The Game Awards Player's Voice: A Complete History

The Game Awards is one of the most anticipated events in the gaming industry, celebrating the best video games of the year. While the main awards are decided by a jury of media outlets and influencers, the Player's Voice Award gives the power to the fans. This award lets gamers directly influence the outcome, making it a unique and significant part of the show. So, if you're curious about the games that have resonated most with players over the years, you've come to the right place! Let's dive into the complete history of The Game Awards Player's Voice winners.

What is The Game Awards Player's Voice Award?

Before we get into the list of winners, let's talk about what makes this award so special. The Player's Voice Award is entirely determined by public voting. Unlike other categories where a jury of journalists and critics decides the winners, this award is a direct reflection of the gaming community’s preferences. This means that the game that wins this award has truly captured the hearts and minds of players worldwide. It's a fantastic way for gamers to show their support for their favorite titles and developers.

The process typically involves multiple rounds of voting, starting with a larger pool of nominees that gets narrowed down as voting progresses. This ensures that the final contenders have significant support from the community. The Player's Voice Award often highlights games that have created strong communities or offered memorable experiences. It’s not just about technical achievements or critical acclaim; it's about the emotional connection players have with the game. This connection can be anything from the engaging storyline to the innovative gameplay or the sense of community the game fosters.

For many gamers, this award is particularly important because it feels more democratic and representative of player sentiment. While critics' opinions are valuable, they don't always align with what the average player enjoys. The Player's Voice Award bridges this gap, giving players a direct say in which games are recognized. This adds an exciting dynamic to The Game Awards, making it more inclusive and community-driven. So, when you see a game win the Player's Voice Award, you know it's a title that has genuinely resonated with a large number of players.

The Inaugural Year: 2019

The Player's Voice Award was first introduced at The Game Awards in 2019, marking a significant shift towards recognizing player preferences directly. The inaugural year saw a diverse range of nominees, but one game stood out and captured the hearts of the community: Fire Emblem: Three Houses. This tactical role-playing game, developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo, quickly became a fan favorite for its engaging storyline, complex characters, and strategic gameplay.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses places players in the role of a professor at a military academy, where they must choose one of three noble houses to lead. Each house has its unique characters, storylines, and challenges, providing players with a rich and replayable experience. The game's blend of tactical battles and social simulation elements, where players can build relationships with their students, created a compelling and immersive world. This combination of strategic depth and character-driven narrative resonated deeply with players, leading to its victory in the Player's Voice category.

The win for Fire Emblem: Three Houses was significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated the power of a dedicated fan base. The Fire Emblem series has a long and storied history, and its fans are known for their passion and loyalty. This support was crucial in securing the award. Secondly, it highlighted the importance of games that offer both deep gameplay and compelling narratives. Fire Emblem: Three Houses wasn't just a mechanically sound strategy game; it was a game that made players care about its characters and its world.

The success of Fire Emblem: Three Houses in the inaugural Player's Voice Award set a precedent for future winners. It showed that player preference could champion games that offered a unique and engaging experience, setting the stage for other titles with strong community support to shine in the years to come. It also underscored the importance of community engagement in the voting process, emphasizing that the voices of individual players could collectively influence the outcome of a major industry award.

2020: The Last of Us Part II

In 2020, the Player's Voice Award saw another game with a passionate fanbase emerge victorious: The Last of Us Part II. Developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, this action-adventure game is known for its intense narrative, stunning visuals, and complex characters. It's set in a post-apocalyptic world and follows the story of Ellie as she seeks revenge for a devastating loss. The game's mature themes and emotionally charged storyline resonated strongly with players, making it a significant contender for the award.

The victory of The Last of Us Part II was particularly notable because the game was also highly divisive among critics and players alike. While many praised its technical achievements, narrative depth, and emotional impact, others criticized its story choices and pacing. Despite this division, the game's passionate supporters rallied behind it, showcasing the power of a dedicated fanbase. The Player's Voice Award win served as a testament to the game's ability to evoke strong emotions and spark meaningful discussions within the gaming community.

The voting process for The Last of Us Part II was intense, with the game facing strong competition from other popular titles. However, the game's fans organized and mobilized, using social media and online forums to encourage others to vote. This grassroots effort demonstrated the level of engagement and dedication the game inspired. The Player's Voice Award win highlighted that even amidst controversy, a game with a strong emotional core and a committed player base can achieve significant recognition.

