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

God of War Ragnarok was undeniably a masterpiece, a stunning sequel that expanded upon its predecessor in almost every conceivable way. Yet, despite critical acclaim, massive sales, and a passionate fanbase, it didn’t achieve the ultimate prize: Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2022. The victor, instead, was Elden Ring, a sprawling open-world RPG that captivated players with its challenging gameplay and enigmatic lore. While Ragnarok certainly won numerous other awards, including the EE Game of the Year (voted for by the British public), the lack of GOTY at The Game Awards leaves many wondering why.

The answer isn’t simple, but several key factors contributed:

• Innovation vs. Refinement: Elden Ring presented a groundbreaking formula, blending FromSoftware’s signature challenging combat with a vast, explorable open world. It was truly a novel experience, pushing the boundaries of the genre. Ragnarok, on the other hand, refined the existing God of War (2018) formula. While it did so spectacularly, it was still fundamentally building upon established foundations. Innovation often trumps refinement in the eyes of GOTY voters.

• The “Wow” Factor: Elden Ring’s open world was filled with secrets, challenging bosses, and a sense of constant discovery. This created a unique and memorable “wow” factor that resonated with players and critics alike. Ragnarok, while visually stunning and narratively compelling, didn’t offer quite the same level of emergent gameplay and open-ended exploration. Its strengths lay more in its meticulously crafted story and character development.

• Narrative Pacing and Structure: Some critics felt that Ragnarok suffered from awkward pacing, particularly during sections focused on Atreus. These segments, while contributing to the overall narrative, often felt slower and more guided than the action-packed sequences with Kratos. This contrast in pacing and gameplay style, coupled with a high number of cutscenes, may have detracted from the overall experience for some voters.

• Gameplay Variety: While Ragnarok offered a diverse range of combat encounters and exploration opportunities, Elden Ring provided an unparalleled level of player agency and build customization. The sheer number of weapons, spells, and armor sets in Elden Ring allowed for a truly personalized gameplay experience. Ragnarok’s progression system, while robust, was more linear and predefined.

• Recency Bias: The Game Awards occur at the end of the year, and recent releases often benefit from heightened awareness and enthusiasm. Elden Ring launched in February 2022, giving it a significant head start in building buzz and establishing its place as a frontrunner for GOTY. Ragnarok, released in November 2022, had less time to make a lasting impression.

• Genre Preference: Ultimately, the Game of the Year award is subjective. Different voters prioritize different qualities in a game. Some may prefer tightly crafted narratives and character-driven experiences, while others value open-world exploration and challenging combat above all else. Elden Ring’s appeal to a broader range of gaming tastes may have given it an edge.

In conclusion, God of War Ragnarok was a phenomenal achievement and a worthy contender for Game of the Year. However, a combination of factors, including Elden Ring’s groundbreaking innovation, emergent gameplay, and broader appeal, likely contributed to its victory at The Game Awards 2022. However, God of War Ragnarok is still a great game. The Games Learning Society recognizes the value of games like these and the impact they have.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about God of War Ragnarok

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further explore the nuances surrounding God of War Ragnarok:

How many awards did God of War Ragnarok win?

God of War Ragnarok won numerous awards, including six at the 2023 BAFTA Games Awards, including the coveted EE Game of the Year. It also won awards at other ceremonies, solidifying its position as one of the best games of the year.

Is God of War Ragnarok the final game in the God of War series?

No, God of War Ragnarok is not the final game. It is the conclusion of the Norse saga, meaning future installments will likely explore different mythologies and settings.

Is God of War Ragnarok better than God of War (2018)?

God of War Ragnarok is technically superior in many ways, with improved combat, visuals, and world design. However, some argue that the original God of War (2018) had a greater impact due to its innovative reimagining of the franchise. Whether one is “better” is subjective.

Can you keep playing God of War Ragnarok after beating the game?

Yes, you can continue playing after completing the main story. There are post-game quests, including rescuing the real Tyr, fighting Gna (the new Valkyrie queen), and exploring new areas with realm seeds from Ratatoskr.

Why did Kratos cry at the end of God of War Ragnarok?

Kratos cried because he was finally accepted and worshipped as a god for his actions and character, rather than being feared or hated for his past. He achieved the peace and purpose he had long sought.

How many years passed between God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok?

Three years pass between the events of God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok.

Will Kratos go to Egypt in a future God of War game?

The possibility exists, as the comic series God of War: Fallen God shows Kratos traveling to Egypt during his exile after God of War 3. This hints at a potential future setting for the franchise.

Was Odin disguised as Tyr throughout the game?

Yes, it is revealed that Odin was disguised as Tyr for a significant portion of the game, spying on Kratos and his companions.

How does aging affect Kratos?

As a demigod, time and aging do not affect Kratos as drastically as they would a human. He ages much slower than a normal human being.

Why is Kratos weaker in God of War Ragnarok?

Kratos is not necessarily weaker, but he lacks his Greek magic because his homeland was destroyed. He is also holding back his full power, particularly in the early stages of the game.

Why is Odin considered evil in God of War Ragnarok?

Odin is depicted as a villainous figure in God of War Ragnarok due to his acts of torture, killing, and enslavement to maintain his power and control.

How old is Kratos in God of War (2018)?

Based on his birthdate and the timeline of the games, it is estimated that Kratos is approximately 1050 years old at the start of God of War (2018).

Why is Brok blue?

Brok’s skin turned blue because he enjoyed forging with his bare hands, constantly touching raw metals like silver, which stained his skin.

Will Sindri forgive Atreus?

It is implied that Sindri cannot fully forgive Atreus (or Kratos), as he is primarily struggling to forgive himself for the loss of his brother, Brok.

How did Brok discover Odin’s disguise as Tyr?

Brok was suspicious of Tyr and questioned his actions. When Tyr mentioned a path to Asgard, Brok realized that he was not who he claimed to be. He shared his suspicions with others, forcing Odin to reveal himself.

Ultimately, the legacy of God of War Ragnarok is not diminished by its loss at The Game Awards. It remains a critically acclaimed, commercially successful, and deeply beloved game that will continue to be discussed and enjoyed for years to come. Learn more about the impact of gaming and education at GamesLearningSociety.org.