As 2020 comes to a close, it seems now is the time to begin looking back on the year’s biggest releases, with several publications and award shows beginning to mull over what this year’s most memorable games were. Geoff Keighley furthered that discussion when he announcedthe nominees for his annual Game Awards showcaselast week, with the likes ofHades, Ghost of Tsushima, Doom Eternal,and more all up for some significant awards.
However, one of the first in a long lineup of award shows debuted today, with the yearlyGolden Joystick Awardsrevealing its winners for 2020. Several popular titles had a great night at the ceremony, but it wasThe Last of Us 2that managed to take home the top honor of being named Ultimate Game of the Year.
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Announced via the company’s Twitter feed, the title managed to seize the accolade through votes by the public, with the votes securing a huge win for Naughty Dog’s post-apocalyptic epic. Alongside taking home the grand prize,The Last of Us 2also managed to secure Best Storytelling, Best Visual Design, Best Audio, PlayStation Game of the Year, and Best Studio of the Year. That’s six awards in total and allegedly a record-breaking performance for the ceremony.
Other games that succeeded at the showcase wereHades,which took home the crown for Best Indie Game and Critic’s Choice Award, as well asFall Guys,which bagged Best Family Game and Best Multiplayer Game. Meanwhile,Among Usdevs Innerslothtook home the Breakthrough Award, Sandra Saad took home Best Performer for her take on Kamala Kahn inMarvel’s Avengers,andAnimal Crossing: New Horizonssecured Nintendo Game of the Year. It was a good showing full of some of this year’s biggest names, however,The Last of Us 2manage to come out on top.
Although Naughty Dog frequently does well in yearly award ceremonies, it seemed this year could be different consideringThe Last of Us 2’ssomewhat divisive reception. Hitting shelves back in June, the game split the franchise’s fanbase down the middle, with some fans adamantly defending the game and others attacking it.
The game’s controversial nature made it a big talking point this year, however, with fans considering and debating its morbid insights into violence and revenge in a ruthless, post-apocalyptic world. It’ll be interesting to see whether Naughty Dog’s latest adventure’s success at the Golden Joysticks translates to its chances at The Game Awards next month, where it’s slated to face off againstHades, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Doom Eternal, Final Fantasy 7 Remake,andGhost of Tsushimafor the show’s top prize.
The Last of Us 2is out now on PlayStation 4.
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