The Last of Us Part II's victory also underscored the importance of representation and diversity in gaming narratives. The game features complex characters from various backgrounds and explores themes of identity, trauma, and redemption. This resonated with many players who felt seen and represented in the game's story. The win for The Last of Us Part II in 2020 was a powerful statement about the kinds of stories that players want to see in games, reinforcing the idea that emotional resonance and community support can lead to major awards recognition, even in the face of divisiveness.

2021: Halo Infinite

The 2021 Player's Voice Award went to Halo Infinite, a first-person shooter developed by 343 Industries and published by Xbox Game Studios. As the sixth mainline entry in the iconic Halo series, Halo Infinite had massive expectations to meet. The game's open-world setting, engaging gameplay, and return to the series' roots resonated strongly with fans, making it a clear favorite for the award. Halo Infinite's victory highlighted the enduring appeal of classic franchises and the importance of delivering a game that honors its legacy while innovating in meaningful ways.

Halo Infinite's win was particularly significant because the Halo series holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers. It's a franchise that defined a generation of console gaming and has a long history of competitive multiplayer and compelling single-player campaigns. Halo Infinite successfully recaptured the magic of the original trilogy while introducing new elements that kept the gameplay fresh and exciting. This balance of nostalgia and innovation was a key factor in its popularity and its victory in the Player's Voice category.

The voting process for Halo Infinite reflected the game's wide appeal. The Halo community is known for its passion and dedication, and fans rallied to support the game throughout the voting rounds. Social media was flooded with messages of support, and various community groups organized efforts to encourage voting. This level of engagement underscored the deep connection players have with the Halo franchise and their excitement for the latest installment.

Halo Infinite's win also demonstrated the importance of a strong launch. The game was released to widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its gameplay, story, and overall polish. This positive reception helped build momentum for the game and contributed to its success in the Player's Voice Award voting. In a year filled with many great games, Halo Infinite stood out as a title that delivered on its promises and provided players with an exceptional gaming experience. Its win was a testament to the enduring legacy of the Halo series and the power of a dedicated fanbase.

2022: Genshin Impact

In 2022, the Player's Voice Award was awarded to Genshin Impact, an open-world action role-playing game developed and published by miHoYo. Genshin Impact has captivated players worldwide with its stunning visuals, engaging story, and unique gacha mechanics. The game's massive popularity and dedicated community made it a strong contender for the award, and its victory highlighted the growing influence of free-to-play games in the industry. Genshin Impact's win underscored the importance of continuous content updates and community engagement in maintaining player interest and support.

Genshin Impact's success can be attributed to its high production values, diverse cast of characters, and regular updates that introduce new regions, storylines, and events. The game's vibrant world and compelling narrative have drawn in millions of players, and its free-to-play model has made it accessible to a wide audience. Genshin Impact's win in the Player's Voice category demonstrated that a game doesn't need a traditional premium price tag to garner significant player support and recognition.

The voting process for Genshin Impact was a testament to the game's global appeal. Players from around the world rallied to support the game, using social media and online communities to encourage voting. The Genshin Impact community is known for its passion and creativity, and this was evident in the enthusiastic support for the game during the voting period. The win highlighted the game's ability to transcend cultural boundaries and connect with players on a global scale.

Genshin Impact's victory also underscored the importance of player retention in the gaming industry. The game has consistently delivered new content and features, keeping players engaged and invested in the world of Teyvat. This commitment to ongoing support and development has fostered a strong sense of community and loyalty among Genshin Impact players. The Player's Voice Award win for Genshin Impact in 2022 was a clear signal that games that prioritize player engagement and community feedback can achieve significant success and recognition.

Conclusion: The Power of Player Voices

The history of The Game Awards Player's Voice Award is a testament to the power of player opinions and preferences in the gaming industry. Each winning game has resonated deeply with its community, showcasing the diverse range of experiences that players value. From the strategic depth of Fire Emblem: Three Houses to the emotional narrative of The Last of Us Part II, the classic appeal of Halo Infinite, and the global phenomenon of Genshin Impact, these winners represent the games that have truly captured the hearts and minds of players.

The Player's Voice Award not only recognizes exceptional games but also highlights the importance of community engagement and support. The voting process itself becomes a platform for players to express their passion and dedication, fostering a sense of ownership and connection with their favorite titles. This dynamic interaction between developers and players is crucial for the continued growth and evolution of the gaming industry.

As The Game Awards continue to evolve, the Player's Voice Award will undoubtedly remain a significant and meaningful category. It serves as a reminder that player opinions matter and that the games that resonate most deeply with their audiences are the ones that ultimately leave a lasting impact. So, next time you see a game you love nominated for the Player's Voice Award, remember to cast your vote and make your voice heard. After all, it's the players who ultimately shape the future of gaming.