of the games and talents recognized at the awards deserve acknowledgment for a job well done. Without their games, performers, developers and more, the gaming industry wouldn’t be the same.
The Golden Joystick Awards and the Gaming Community
Gamers themselves are the voice of these awards. They choose who, out of the nominees, deserves the Golden Joystick Awards. It’s an essential pastime for many people, and commemorating 50 years of gaming is just as important as celebrating the gamers themselves.