A wide variety of astounding games, each a gem in their own right, were released this year, however, it is difficult to determine which one truly deserves the title of “game of the year.” 

On Nov. 21, the Golden Joystick Awards announced the winners of several award categories in which many popular games and developers were nominated. 

The Golden Joystick Awards is an annual video game award ceremony that nominates and presents awards to various video game titles, developers and voice actors. 

The award categories were best audio design, best soundtrack, best storytelling, best multiplayer game, best visual design, best indie game, best lead performer, best supporting performer, PC game of the year, console game of the year, most wanted game, best game expansion, best gaming hardware, best early access game, best game trailer, streamers’ choice award, best game adaptation and ultimate game of the year. 

The award for best audio design was given to “Astro Bot,” a PlayStation exclusive title released in September featuring a child-like exploration of different worlds with a peppy robot. 

The awards for best soundtrack and best storytelling went to “Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth,” a remake of the original game from the “Final Fantasy” series. 

“Helldivers 2,” an underdog that rocketed to the top of the charts when it was released back in February, won four awards in best multiplayer game, console game of the year, the critics’ choice award and best game trailer.

“Black Myth: Wukong,” a game based off of the old tale of “journey to the west” with elements similar to games such as “Elden Ring” and “Dark Souls,” won awards for ultimate game of the year and best visual design. 

“Balatro” won best indie game and the breakthrough award (critics’ choice) while the award of best self-published indie game was given to “Another Crab’s Treasure.” 

The award for studio of the year was given to “Team Asobi,” known for developing titles such as “Astro’s Playroom” and “Astro Bot.” 

Best lead performer was given to Cody Christian, the voice actor of Cloud Strife from “Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth,” and the award of best supporting performer was given to “Briana White” who voiced Aerith in “Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth.” 

The still playing award for console & PC went to “Minecraft” and the one for mobile devices was given to “Honkai: Star Rail.” 

The award for most wanted game was unsurprisingly given to “Grand Theft Auto 6” otherwise known as “GTA 6.” 

The title of PC game of the year was given to “Satisfactory,” a first-person, open-world building game where players build a number of factories and equipment while exploring the world. 

The award for best game expansion was given to FromSoftware’s “Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree” DLC – downloadable content – released last June. 

The best gaming hardware award was given to “Steam Deck OLED,” a PC gaming device made for handheld gaming and comfort with a console-like experience. 

Best early access game was given to “Lethal Company,” a game where players work together in a squad of four to collect valuable items in hostile environments plagued with hazards and monsters. 

The streamers’ choice award was given to “Chained Together,” a game where four players are connected via short chains and need to traverse a seemingly endless number of obstacles which can make for some entertaining moments. 

Best game adaptation was given to Amazon Prime Video’s “Fallout” series based off of the original series of games. 

The awards show can be re-watched on GamesRadar’s YouTube and the Golden Joystick Award’s Twitch.