Video games have delivered some of the most unforgettable experiences in entertainment, with countless titles pushing boundaries and earning critical acclaim. But not every masterpiece gets the Game of the Year crown. Some of the most innovative, influential, and beloved games have been passed over despite shaping the industry.
This list highlights ten incredible games that never won the top prize but still left a lasting impact on players and gaming history.
10. Hades
Supergiant Games’ roguelike masterpiece Hades was a critical darling in 2020, winning numerous Game of the Year awards from various outlets. Despite its innovative gameplay, stunning art, and compelling narrative, it lost The Game Awards’ top honor to The Last of Us Part II. Hades’ impact on the indie game scene remains undeniable.
9. God of War Ragnarök
Despite winning six awards at The Game Awards 2022, including Best Narrative and Best Performance, God of War Ragnarök lost Game of the Year to Elden Ring. With its stunning visuals, emotional storytelling, and improved combat, many fans felt Kratos’ latest adventure deserved the top honor.
8. Death Stranding
Hideo Kojima’s ambitious 2019 title polarized critics but captivated players with its unique “strand” gameplay and haunting post-apocalyptic world. Despite its innovative social mechanics and stunning visuals, Death Stranding lost to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice at The Game Awards. Its Director’s Cut in 2021 further solidified its cult classic status.
7. Marvel’s Spider-Man (2018)
Marvel’s Spider-Man swung onto PS4 with stunning visuals, fluid web-slinging mechanics, and an engaging story. Despite critical acclaim and commercial success, it lost Game of the Year to God of War. The game’s innovative take on the superhero genre and its seamless open-world New York City deserved more recognition.
6. Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima’s stunning visuals and immersive samurai gameplay captivated players in 2020. Despite critical acclaim for its open-world design and combat mechanics, it lost to The Last of Us Part II at The Game Awards. Many fans felt its unique setting and cultural homage deserved the top honor.
5. DOOM (2016)
DOOM (2016) revitalized the iconic franchise with its fast-paced, visceral combat and stunning visuals. Despite overwhelming critical acclaim and fan praise for its intense gameplay and atmospheric soundtrack, it lost to Overwatch at The Game Awards. DOOM’s impact on the FPS genre and its faithful reimagining of the classic series deserved more recognition.
4. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Uncharted 4 received universal acclaim for its stunning visuals, emotional depth, and masterful storytelling. Despite winning numerous awards, including Best Game at the 2017 BAFTA Games Awards, it missed out on many Game of the Year titles. Critics praised its maturity and character development, calling it a “breathtaking marvel” that set new standards for the adventure genre.
3. Bloodborne
Bloodborne, FromSoftware’s gothic masterpiece, received universal acclaim but missed out on many Game of the Year awards in 2015. With a 92 Metacritic score, it revolutionized the Souls formula with faster combat and a haunting Lovecraftian world. Critics praised its atmospheric design, challenging gameplay, and intricate lore, cementing its status as a modern classic.
2. Dark Souls 3
Despite winning Ultimate Game of the Year at the 2016 Golden Joystick Awards, Dark Souls 3 missed out on top honors at other major ceremonies. This critically acclaimed RPG, praised for its impeccable combat and ingenious design, set sales records for Bandai Namco and received universal acclaim, making its GOTY snubs particularly surprising.
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1. Red Dead Redemption 2
Despite universal acclaim and over 175 Game of the Year awards, Red Dead Redemption 2 lost the top prize at The Game Awards 2018 to God of War. The Western epic’s stunning open world, compelling narrative, and groundbreaking attention to detail make its snub particularly surprising. It remains one of the highest-rated games of all time.
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