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Why Didn’t God of War Ragnarok Win Game of the Year?

God of War Ragnarok, a monumental achievement in storytelling, visual fidelity, and combat design, undoubtedly captured the hearts of millions. However, despite widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards, it ultimately lost the coveted Game of the Year (GOTY) title to Elden Ring at many major award ceremonies, including The Game Awards and the DICE Awards. The core reason boils down to this: while Ragnarok excelled in refining a familiar formula, Elden Ring delivered a truly transformative and groundbreaking experience that resonated more profoundly with the voting bodies.

The Shadow of Innovation: Elden Ring’s Impact

The Allure of the New

Elden Ring, developed by FromSoftware, didn’t just offer a polished sequel; it redefined the open-world genre. Its massive, interconnected world, imbued with mystery and challenge, presented players with unprecedented freedom of exploration and self-discovery. The Souls-like combat, notoriously difficult yet immensely rewarding, demanded mastery and strategic thinking. This innovative approach provided a sense of accomplishment unmatched by more linear, narrative-driven experiences.

Narrative Contrast: Storytelling Approaches

God of War Ragnarok, on the other hand, built upon the strong foundation laid by its predecessor, God of War (2018). It offered a gripping continuation of Kratos and Atreus’s journey, filled with compelling characters, breathtaking visuals, and visceral combat. However, its narrative, while expertly crafted, followed a more traditional, predictable path. Elden Ring’s storytelling, delivered through environmental details, cryptic dialogue, and player-driven discovery, felt far more unique and personal. This resonated with many voters who considered it more groundbreaking.

The “Wow” Factor: A Subjective Advantage

Ultimately, GOTY awards are subjective. While technical achievements and polished gameplay are important, the “wow” factor plays a crucial role. Elden Ring provided a constant stream of surprising discoveries and challenging encounters, creating a sense of wonder and awe. God of War Ragnarok, although visually stunning and emotionally resonant, arguably felt more like a highly refined iteration of a proven formula, rather than a bold leap into uncharted territory. While God of War Ragnarok sold significantly well, it wasn’t enough to win it GOTY.

Pacing and Replayability

The text also mentions Ragnarok’s shortcomings are further highlighted by the absence of a new game plus and the pacing, particularly the sections focusing on Atreus, impacted the game’s replayability. Elden Ring’s open world structure and immense build variety, by contrast, encouraged multiple playthroughs and different playstyles.

God of War’s Strengths, Elden Ring’s Victory

God of War Ragnarok boasted:

Exceptional narrative: A deeply emotional and character-driven story.
Stunning visuals: State-of-the-art graphics and art direction.
Refined combat: Visceral and satisfying action mechanics.
High production value: Impeccably polished in every aspect.

However, Elden Ring ultimately won due to its:

Innovative open-world design: Unparalleled freedom and exploration.
Challenging combat: Rewarding difficulty and strategic depth.
Unique storytelling: Environmental storytelling and player-driven narrative.
Groundbreaking experience: A fresh and transformative gaming experience.

Therefore, while God of War Ragnarok was a masterpiece in its own right, Elden Ring’s revolutionary approach to open-world gameplay and storytelling ultimately resonated more profoundly with the GOTY voters, securing its victory. To learn more about the effects of gaming, please check the Games Learning Society website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to why God of War Ragnarok didn’t win Game of the Year:

Was God of War Ragnarok a bad game? Absolutely not! It was a critically acclaimed and commercially successful title, widely considered one of the best games of 2022. It simply lost out to another exceptional game.
Did God of War Ragnarok win any awards? Yes, it won numerous awards, including six at The Game Awards and seven at the DICE Awards. These awards were mainly in other categories.
How many Game of the Year awards did God of War Ragnarok win? While it received many nominations, the text specifies 74 Game of the Year awards. This is substantial, but less than its competitor.
Has a God of War game ever won Game of the Year? Yes, God of War (2018) won Game of the Year in 2018.
What were the other contenders for Game of the Year in 2022? Other notable contenders included Horizon Forbidden West, Stray, and Xenoblade Chronicles 3, though Elden Ring and God of War Ragnarok were the frontrunners.
Why is Elden Ring considered so difficult? Elden Ring’s difficulty stems from its demanding combat, lack of hand-holding, and challenging boss encounters. It requires patience, strategic thinking, and mastery of its mechanics.
Did sales figures impact the Game of the Year decision? While sales figures are undoubtedly considered, they are not the sole determining factor. Critical acclaim, innovation, and overall impact are also crucial.
Was the lack of a “New Game Plus” mode a factor in Ragnarok’s loss? Possibly. The absence of this feature, common in modern action RPGs, may have slightly hampered its replayability compared to Elden Ring.
Did the pacing issues in God of War Ragnarok affect its chances? The text notes that the game’s pacing, especially in the Atreus sections, could impact replayability. These pacing issues could have soured some voters.
Is Elden Ring better than God of War Ragnarok? “Better” is subjective. Elden Ring offers a unique open-world experience with challenging combat, while God of War Ragnarok delivers a compelling narrative and refined action. It depends on individual preferences.
Did the music and sound design play a role in the GOTY decision? Yes, Music and Sound are two different things. Both games are lauded for their sound and score design.
How long does it take to beat God of War Ragnarok? The main story takes around 25-30 hours, with side content adding another 5-10 hours.
Is God of War Ragnarok bigger than the 2018 game? Yes, Ragnarok features a larger world, more side quests, and a longer overall playtime.
What is the hardest fight in God of War Ragnarok? Gna, the Valkyrie Queen, is widely considered the most challenging boss in the game.
Was there anything that Elden Ring could have done better? Of course! The game wasn’t perfect. Optimization was a real challenge for many on PC.

These questions and answers provide a comprehensive overview of the factors that contributed to Elden Ring’s victory over God of War Ragnarok in the Game of the Year race. God of War Ragnarok is still an excellent game worthy of praise.

Why didn t God of War Ragnarok win GOTY?