Game of the Year should actually be interesting this year, because as far as this author is concerned, there hasn’t really been that one single standout that everyone appears ready to rally behind. You may have a different opinion, of course – that’s fine – but while there have been lots of great releases this year, it doesn’t feel like there’s been that one true standout, head and shoulders above the rest.
Good luck to Geoff Keighley, then, who will announce the nominees for all 30 (!!!) categories in this year’s The Game Awards on Tuesday, from 9AM PT / 5PM GMT. It’s probably going to be a bit of a muted year for Sony, if we’re honest, with Returnal and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart the two standouts from a PlayStation persuasion. We’re confident both will get their fair share of nominations, though.
What do you think the Game of the Year nominees will be? And what is your personal pick for the gong, right here and right now? It’s tough, isn’t it?
[source twitter.com]
Comments 50
Hoping to see Returnal get the respect it deserves! Good luck to all the contenders!
For once it’s going to be an actual contest between PlayStation and Xbox at these. Returnal, Ratchet, Psychonauts 2 and Forza will probably be the heavy hitters.
Dungeon encounters has been my favourite game released this year so far.
Though obviously I wouldn't place any bets on it winning, or even appearing.
Forza will probably get it…
@Yaycandy My bet’s on Psychonauts 2. Beloved cult classic coming back and not only sticking the landing but surpassing the original.
Go Returnal! I really hope it gets the recognition.
If It Takes Two doesn't get a GOTY nomination, that would be a damn shame.
Rift Apart is the only true 100% next gen gem we've had so far, and my GotY.
@nessisonett That or Ratchet and Clank. I was being sarcastic about Forza. Its the same a 4, and get 10s in reviews. I guess if its not broke dont fix it.
Returnal, ratchet and clank, Deathloop, Forza horizon, Metroid dread and It takes two i'm pretty sure will be the six games on the GOTY shortlist.
@nessisonett i think psyconauhts will get nominations for awards but i have a feeling it will just miss out on a game of the year nomination.
@Oh_fiddlesticks That’s a good shout with It Takes Two actually, that was pretty widely praised plus it’s something unique.
I rooting for RE8 to get goty, outside that It will be interesting seeing who gets more nods between Xbox and Playstation. Usually Sony takes it but this year Xbox has two giants in the fight.
Metroid Dread all the way. To me, that’s the standout game this year, bar none. It’s not even close.
Hoping to see Capcom games get a lot of nods this year, and I’m hoping The Forgotten City gets mentioned. Curious to see if Halo will be eligible for anything or if it should be eligible for anything. I’m expecting the Sony exclusives to carry the majority of the awards, honestly. I’m hoping Warioware gets more nominations than Forza, but I know that won’t happen.
One of those rare years where it was really strong across all three brands not just one or two, lots of games that could get the nod for the big award. My six nominees would be Metroid Dread, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Resident Evil: Village, Monster Hunter Rise, Forza Horizon 5, Psychonauts 2.
Hard to put sequels like rift apart or forza in the conversation for goty imo. While both great games, neither separate themselves from their prior outings enough to truly stand out above the rest. But if Rift Apart is your first ratchet game I could see how you'd be blown away by it.
Honestly I think at least 5-6 games from last year would have easily been goty this year. Been a year of lots of 8/10s but nothing that mind-blowing. Gun to my head I'd pick It Takes Two slightly over Psychonauts 2.
Tales of Arise should be getting GOTY, can't think of any games this year that are better
Forza and Metroid dread are the top 2 for me. Wasn’t interested in either Returnal or Rift Apart. I enjoyed Deathloop but after completing it it kind of fell flat for me.
There’s been some great AAA games this year but honestly Death’s Door is my GoTY. I seriously hope it at least gets a nomination.
Re village is my goty 👌🏻
It's between the 3 R's for me
Resident Evil Village
Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart
Returnal
I wouldn't mind Deathloop to win either though.
Plus F.I.S.T should get some nominations. It's hands down the best Metroidvania since Hollow Knight.
These are some of my favourite games of the year. A few missing like Resident Evil 8 and Returnal, as I haven’t play them enough.
Probably still tempted to go for Hitman 3 overall. Amazing game and even after I completed it, I went back and did it all over again in VR.
Guardians Of The Yxalag?
Returnal or kena for me! both great and hard as nails.
