The 2021 Golden Joystick Awards have concluded, and the standout winner is Baldur’s Gate 3. This phenomenal RPG claimed the coveted ‘Ultimate Game of the Year’ title, surpassing formidable competitors such as Alan Wake 2, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, and Final Fantasy 16. The acclaimed title from Larian Studios also secured victory in an astounding total of six other categories, setting a new record with seven awards in total.
From a PlayStation standpoint, other remarkable triumphs at the awards include Resident Evil 4 (PlayStation Game of the Year), Horizon Call of the Mountain (Best VR Game), Final Fantasy 16 (Best Audio and Best Lead Performer), Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty (Best Expansion and Best Trailer), No Man’s Sky (Still Playing Award), and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth (Most Wanted Game). Furthermore, PSVR2 was named ‘Best Gaming Hardware’.
Here’s the comprehensive list of winners, many of which were determined through public voting:
- Best Storytelling – Baldur’s Gate 3
- Still Playing Award – No Man’s Sky
- Best Visual Design – Baldur’s Gate 3
- Studio of the Year – Larian Studios
- Best Game Expansion – Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
- Best Indie Game – Sea of Stars
- Best VR Game – Horizon Call of the Mountain
- Best Multiplayer Game – Mortal Kombat 1
- Best Audio – Final Fantasy 16
- Best Game Trailer – Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
- Best Streaming Game – Valorant
- Best Game Community – Baldur’s Gate 3
- Best Gaming Hardware – PSVR2
- Breakthrough Award – Coccoon / Geometric Interactive
- Critics’ Choice Award – Alan Wake 2
- Best Lead Performer – Ben Starr, Clive Rosfield, Final Fantasy 16
- Best Supporting Performer – Neil Newborn, Astarion, Baldur’s Gate 3
- Nintendo Game of the Year – The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- PC Game of the Year – Baldur’s Gate 3
- Xbox Game of the Year – Starfield
- PlayStation Game of the Year – Resident Evil 4
- Most Wanted Game – Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
- Ultimate Game of the Year – Baldur’s Gate 3
What are your thoughts on this impressive lineup of winners? How many more Game of the Year awards do you anticipate Baldur’s Gate 3 will clinch? Share your predictions in the comments below and perhaps suggest ordering a larger trophy cabinet!
