2023 Golden Joystick Awards: Tears Of The Kingdom and Baldur’s Gate 3 Shine

2023 Golden Joystick Awards: Tears Of The Kingdom and Baldur’s Gate 3 Shine

Summary:

The 2023 Golden Joystick Awards celebrated excellence in the gaming industry. Tears Of The Kingdom claimed Nintendo Game Of The Year, while Baldur’s Gate 3 secured the title of Ultimate Game Of All Time. This article delves into the awards, winners, and the fierce competition that unfolded.


2023 Golden Joystick Awards

The gaming world gathered in London for the 2023 Golden Joystick Awards, a night filled with anticipation and excitement. The event recognized the outstanding contributions and achievements within the gaming industry. This year’s awards were particularly noteworthy, with fierce competition and several surprises. Let’s dive into the highlights of the event.

The Golden Joystick Awards, often referred to as the People’s Gaming Awards, have been a staple in the gaming industry for decades. These awards are unique because they are decided by the gaming community, making them highly anticipated every year. Gamers from all around the world cast their votes to determine the winners in various categories.

Tears Of The Kingdom: Nintendo Game Of The Year

Tears Of The Kingdom stole the spotlight as it claimed the prestigious title of Nintendo Game Of The Year. Developed by a renowned studio, this game had been highly anticipated and didn’t disappoint. Critics and fans alike were captivated by its storytelling, gameplay, and graphics. This victory was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the development team.

Ultimate Game Of All Time: Baldur’s Gate 3’s Triumph

The most coveted title of the night, Ultimate Game Of All Time, was awarded to Baldur’s Gate 3. This was a monumental achievement for the game and its developer, Larian Studios. Baldur’s Gate 3 faced stiff competition, including the likes of Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Metroid Prime Remastered, but it emerged victorious, leaving gamers in awe of its epic storytelling and gameplay.

The competition for the Ultimate Game Of All Time title was intense. Gamers and critics had the challenging task of choosing among exceptional nominees. The inclusion of Tears Of The Kingdom in this category highlighted its impact on the gaming world. Ultimately, Baldur’s Gate 3’s rich narrative and immersive world clinched the title.

List of Award Categories and Winners

  • Best Storytelling – Baldur’s Gate 3
    • Baldur’s Gate 3’s intricate storytelling captivated players, earning it the Best Storytelling award.
  • Still Playing Award – No Man’s Sky
    • No Man’s Sky received the Still Playing Award, a testament to its enduring appeal and continuous updates.
  • Best Visual Design – Baldur’s Gate 3
    • The visually stunning world of Baldur’s Gate 3 secured it the Best Visual Design award.
  • Studio of the Year – Larian Studios
    • Larian Studios’ commitment to excellence earned them the Studio of the Year title.
  • Best Game Expansion – Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
    • Cyberpunk 2077’s Phantom Liberty expansion was recognized as the Best Game Expansion.
  • Best Indie Game – Sea of Stars
    • Indie gem Sea of Stars shone brightly, winning the Best Indie Game award.
  • Best VR Game – Horizon Call of the Mountain
    • Horizon Call of the Mountain emerged as the Best VR Game, offering players immersive experiences.
  • Best Multiplayer Game – Mortal Kombat 1
    • Mortal Kombat 1 proved its dominance in the multiplayer arena, securing the Best Multiplayer Game award.
  • Best Audio – Final Fantasy XVI
    • Final Fantasy XVI’s captivating audio design earned it the Best Audio award.
  • Best Game Trailer – Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
    • Cyberpunk 2077’s Phantom Liberty trailer dazzled and claimed the Best Game Trailer award.
  • Best Streaming Game – Valorant
    • Valorant’s impact on the streaming world earned it the Best Streaming Game title.
  • Best Game Community – Baldur’s Gate 3
    • Baldur’s Gate 3’s passionate community was recognized as the Best Game Community.
  • Best Gaming Hardware – PSVR 2
    • The highly anticipated PSVR 2 secured the Best Gaming Hardware award.
  • Breakthrough Award – Coccoon / Geometric Interactive
    • The Breakthrough Award celebrated the innovation brought by Coccoon / Geometric Interactive.
  • Critics’ Choice Award – Alan Wake II
    • Alan Wake II was critically acclaimed and received the Critics’ Choice Award.
  • Best Lead Performer – Ben Starr, Final Fantasy XVI
    • Ben Starr’s outstanding performance in Final Fantasy XVI earned him the Best Lead Performer title.
  • Best Supporting Performer – Neil Newborn, Astarion, Baldur’s Gate 3
    • Neil Newborn’s portrayal of Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3 earned him the Best Supporting Performer award.
  • Nintendo Game of the Year – The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
    • The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was celebrated as Nintendo Game of the Year.
  • PC Game of the Year – Baldur’s Gate 3
    • Baldur’s Gate 3 continued its success, claiming the title of PC Game of the Year.
  • Xbox Game of the Year – Starfield
    • Starfield was recognized as the Xbox Game of the Year, generating excitement in the gaming community.
  • PlayStation Game of the Year – Resident Evil 4
    • Resident Evil 4’s enduring popularity earned it the PlayStation Game of the Year award.
  • Most Wanted Game – Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
    • Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth was eagerly anticipated and won the Most Wanted Game category.
  • Ultimate Game Of The Year – Baldur’s Gate 3
    • In the ultimate showdown, Baldur’s Gate 3 emerged as the Ultimate Game Of The Year, solidifying its place in gaming history.
Conclusion

The 2023 Golden Joystick Awards were a testament to the creativity, innovation, and dedication of the gaming industry. Tears Of The Kingdom and Baldur’s Gate 3 left an indelible mark by claiming the top honors. These awards not only recognize exceptional games but also celebrate the passionate gaming community that makes these achievements possible.

FAQs
  • 1. How are the Golden Joystick Awards winners determined?
    • The winners of the Golden Joystick Awards are determined by popular vote, with gamers from around the world casting their votes to decide the winners in various categories.
  • 2. Why was Tears Of The Kingdom awarded Nintendo Game Of The Year?
    • Tears Of The Kingdom received the Nintendo Game Of The Year award due to its outstanding storytelling, gameplay, and positive reception from both critics and fans.
  • 3. What made Baldur’s Gate 3 the Ultimate Game Of All Time?
    • Baldur’s Gate 3 clinched the title of Ultimate Game Of All Time thanks to its epic storytelling, rich narrative, and immersive gameplay experience.
  • 4. Were there any surprises or upsets at the 2023 Golden Joystick Awards?
    • While Tears Of The Kingdom and Baldur’s Gate 3 were expected to perform well, the competition in various categories resulted in some surprises and upsets.
  • 5. How do the Golden Joystick Awards celebrate the gaming community?
    • The awards not only recognize outstanding games but also celebrate the passionate gaming community that plays a vital role in the industry’s success.