Games That Should Have Won Awards But Didn’t

The gaming industry celebrates its finest achievements every year through various prestigious award ceremonies. Countless masterpieces fail to secure the top prizes due to stiff competition or release timing controversies. Many of these titles go on to define genres and cultivate massive fanbases despite a lack of trophies. This list explores exceptional video games that deserved more recognition during their respective awards seasons.

‘Red Dead Redemption 2’ (2018)

Rockstar Games crafted a western epic that set a new standard for open world detail and narrative depth. Arthur Morgan serves as a complex protagonist whose journey through the declining frontier is heartbreaking and memorable. The technical performance and visual fidelity created a living world unlike anything seen before. It swept many technical categories but ultimately lost the biggest prize of the night to a resurgent Kratos.

‘Bloodborne’ (2015)

FromSoftware took their challenging combat formula and applied it to a terrifying Victorian setting. Players navigate the twisted streets of Yharnam while battling grotesque beasts and uncovering cosmic horrors. The faster combat system encourages aggression and rewards precision in a way that differs from its predecessors. Many fans consider this title the magnum opus of director Hidetaka Miyazaki despite it missing out on the top honors.

‘Mass Effect 2’ (2010)

Commander Shepard returns in a sequel that perfects the blend of third person shooting and role playing mechanics. The game introduces the Suicide Mission which requires players to earn the loyalty of a diverse crew to ensure their survival. Bioware improved the combat fluidity and streamlined the inventory system to appeal to a wider audience. This sci-fi opera is widely regarded as one of the best games ever made yet it faced heavy competition during its release year.

‘Portal 2’ (2011)

Valve expanded upon their innovative puzzle mechanic to create a hilarious and mind bending cooperative and single player experience. Wheatley and GLaDOS provide some of the best voice acting and writing in the history of the medium. The introduction of gels added new layers of complexity to the test chambers. While it won many accolades for design and narrative it did not take home the game of the year trophy against another open world fantasy giant.

‘Ghost of Tsushima’ (2020)

Jin Sakai must abandon his honorable samurai code to save his home from a Mongol invasion. Sucker Punch Productions delivered a visually stunning rendition of feudal Japan that guided players with wind rather than minimaps. The combat system offers a satisfying balance of stealth and swordplay that feels cinematic and grounded. It captured the hearts of players worldwide but fell short with critics when compared to a divisive post apocalyptic sequel.

‘Fallout: New Vegas’ (2010)

Obsidian Entertainment developed this entry and many fans argue it surpasses the mainline Bethesda titles in writing and role playing depth. The Mojave Wasteland offers a distinct atmosphere filled with warring factions and moral gray areas. Players have immense freedom to shape the narrative and determine the fate of the region. Technical issues at launch unfortunately hampered its critical reception and award potential during its initial release.

‘Horizon Zero Dawn’ (2017)

Guerrilla Games moved away from first person shooters to create a vibrant post apocalyptic world inhabited by robotic dinosaurs. Aloy stands out as a fantastic protagonist uncovering the mystery of her past and the fall of civilization. The combat requires tactical dismantling of machines using a variety of primitive yet high tech weapons. This original intellectual property was a massive success that had the misfortune of releasing alongside a genre defining Hyrule adventure.

‘Batman: Arkham City’ (2011)

Rocksteady Studios took the tight mechanics of the asylum and expanded them into a section of Gotham cordoned off for criminals. The gliding and grappling mechanics allow players to traverse the skyline and engage in rhythm based combat. A dark narrative involving the Joker and Hugo Strange pushes the Dark Knight to his physical and mental limits. It perfected the superhero game formula but lost the top award to a dragon slaying epic.

‘Doom Eternal’ (2020)

id Software turned the intensity up to eleven with this sequel that demands constant movement and resource management. The Slayer must battle through the armies of Hell using a vast arsenal of weapons and traversal abilities. The push forward combat loop forces players to glory kill for health and chainsaw for ammo. It stands as one of the best first person shooters ever made but was overshadowed by narrative heavy competitors.

‘Hollow Knight’ (2017)

Team Cherry created a sprawling underground kingdom filled with secrets and challenging insectoid enemies. The hand drawn art style and melancholic soundtrack create an atmosphere that is both beautiful and oppressive. Tight controls and intricate level design make exploration a joy for fans of the Metroidvania genre. This indie darling built a massive cult following but did not receive the mainstream award recognition it deserved upon release.

‘Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain’ (2015)

Hideo Kojima delivered his final entry in the franchise with an open world stealth sandbox offering unparalleled freedom. Venom Snake builds a private army while executing missions across Afghanistan and Africa. The emergent gameplay systems allow players to tackle objectives in countless creative ways. Internal conflicts at the publishing studio and an unfinished final act likely hurt its chances at securing the ultimate victory.

