The Game Awards 2016, created by Geoff Keighley, aired live last night showcasing the years biggest hits, some surprises and a few teasers for upcoming games, including Mass Effect 4: Andromeda.
As the show opened up with a tribute to Hideo Kojima, Keighley had several heartfelt words to say, as well as a few jabs towards Konami, after missing last year due to controversy. To sum it up, Kojima had a major falling out with Konami, his then-employer, and wasn’t allowed to attend the event or accept the award.
Kojima had a moment to thank his fans and, uncurbed by his past with Konami, teased his new game Death Stranding with an exclusive trailer starring Hannibal’s Mads Mikkelsen. The trailer (below) is running on a PS4 Pro.
After a short few clips, the event rolled right ahead into the awards with the initial categories being:
Best eSports Team: Cloud 9
Best eSports Player: Coldzera – Marcelo David
It was nice to see the Best eSports Player award presented by twenty-three time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps, who seemed very humbled to attend the show. Moving on, Peter Moore, who heads EA Sports, got on stage to present The Trending Gamer award. This is a recognition of ‘independent online personalities’ which was received by YouTuber Boogie2988.
Trending Gamer: Boogie2988
Reggie Fils-Aimé, President of Nintendo of America, hit the stage to give us some of the ‘natural beauty’ that gamers can expect in another exclusive trailer for Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
With even more gameplay on offer, and the game to be released next year alongside the all new Nintendo Switch, it is not surprising that Breath of the Wild took home an award.
Most Anticipated Game: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Best Mobile/Handheld Game and Best Family Game: Pokemon Go
Earlier this year, American game developer Niantic took the world by storm with their Pokemon Go AR mobile game. The catch ’em all game exploded into the news during its release, beating both Clash of Clans and Candy Crush for number one mobile game of the year.
Best Independent Game & Best Art Direction: Inside
From the creators of the critically acclaimed Limbo comes a dark, chilling game that looks beautifully crafted and has some of the most disturbing moments in gaming I’ve experienced.
Games for Impact: That Dragon, Cancer
The Games for Impact category is for games not just purely for entertainment, but that have an aspect of progressive education or meaning within them. This year’s list of nominees was highly sought after with some deeply profound moments.
Picking up multiple awards, as well as taking home the Game of the Year honours, is the team-based shooter Overwatch from Blizzard. After a strong launch in May this year, Overwatch has remained on everyone’s radar due to its extravagant characters and streamlined gamelay. Blizzard sure know how to polish a game to a fine sheen.
Best eSports Game: Overwatch
Best Multiplayer: Overwatch
Best Game Direction: Blizzard/Overwatch
Game of the Year: Overwatch
Other awards given out through the night are noted below:
Best VR Game: Rez Infinite
Best Action/Adventure Game: Dishonored 2
Best RPG: Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: Blood and Wine
Best Fighting Game: Street Fighter V
Best Strategy Game: Civilization VI
Best Sports/Racing Game: Forza Horizon 3
Best Performance: Nolan North as Nathan Drake, Uncharted 4
Best Music/Sound Design: Doom
Best Action Game: Doom
Best Narrative: Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
