Game Of The Year 2020: And The Winner Is...

by Jhon Lennon 44 views

The Game of the Year award is a prestigious honor in the video game industry, recognizing the most outstanding and impactful game of a particular year. In 2020, the competition was fierce, with numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful titles vying for the coveted title. The winner of the Game of the Year award in 2020 was The Last of Us Part II, developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. This action-adventure game captivated players with its compelling narrative, stunning graphics, and intense gameplay.

The Last of Us Part II: A Deep Dive

The Last of Us Part II is a sequel to the critically acclaimed 2013 game The Last of Us. Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal pandemic, the game follows Ellie, a young woman seeking revenge for a devastating loss. The narrative explores complex themes of violence, trauma, and redemption, challenging players to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature. One of the remarkable aspects of The Last of Us Part II is its attention to detail and immersive world-building. Naughty Dog meticulously crafted environments that are both beautiful and haunting, capturing the desolation and danger of the post-apocalyptic setting. The character models are incredibly realistic, and the voice acting performances are top-notch, bringing the characters to life in a way that few games have achieved. The gameplay in The Last of Us Part II is intense and visceral, with a focus on stealth and resource management. Players must scavenge for supplies, craft weapons and tools, and carefully plan their attacks to survive encounters with infected creatures and hostile human factions. The game also features a deep and rewarding crafting system, allowing players to customize their weapons and equipment to suit their playstyle. Another standout feature of The Last of Us Part II is its accessibility options. Naughty Dog went to great lengths to make the game accessible to players with disabilities, including customizable controls, text-to-speech support, and visual aids. This commitment to accessibility has been praised by players and critics alike, setting a new standard for inclusivity in the gaming industry. Guys, the game pushes the boundaries of storytelling in video games, delivering a narrative that is both emotionally resonant and thought-provoking. The game's complex characters, mature themes, and morally ambiguous choices have sparked countless discussions and debates among players and critics.

Why The Last of Us Part II Won Game of the Year

The Last of Us Part II won the Game of the Year award for several reasons, including its outstanding narrative, impressive graphics, innovative gameplay, and commitment to accessibility. The game's story is a masterclass in character development and world-building, drawing players into a believable and engaging post-apocalyptic world. The characters are complex and flawed, and their relationships are tested by the extreme circumstances they face. The Last of Us Part II features some of the most impressive graphics ever seen in a video game. The environments are detailed and realistic, and the character models are incredibly lifelike. The game's visual fidelity helps to immerse players in the world and make them feel like they are truly there. It also introduces new gameplay mechanics and refines existing ones. The game's stealth and combat systems are challenging and rewarding, and the crafting system allows players to customize their weapons and equipment to suit their playstyle. The game's accessibility options are also a major factor in its Game of the Year win. Naughty Dog's commitment to making the game accessible to players with disabilities has been praised by players and critics alike. This inclusivity has set a new standard for the gaming industry. The Last of Us Part II delivers a narrative that is both emotionally resonant and thought-provoking. The game's complex characters, mature themes, and morally ambiguous choices have sparked countless discussions and debates among players and critics.

Other Notable Game of the Year Contenders in 2020

While The Last of Us Part II ultimately won the Game of the Year award in 2020, there were several other notable contenders that deserve recognition. These games represent a diverse range of genres and styles, showcasing the creativity and innovation of the video game industry. Here are a few of the standout titles that were in the running for Game of the Year:

  • Animal Crossing: New Horizons: This charming and relaxing life simulation game became a cultural phenomenon in 2020, providing players with a much-needed escape from the real world during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its cute characters, customizable islands, and endless activities made it a hit with players of all ages.
  • Ghost of Tsushima: Developed by Sucker Punch Productions, Ghost of Tsushima is an open-world action-adventure game set in feudal Japan. The game follows Jin Sakai, a samurai warrior who must embrace unconventional tactics to defend his homeland from a Mongol invasion. With its stunning visuals, fluid combat, and immersive world, Ghost of Tsushima offers a captivating and authentic samurai experience.
  • Hades: This roguelike dungeon crawler from Supergiant Games received widespread critical acclaim for its addictive gameplay, stylish visuals, and compelling narrative. Players take on the role of Zagreus, the son of Hades, as he attempts to escape the Underworld. With its challenging combat, procedurally generated levels, and memorable characters, Hades offers endless replayability.
  • Final Fantasy VII Remake: This reimagining of the classic 1997 RPG was a long-awaited and highly anticipated release. Square Enix's Final Fantasy VII Remake expands upon the original game's story and characters, while also introducing new gameplay mechanics and visual enhancements. With its stunning graphics, engaging combat, and nostalgic appeal, Final Fantasy VII Remake was a critical and commercial success. These games, along with The Last of Us Part II, represent the best that the video game industry had to offer in 2020. Each title pushed the boundaries of its respective genre and provided players with unforgettable experiences.

The Impact of The Last of Us Part II on the Gaming Industry

The Last of Us Part II's victory at the Game of the Year awards had a significant impact on the gaming industry, sparking discussions about storytelling, representation, and accessibility in video games. The game's complex characters, mature themes, and morally ambiguous choices challenged players to think critically about the stories they consume and the messages they convey. Furthermore, The Last of Us Part II featured a diverse cast of characters, including LGBTQ+ representation, which was praised by many for its inclusivity. However, the game also faced some backlash for its depiction of violence and its narrative choices, sparking debates about the role of representation in video games. Naughty Dog's commitment to accessibility in The Last of Us Part II has also had a lasting impact on the gaming industry. The game's customizable controls, text-to-speech support, and visual aids have set a new standard for inclusivity in video games, inspiring other developers to prioritize accessibility in their own games. The success of The Last of Us Part II demonstrates that video games can be more than just entertainment; they can be powerful tools for storytelling, representation, and social change. The game's impact on the gaming industry will be felt for years to come, as developers continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in interactive entertainment. Guys, I truly believe that this game's victory will inspire others to make more inclusive and accessible games, and that's something we can all be excited about.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Last of Us Part II was a deserving winner of the Game of the Year award in 2020. Its outstanding narrative, impressive graphics, innovative gameplay, and commitment to accessibility made it a standout title in a year filled with exceptional games. The game's impact on the gaming industry will be felt for years to come, as developers continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in interactive entertainment. While there were other strong contenders for the award, The Last of Us Part II ultimately stood out for its ambition, its execution, and its ability to spark meaningful conversations about storytelling, representation, and accessibility in video games. As the video game industry continues to evolve, it is important to recognize and celebrate games like The Last of Us Part II that push the boundaries of what is possible and inspire us to think differently about the world around us. The legacy of The Last of Us Part II will undoubtedly continue to inspire and influence game developers for many years to come. So, hats off to Naughty Dog for creating such a masterpiece! And to all the gamers out there, keep playing and keep exploring the amazing world of video games!