‘Alien: Isolation’ (2014)

Creative Assembly finally did justice to the franchise by creating a survival horror game that captures the tension of the original film. Amanda Ripley must survive on a space station while being hunted by a single unkillable Xenomorph. The artificial intelligence of the alien is dynamic and unpredictable which creates constant dread. It is a masterpiece of atmospheric horror that was arguably too intense for some award committees.

‘Titanfall 2’ (2016)

Respawn Entertainment crafted one of the most inventive single player shooter campaigns in recent memory. The relationship between the pilot Jack Cooper and his robotic companion BT is surprisingly touching. Level design concepts like the time travel mechanic in the Effect and Cause mission are hailed as genius. Poor release timing sandwiched between two other massive shooter franchises prevented it from getting the attention and hardware it earned.

‘Cuphead’ (2017)

Studio MDHR painstakingly animated this run and gun action game to look exactly like a 1930s cartoon. The boss battles are incredibly difficult and require pattern memorization and quick reflexes. Every frame of animation and note of the jazz soundtrack was crafted with immense care and authenticity. While it won art direction awards it missed out on the top game prize due to its niche difficulty and indie status.

‘Nier: Automata’ (2017)

Yoko Taro directed this eccentric action RPG that explores themes of existentialism and what it means to be human. Androids 2B and 9S fight a proxy war against machine lifeforms on a desolate Earth. The gameplay shifts seamlessly between hack and slash combat and bullet hell shooting sections. Its unconventional storytelling and multiple endings created a lasting impact that transcended its initial award snubs.

‘Uncharted 4: A Thief\’s End’ (2016)

Nathan Drake concludes his treasure hunting career in a story that focuses on family and obsession. Naughty Dog pushed the graphical capabilities of the console to deliver unmatched cinematic set pieces. The addition of the grappling hook and larger combat arenas opened up the gameplay significantly. It was a critical darling that faced stiff competition from a team based hero shooter that year.

‘Control’ (2019)

Remedy Entertainment introduced players to the Oldest House and the paranormal bureaucracy of the Federal Bureau of Control. Jesse Faden uses telekinetic powers and a shape shifting service weapon to fight an invasive resonance called the Hiss. The brutalist architecture and environmental destruction create a visually distinct experience. It won several art and direction awards but the top prize went to a shinobi adventure.

‘Death Stranding’ (2019)

Hideo Kojima returned with a divisive yet visionary game about reconnecting a fractured society. Sam Porter Bridges traverses hazardous terrain to deliver cargo and establish communication networks. The gameplay focuses on the physics of walking and the quiet moments of isolation in a stunning landscape. Its slow pace and unique mechanics alienated some voters preventing it from winning the game of the year.

‘Marvel\’s Spider-Man’ (2018)

Insomniac Games nailed the feeling of swinging through New York City with fluid animation and momentum. Peter Parker struggles to balance his chaotic personal life with his responsibilities as a superhero. The combat borrows from the Arkham series but adds acrobatic flair and gadgetry unique to the character. It revitalized the superhero genre but had the misfortune of releasing in the same year as a western masterpiece and a Norse epic.

‘Super Mario Galaxy 2’ (2010)

Nintendo followed up their space platforming hit with a sequel that many argue improves upon the original design. Yoshi joins Mario to navigate creative planetoids filled with new power ups and gravity mechanics. The level design constantly introduces new concepts and discards them before they become stale. It is a pure distillation of platforming joy that lost to a gritty cowboy drama.

‘Prey’ (2017)

Arkane Studios created an immersive simulation set on a space station overrun by shifting alien mimics. Morgan Yu must utilize limited resources and alien powers to survive and uncover the truth about the Typhon organisms. The game encourages creative problem solving and allows players to approach obstacles in many different ways. It remains a cult classic that was largely overlooked during awards season due to a quiet launch.

‘Dishonored 2’ (2016)

Emily Kaldwin and Corvo Attano offer two distinct playstyles in this stealth action sequel set in the coastal city of Karnaca. The Clockwork Mansion and A Crack in the Slab levels are cited as some of the best designed stages in gaming history. Players can complete the entire game without killing a single enemy or by using brutal supernatural powers. Despite its brilliance in design it failed to capture the mainstream momentum needed for the top award.

‘Bayonetta 2’ (2014)

PlatinumGames refined their stylish action combat to perfection in this Wii U exclusive. The titular witch battles angels and demons in set pieces that defy gravity and logic. The pacing is relentless and the combat flow is smoother than almost any other game in the genre. Its exclusivity to a struggling console likely limited its exposure and chances of winning against multiplatform heavyweights.

