Santa Monica Studio and director Cory Barlog reinvented Kratos through a profound Norse father-and-son journey, revolutionary seamless single-shot cinematography, and thunderous Leviathan Axe combat.
In one of the most hotly contested GOTY races in history against Rockstar Games' Red Dead Redemption 2, God of War clinched the title by executing a breathtaking creative transformation of an aging franchise into an emotionally resonant, mechanically tight masterpiece.
From the opening moments chopping down a birch tree to the final ascent in Jötunheim, the entire 30+ hour experience is presented in an unbroken camera shot without a single loading screen, fade to black, or cinematic cut, immersing the player completely in Kratos and Atreus' world.
The Leviathan Axe provided one of the most tactile and satisfying weapon mechanics ever designed. The ability to throw the axe across distances and recall it to Kratos’ palm with a heavy rumble transformed both combat positioning and environmental puzzle solving.
Evolving Kratos from a rage-consumed Spartan into a grieving, stoic father struggling to communicate with his son Atreus ("Boy") elevated video game storytelling. Christopher Judge and Sunny Suljic delivered powerhouse performances that redefined the characters.
A historic year featuring two 94+ Metacritic titans alongside beloved indie and action blockbusters.
The sweeping Norse father-and-son reinvention praised for its continuous camera and brilliant axe combat.
Rockstar's breathtaking Wild West tragedy following Arthur Morgan, winning 4 awards including Best Narrative.
A grand Ancient Greek open-world action-RPG spanning the Peloponnesian War with Kassandra and Alexios.
The precision platforming triumph addressing mental health and anxiety with tight controls and Lena Raine’s score.
An exhilarating web-slinging tribute to Peter Parker’s dual life in a vibrant open-world Manhattan.
Capcom’s global breakthrough streamlining hunting mechanics, dynamic turf wars, and lush living ecosystems.
God of War collected 3 of the biggest awards of the night: