Since its inception, the Game of the Year (GOTY) award has recognized the most groundbreaking and beloved titles in gaming history. These games have not only been critically acclaimed but have also amassed millions of dedicated fans, record-breaking sales, and high review scores across various platforms. Here are the Top 10 Game of the Year winners, ranked based on fanbase size, total sales, and overall ratings.
1) The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)
Developer: Nintendo
Total Sales: Over 30 million copies
Metacritic Score: 97/100
Why It’s Ranked: A revolutionary open-world game that redefined player freedom and exploration.
Breath of the Wild took the gaming world by storm, introducing an expansive open world, advanced physics-based mechanics, and a fresh take on the Zelda formula. Its impact on game design is still felt today, inspiring countless developers.
Did You Know? The game was initially planned for the Wii U but was released simultaneously on the Nintendo Switch, making it a launch title that propelled the console’s success.
2) The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)
Developer: CD Projekt Red
Total Sales: Over 50 million copies
Metacritic Score: 93/100
Why It’s Ranked: One of the greatest RPGs of all time, with deep storytelling, rich world-building, and engaging gameplay.
The Witcher 3 set a new standard for open-world RPGs with its vast world, branching narratives, and meaningful side quests. Its expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, were so well-received that they felt like full-fledged games themselves.
Did You Know? Henry Cavill, a massive fan of the game, campaigned to play Geralt in the Netflix adaptation, securing the role due to his passion for the series.
3) Elden Ring (2022)
Developer: FromSoftware
Total Sales: Over 23 million copies
Metacritic Score: 96/100
Why It’s Ranked: A masterful blend of FromSoftware’s Soulsborne formula with an open-world experience.
Elden Ring captivated players with its challenging combat, deep lore, and breathtaking open world designed in collaboration with George R.R. Martin. It introduced a level of exploration and discovery rarely seen in modern gaming.
Did You Know? The game was originally conceptualized as a Norse mythology-inspired title before evolving into a unique dark fantasy setting.
4) Grand Theft Auto V (2013)
Developer: Rockstar Games
Total Sales: Over 195 million copies
Metacritic Score: 96/100
Why It’s Ranked: One of the best-selling games of all time, with an ever-thriving online mode.
GTA V changed the landscape of open-world gaming, featuring a multi-character storyline, an immense sandbox world, and the endlessly popular GTA Online. A decade later, it remains one of the most-played games globally.
Did You Know? GTA V made $1 billion in revenue within just three days of release, making it the fastest-selling entertainment product in history.
5) God of War (2018)
Developer: Santa Monica Studio
Total Sales: Over 23 million copies
Metacritic Score: 94/100
Why It’s Ranked: A reinvention of the franchise that combined emotional storytelling with intense combat.
Kratos’ journey from vengeance-driven warrior to caring father was an emotional rollercoaster that resonated with fans worldwide. The game’s over-the-shoulder perspective, seamless storytelling, and Norse mythology setting elevated it to legendary status.
Did You Know? Christopher Judge, the voice of Kratos, originally turned down the role before being convinced by his children, who were fans of the series.
6) Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)
Developer: Rockstar Games
Total Sales: Over 60 million copies
Metacritic Score: 97/100
Why It’s Ranked: A masterpiece of storytelling and one of the most visually stunning open-world games ever created.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is widely praised for its deep, emotional story, intricate world-building, and realistic gameplay mechanics. Its immersive Wild West setting and cinematic storytelling make it one of the most revered games of all time.
Did You Know? The game’s voice acting and motion capture took over 2,000 actors and six years to complete.
7) The Last of Us Part II (2020)
Developer: Naughty Dog
Total Sales: Over 10 million copies
Metacritic Score: 93/100
Why It’s Ranked: A bold, emotional sequel that pushed storytelling boundaries in gaming.
The Last of Us Part II delivered a gripping and divisive narrative, earning both massive praise and heated debates. Its incredible attention to detail, fluid combat, and emotional depth made it one of the most talked-about games in modern gaming.
Did You Know? The game won more than 300 Game of the Year awards, setting a new record.
8) Skyrim (2011)
Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
Total Sales: Over 60 million copies
Metacritic Score: 94/100
Why It’s Ranked: One of the most replayable and modded games of all time.
Even more than a decade after its release, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim remains incredibly popular. With its open-ended gameplay, expansive modding community, and deep lore, Skyrim continues to captivate players worldwide.
Did You Know? The game has been released on nearly every major console generation, making it one of the most re-released games ever.
9) Dark Souls (2011)
Developer: FromSoftware
Total Sales: Over 30 million copies (franchise total)
Metacritic Score: 89/100
Why It’s Ranked: The game that pioneered the modern Soulslike genre.
Dark Souls is known for its punishing difficulty, cryptic storytelling, and intricate world design. It became a cult classic and paved the way for an entirely new subgenre of action RPGs.
Did You Know? The term “Git Gud” became famous in gaming culture due to the difficulty of Dark Souls.
10) Super Mario Odyssey (2017)
Developer: Nintendo
Total Sales: Over 26 million copies
Metacritic Score: 97/100
Why It’s Ranked: A joyful and imaginative platformer that redefined Mario’s 3D adventures.
Super Mario Odyssey combined nostalgia with innovative mechanics, offering one of the best 3D platforming experiences ever. With its vast, diverse worlds and creative gameplay, it was an instant classic.
Did You Know? The game’s “Jump Up, Super Star!” theme song was the first-ever Mario song to feature full vocals.
Final Thoughts
These Game of the Year winners represent the pinnacle of gaming, setting new standards for storytelling, innovation, and player engagement. Whether through massive open worlds, deep narratives, or groundbreaking gameplay mechanics, these games have left an everlasting mark on the industry.
Which GOTY winner is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!