‘Inside’ (2016)

Playdead delivered a haunting puzzle platformer that tells a dark story without a single line of dialogue. A young boy navigates a dystopian facility filled with mind control experiments and deadly security measures. The animation and sound design create an unsettling atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll. It is widely considered one of the best indie games ever made but lost the big award to a multiplayer shooter.

‘Celeste’ (2018)

Madeline climbs a mystical mountain while battling her inner demons in this precision platformer. The tight controls and challenging room designs are complemented by a touching story about mental health and perseverance. The assist mode allowed players of all skill levels to experience the narrative without compromising the intended difficulty. It was nominated for the top prize which is rare for an indie title but did not win.

‘Ori and the Will of the Wisps’ (2020)

Moon Studios improved upon their original Metroidvania with better combat and a larger world to explore. The art style is painting comes to life with fluid animations and vibrant colors. The emotional storytelling is supported by a sweeping orchestral score that tugs at the heartstrings. It faced the insurmountable task of competing against the highly anticipated sequel to a zombie survival saga.

‘Psychonauts 2’ (2021)

Double Fine Productions finally delivered a sequel to their cult classic platformer after many years of anticipation. Razputin explores the minds of new characters in levels that are visually distinct and thematically rich. The writing handles serious mental health topics with humor and empathy. It was a critical success that unfortunately lost the top honor to a cooperative adventure game about divorce.

‘Xenoblade Chronicles 3’ (2022)

Monolith Soft crafted a massive JRPG that connects the worlds of the previous two entries in the series. Noah and Mio lead a party of six characters through a war torn world to uncover the true enemy. The combat system is deep and complex mixing real time action with strategic positioning and cooldowns. It was nominated for game of the year but stood little chance against a soulslike titan and a Norse god.

‘Resident Evil 2’ (2019)

Capcom set the gold standard for remakes by reimagining the raccoon city outbreak with modern controls and visuals. Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield explore the terrifying police station while being stalked by the relentless Mr. X. The gore system and lighting effects make every encounter with a zombie feel dangerous and visceral. It revitalized the franchise but lost the main award to a game about a one armed wolf.

‘Devil May Cry 5’ (2019)

Hideaki Itsuno returned to the director’s chair to bring the sons of Sparda back in stylish fashion. Dante and Nero are joined by V in a combat system that offers immense depth and player expression. The RE Engine visuals bring the demonic invasion to life with photorealistic character models and smooth performance. It won best action game but was never a serious contender for the overall game of the year.

‘Shadow of the Colossus’ (2005)

Team Ico created a minimalistic masterpiece where a young man must slay sixteen giants to resurrect a girl. The desolate world and the tragic nature of the battles evoke feelings of loneliness and guilt. Climbing the colossi requires stamina management and platforming skills unlike anything else at the time. It is an artistic triumph that has influenced countless developers but did not win the main spike video game award.

‘Okami’ (2006)

Clover Studio developed this beautiful action adventure that uses a celestial brush mechanic to interact with the world. Amaterasu takes the form of a white wolf to restore beauty to a land cursed by darkness. The art style mimics traditional Japanese ink wash painting and has aged remarkably well. It was a critical darling that suffered from poor sales and lost to a gritty third person shooter.

‘Silent Hill 2’ (2001)

Konami published this psychological horror game that explores themes of grief and punishment through the fog of a cursed town. James Sunderland searches for his deceased wife while facing monsters that manifest from his subconscious. The narrative is mature and disturbing with an atmosphere that remains unmatched in the genre. It is often cited as one of the best games ever written but was too niche for major awards at the time.

‘Chrono Trigger’ (1995)

Square assembled a dream team of developers to create a time traveling role playing game that defies convention. Crono and his friends travel through different eras to prevent a global catastrophe. The game introduced multiple endings and a unique combat system that takes place directly on the field map. It is frequently listed as the best RPG of all time yet it did not receive contemporary game of the year honors.

‘Final Fantasy VII Remake’ (2020)

Square Enix took the opening section of their legendary RPG and expanded it into a full length game. Cloud Strife and Avalanche fight against the Shinra corporation in a realized version of Midgar. The combat successfully blends real time action with the tactical command menu of the original. It was a nostalgic and technical triumph that lost to a controversial narrative driven sequel.

‘A Plague Tale: Requiem’ (2022)

Asobo Studio continued the journey of Amicia and Hugo as they flee from the Inquisition and swarms of rats. The visual fidelity of the environments and the sheer number of rats on screen is a technical marvel. The relationship between the siblings is the emotional core that drives the stealth and puzzle gameplay. It received a nomination for the top prize but faced impossible odds against industry heavyweights.