One of the weaker years I can remember all round but Resident Evil Village is the one that stands out to me. Many of the best games I played were remakes such as Super Monkey Ball and especially Quake
Like most of the time I’m doubtful my personal goty will even get nominated. So far it’s little nightmares 2. Thought the silent and interactive story telling in it was superb. And it’s art direction was inspired.
My other favourite games would be Psychonauts 2, Forza Horizon 5, Metroid Dread and surprisingly Guardians of the galaxy, took a while for that game to click but the characters above all else won me over.
I know it doesn't get the visibility other games do, but FFXIV Endwalker will likely be my GOTY and probably deserves it more than the nominees as it's a story that developed over 6 years coming to a head.
I'm thinking RE8 only game really stands out to me this year, enjoyed far cry 6 and AC Valhalla,
Deathloop was a flop or just not fun? Haven't heard much about it after initially been released.
However next year will be a tough call on goty, damn can this year be over already
It will be interesting this year as there is no game which obviously stands out as clearly being the victor unlike previous years.
I am most curious about how geoff will shoehorn Kojima into the ceremony this year
Come on Peppa, bring home the bacon.
How come we are getting a GOTY in November?
@Oscarjpc You think so? I think returnal is another truly next-gen game. I think it would be impossible on other consoles due to instant reloads and that beautiful dual sense implementation.
@Rob_230 Kojima apparently has both Playstation and Xbox games in the works... But he'll probably just bring him on stage, hug him, and then he'll leave.
There has been nothing exceptional this year, I honestly don’t know what I’d pick. There’s been good games but none have stood out. R+C kinda game and went as did Kena. I’m enjoying FH5 but wouldn’t say it’s GOTY quality, it’s very similar to 4.
The best game I’ve probably played this year is Metro Exodus with its free upgrade, but obviously it’s an older title.
I would be so happy if It Takes Two won GOTY. I enjoyed Ratchet and Clank, Returnal and RE:VIII (maybe I’ll squeeze some time in before the awards for either KENA or Deathloop) but the co-opness of It Takes Two is Jaw Dropping.
@RBMango preach!
My personal GOTY is probably Scarlet Nexus but I know that isn't getting nominated. I think it's going to most likely be between...
It takes Two
Deathloop
Or Forza.
I would be happy if Scarlet Nexus and Lost Judgment came away with something but I'm not holding my breath. Looking forward to the show though.
I agree that there isn’t one clear winner this year. Lots of great games so quite tough to pick!
Returnal and Ratchet were fantastic fun and probably my favourite games this year. It Takes Two definitely does deserve an honourable mention and I’ve had an absolute blast with Deathloop too.
Am really enjoying Metroid Dread but it’s not the sort of game that gives me the exciting goosebumps that some of the others I’ve played this year gave me.
Forza had a lot of praise and a great meta critic score but I’d be surprised if a driving game made game of the year.
I think the nominees will be:
With Metroid Dread winning because it's Metroid.
Comments here pretty much prove how hard it’s going to be to pick. There’s really no clear standout.
Haven't played any of the new releases yet.
Will be playing R&C Rift Apart next though, once I have finished ME 3.
The joys of a backlog & replaying old favourites!
GOTY awards mean very little in the grand scheme of things.
Pick 5 of Psychonauts 2, Forza Horizon 5, Returnal, Deathloop, Metroid Dread, Monster Hunter rise, Resi Village, Ratchet, Hitman 3 & It takes two.
And there’s usually an indie darling in the mix, pick one of Chicory, Death’s Door or, outside bets, The Artful Escape, Kena or Unpacking!
@nessisonett. And x box is still going to lose.they never won a game of the year.wtf.word up son
Let’s go Returnal.
I think the nominees could be:
RE8: Village
Deathloop
Returnal
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
It Takes Two
Metroid: Dread
Psychonauts 2
Hoping Returnal gets some praise. There’s been other great games but nothing ground breaking like that game.
Huh, people actually care about the awards... I'm just watching it for new game announcement.
I think Psychonauts 2, Tales of Arise, FH5 and RE8 should be nominated for GOTY. But tbh I'm only watching the event for the game announcements.
@themcnoisy to boost the winner's xmas sales.
I usually like games that are different or "new" to win and Forza is just the same every year just with a different terrain. Personally I'd like to see Returnal, Psychonauts 2 or Tales of Arise win it
Hopefully Geoff's mum will let him wear his dress shoes to the event this year.
But anyway, Psychonauts 2 for GOTY no question!
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