How Many Game of the Year Awards Did God of War Ragnarök Win?

God of War Ragnarök, a monumental achievement in gaming, did not secure the most Game of the Year (GOTY) awards in 2022. While it garnered critical acclaim and a plethora of awards, it ultimately fell short of surpassing Elden Ring in the race for GOTY accolades. God of War Ragnarök received approximately 74 Game of the Year awards from various publications and outlets. It’s crucial to note that the exact number can vary slightly depending on the source and criteria used for compiling these awards. Elden Ring surpassed that number securing 331 Game of the Year awards

God of War Ragnarök: A Critical Darling, But Not Always the Victor

While God of War Ragnarök certainly stole the hearts of many critics and players alike, amassing numerous awards and accolades throughout the gaming community, Elden Ring seized more GOTY awards. The consensus among gamers and critics alike is that both titles are truly amazing, as demonstrated by their respective wins across the industry. Here’s a glimpse at some of the major awards God of War Ragnarök did win:

• The Game Awards 2022: Best Narrative, Best Action/Adventure Game, Best Performance (Christopher Judge as Kratos), Best Score and Music
• DICE Awards: Outstanding Achievement in Audio Design, Outstanding Technical Achievement, Action Game of the Year, and many others.

God of War Ragnarök: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about God of War Ragnarök, providing further context and information about the game’s success and reception.

1. What made God of War Ragnarök a strong contender for Game of the Year?

God of War Ragnarök delivered a compelling narrative, building upon the established world and characters of the 2018 reboot. With its stunning visuals, visceral combat, and emotionally resonant story, it offered an immersive and unforgettable gaming experience. Its strong character development, particularly the dynamic between Kratos and Atreus, resonated deeply with players.

2. Why did Elden Ring win more Game of the Year awards than God of War Ragnarök?

Elden Ring’s innovative open-world design, challenging gameplay, and sense of discovery captivated players and critics. Its vast and intricate world, coupled with its demanding combat and rewarding exploration, provided a unique and compelling experience that resonated with many voters. Elden Ring’s unforgiving nature and emphasis on player agency were also key factors in its success.

3. Did God of War Ragnarök win any major Game of the Year awards?

While it did not win the most GOTY awards overall, God of War Ragnarök did win Game of the Year from several notable publications, including Push Square. This underscores the game’s critical acclaim and its position as a top contender in the GOTY race.

4. How many awards did God of War Ragnarök win in total?

God of War Ragnarök was nominated for eleven awards at The Game Awards 2022, and it won six of those awards. At the DICE Awards, it secured seven awards. Beyond these major ceremonies, it won numerous awards from individual publications and critics. It’s safe to say that this game was a big winner in the gaming community.

5. What were some of the criticisms leveled against God of War Ragnarök?

Some critics pointed to the game’s pacing issues, particularly during sections focused on Atreus. Others noted the absence of a New Game Plus mode at launch as a drawback. Though, one could argue these were relatively minor compared to the game’s overall strengths.

6. How successful was God of War Ragnarök commercially?

God of War Ragnarök was a massive commercial success, selling 5.1 million units in its first week, making it the fastest-selling first-party game in PlayStation history. By February 2023, it had sold 11 million copies.

7. How did God of War Ragnarök compare to the 2018 God of War in terms of awards?

The 2018 God of War was a major awards darling, winning numerous Game of the Year awards, including the prestigious title at The Game Awards. Ragnarök, while critically acclaimed, did not achieve the same level of GOTY dominance.

8. What other games were nominated for Game of the Year in 2022?

Notable contenders for Game of the Year in 2022 included Horizon Forbidden West, Stray, Xenoblade Chronicles 3, and A Plague Tale: Requiem.

9. How did Christopher Judge’s performance as Kratos impact the game’s success?

Christopher Judge’s portrayal of Kratos was widely praised for its depth, emotion, and nuance. His performance resonated with players and critics alike, earning him the Best Performance award at The Game Awards 2022.

10. What role did the music and sound design play in God of War Ragnarök’s reception?

Bear McCreary’s score and the game’s overall sound design were integral to creating an immersive and emotionally resonant experience. McCreary won Best Score and Music at The Game Awards 2022, further highlighting the impact of the game’s audio.

11. Is God of War Ragnarök replayable?

While the absence of a New Game Plus mode at launch was a point of contention, God of War Ragnarök offers a significant amount of content to explore and complete, providing ample opportunity for replayability. Players can revisit areas, tackle side quests, and experiment with different builds and playstyles.

12. What is the average playtime for God of War Ragnarök?

The average playtime for God of War Ragnarök is around 25-30 hours for the main story, with completionists spending upwards of 50 hours to experience everything the game has to offer.

13. How does God of War Ragnarök connect to the previous God of War games?

God of War Ragnarök is a direct sequel to the 2018 God of War, continuing the story of Kratos and Atreus as they navigate the realms of Norse mythology. It builds upon the established lore and character relationships, while also introducing new characters and conflicts. The game also draws on the events of the original God of War trilogy, providing context and depth to Kratos’s journey.

14. Where can I learn more about the design and development of God of War Ragnarök?

Numerous articles, interviews, and behind-the-scenes videos offer insights into the design and development of God of War Ragnarök. Santa Monica Studio, the game’s developer, has also shared information through its official channels. You can even delve into the academic side of gaming and learn about the research that goes into studying games through organizations such as the Games Learning Society by visiting their website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

15. What is the future of the God of War franchise?

The future of the God of War franchise remains uncertain, but given the critical and commercial success of the 2018 reboot and Ragnarök, it’s likely that Sony will continue to explore the world and characters of this beloved series. Whether the next installment will focus on Kratos and Atreus or introduce new protagonists remains to be seen.

Conclusion: A Triumph in Gaming

Despite not winning the most Game of the Year awards, God of War Ragnarök remains a triumph in gaming, showcasing exceptional storytelling, stunning visuals, and engaging gameplay. Its critical and commercial success solidify its place as a landmark achievement in the action-adventure genre.