‘Sifu’ (2022)

Sloclap developed a martial arts game where the protagonist ages every time they are defeated. The combat requires mastery of parries and dodges that mimics the flow of classic kung fu cinema. The aging mechanic adds a unique layer of tension as players try to complete the story before dying of old age. It was snubbed for major game of the year nominations despite its innovative design and tight gameplay.

‘Returnal’ (2021)

Housemarque combined their arcade bullet hell expertise with a third person shooter in a roguelike structure. Selene is trapped in a time loop on an alien planet that shifts its layout with every cycle. The haptic feedback and 3D audio create an immersive sensory experience that showcases the power of new hardware. It won best action game but was generally overlooked for the top prize.

‘Dark Souls III’ (2016)

FromSoftware concluded the trilogy with a game that combines the speed of Bloodborne with the build variety of Dark Souls. The Ashen One travels through the ruins of a dying world to link the fire. The boss fights are some of the most spectacular and challenging in the series history. It was a fitting end to a legendary franchise but released in a year crowded with other massive hits.

‘Monster Hunter: World’ (2018)

Capcom brought their hunting series to home consoles with streamlined mechanics and a seamless open world. Hunters track and slay massive wyverns to craft better gear and take on stronger threats. The ecosystem simulation creates emergent moments where monsters fight each other while the player watches. It became the best selling game in the company’s history but did not win the top critical award.

‘Stardew Valley’ (2016)

ConcernedApe developed this farming simulation entirely on his own and created a global phenomenon. Players inherit a dilapidated farm and must restore it while building relationships with the townspeople. The gameplay loop of planting crops and exploring mines is incredibly addictive and relaxing. It is a landmark indie title that missed out on major game of the year trophies due to the nature of award shows.

‘Undertale’ (2015)

Toby Fox created an RPG where players can finish the entire game without hurting a single enemy. The humor and subversion of genre tropes make it a unique and memorable experience. The combat system involves dodging bullet hell patterns while negotiating with monsters. It garnered a massive fanbase and critical acclaim but was considered too small or niche to win the biggest awards.

‘Final Fantasy XVI’ (2023)

Creative Business Unit III delivered a darker and more mature take on the franchise with a focus on action combat. Clive Rosfield seeks revenge in a world dominated by warring nations and massive Eikons. The boss battles are cinematic spectacles that rival the scale of summer blockbuster movies. It was notably absent from the game of the year nominations despite its high production values and score.

‘Starfield’ (2023)

Bethesda Game Studios attempted their most ambitious open world yet with a galaxy spanning RPG. Players join Constellation to explore over a thousand planets and uncover the mysteries of the universe. The ship building and base construction systems offer deep customization for creative players. It generated massive hype but ultimately failed to secure a nomination for the top prize due to dated design choices.

‘Dead Space’ (2008)

Visceral Games redefined sci-fi horror with a game that removed the HUD to increase immersion. Isaac Clarke must dismember Necromorphs using mining tools on the USG Ishimura. The sound design is terrifying and keeps players on edge even when nothing is attacking. It is a horror classic that lost out to open world and shooter titles during its release year.

‘Left 4 Dead’ (2008)

Valve revolutionized cooperative multiplayer with an AI Director that changes enemy spawns based on player performance. Four survivors must fight through hordes of zombies to reach safety in various movie campaigns. The interplay between special infected and survivors creates endless replayability and tension. It won many multiplayer awards but the game of the year went to a post apocalyptic RPG.

‘Borderlands 2’ (2012)

Gearbox Software perfected the looter shooter formula with a sequel that added a charismatic villain in Handsome Jack. The variety of guns and character builds allows for diverse playstyles and cooperative synergy. The cel shaded art style gives the world of Pandora a unique and timeless look. It was a massive commercial success that was overlooked for the top critical awards.

‘What Remains of Edith Finch’ (2017)

Giant Sparrow created a narrative exploration game that tells the story of a cursed family through magical realism. Players experience the final moments of various family members in distinct and creative gameplay vignettes. The storytelling is poignant and explores death in a way that is both tragic and beautiful. It won best narrative but the top prize went to a more gameplay focused title.

‘Outer Wilds’ (2019)

Mobius Digital developed a space exploration game where players are trapped in a twenty two minute time loop. The solar system is a clockwork mechanism filled with physics based puzzles and ancient secrets. Knowledge is the only upgrade as players learn more about the universe with each loop. It is a masterpiece of design that won a BAFTA but missed the Game Awards top honor.

‘Disco Elysium’ (2019)

ZA/UM released an isometric RPG where the main character battles his own psyche and addiction while solving a murder. The skill system represents different aspects of the protagonist’s personality arguing with each other. The writing is political and philosophical offering a depth rarely seen in video games. It won the most awards at the ceremony but the final game of the year trophy went to a samurai action game.

Tell us which of these masterpieces you think was the biggest snub in the comments.