“Games give you a chance to excel, and if you’re playing in good company you don’t even mind if you lose because you had the enjoyment of the company during the course of the game.”
― Gary Gygax
Gaming has evolved a lot over the years. Today, it is not merely a medium of entertainment. The gaming industry has opened up avenues of income to millions of gamers around the world. People meet up to play games from different corners of the world. Games foster cultural connections and significantly affect our personalities. They invigorate our competitive spirit and make us better deciders. The immersive content of games offers a deeper interaction with a completely different dimension.
Gaming has become a way of life for many. Esports is real and here to stay. There are professional teams of gamers that represent clubs and countries. There is a vast audience who remains rapt with attention to view the experts in their element. Seeing the potential of the industry, myriad brands have started investing in esports marketing.
In 2014, game journalist, Geoff Keighley, established The Game Awards. The annual awards ceremony appreciates the games released over the course of the year. Awards are proffered in different categories. In 2022, the ceremony was held on December 8 at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. It was live-streamed across 40 digital platforms. An IMAX experience was also offered. Musical performances from Best McCreary, Hozier, and Halsey made the day all the more grand. Presentations by Al Pacino, Bella Ramsey, Pedro Pascal, Reggie Fils-Aimé, and Ken and Roberta Williams added a special meaning for all the winners.
Let us have a look at some of the amazing games that won awards in The Game Awards 2022.
Elden Ring
Categories: Game of the Year, Best Game Direction, Best Art Direction, Best Role Playing Game
Elden Ring is one of those rare games that surpassed all expectations. FromSoftware subverted all established norms and brought to us this masterpiece. By applying the Dark Souls formula in an open-world gameplay, Elden Ring transports you to a magical world where you are free to explore at your own will. It is you, the gamer, who pieces together the story at your own pace. At your disposal, you have hundreds of weapons, each with its individual move-sets and magical powers. Elden Ring is a gripping game that can engage your mind and heart for hundreds of hours. Elden Ring’s world is massive. Its creative diversity is unrivaled. It is no wonder that it won the coveted Game of the Year Award, along with a plethora of other awards. Fun fact, Hidetaka Miyazaki was joined by George R.R. Martin to craft the unique narrative of Elden Ring.
God of War Ragnarök
Categories: Best Narrative, Best Score and Music, Best Audio Design, Best Performance, Innovation in Accessibility, Best Action/Adventure
God of War Ragnarök takes you on an enthralling journey in the nine realms of the Nordic world. In 2018, God of War exceeded all expectations when it revamped an old franchise. Undoubtedly, it is considered to be one of the best games of its generation. In 2022, Sony Santa Monica takes us back to Kratos’ story. The father-son duo of Kratos and Atreus is back with a thrilling and memorable mythological adventure in God of War Ragnarök. The haunting musical score, the gripping voice performances, and the spectacular physicality of fight sequences make it an epic adventure. With an astounding ten nominations, it won the most number of awards at the ceremony. It truly deserves all the accolades that it received at The Game Awards.
Gran Turismo 7
Categories: Best Sports/Racing Game
Polyphony Digital presents us with a nostalgic yet power-packed racing game. Gran Turismo 7 has everything that would entice a racing game enthusiast. With curated races and engaging tasks, the game is sure to fulfill your need for speed. The addition of the Gran Turismo Café in the middle of the game’s world map has ensured that the player’s attention is always engaged. Whoever enters the hub, gets a task assigned by the owner from any of the thirty-nine menu books. The stylish cars, the expensive upgrades, and the realistic feel of the steering wheel would no doubt satiate your racing souls. Gran Turismo 7 is a worthy winner of the best sports/racing game title.
Bayonetta 3
Categories: Best Action Game
Bayonetta 3 takes you on a wild ride along with a demon and God-slaying witch. In this game, you can throttle enemies with demonic trains in Ancient China. The Kaiju showdowns and the 2D shooting sprees are bound to delight every video game lover. Developed by Platinum, Bayonetta 3 eschews the trending fad of realism and sticks to its arcade core. References to the Book of Revelations add a special edge to this action-animesque game. Every new level elevates the tension and propels you to new heights. It is indeed a treat for Nintendo Switch players. This carnage-heavy game deservedly got the title of the best action game.
Final Fantasy 14
Categories: Best Community Support, Best Ongoing Game
Final Fantasy 14 is a jaw-dropping example of an MMORPG. All the storylines of the game challenge you and leave you with immense satisfaction. From Heavensward’s snow-covered peaks to Endwalker’s embodiment of nihilism, all the arcs are bound to sate your gaming souls. The critically acclaimed game also gives you to added fun of vanquishing deities with your real-life friends. It is no surprise that Final Fantasy 14 won the best community support award and the best ongoing game award.
Conclusion
2022 saw a lot of innovative games hit the market. It had been a spectacular year for video game enthusiasts. I can say from first-hand experience that all the games listed here are well-deserving. I was astounded by Elden Ring’s gameplay and God of War Ragnarök’s narrative. I am truly thankful to my brother for introducing me to the world of games. Do comment and let me know which of these games intrigue you.
The World's Best 
I’m not one for video games, though I loved the opening quote, and I recognize the importance of playtime. If I were to play one, I like the idea of exploring to my own will, such as in “Elder Ring.”
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Absolutely! While video games may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the concept of playtime and exploration is universally appealing. Games like “Elden Ring” offer immersive worlds where players can explore at their own pace, discovering new environments, stories, and challenges along the way. It’s a fantastic way to unwind and engage in a bit of escapism, all while exercising creativity and curiosity. If you ever decide to give it a try one day, I hope you enjoy the journey through the vast landscapes of “Elden Ring” or any other game that sparks your interest!
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