Game Awards 2023: Why fantasy RPG 'Baldur's Gate 3' outgamed best of the best?

During the 2023 Game Awards in Los Angeles, actor Timothée Chalamet, announced that the fantasy RPG Baldur's Gate 3 had secured the prestigious Game of the Year title.

Belgian developer Larian, expressing their efforts as a labour of love, accepted the award, and the game dominated the ceremony with a total of six wins, including Best RPG, Best Performance, and Player's Choice.

Neil Newbon, acclaimed for his portrayal of Astarion, received the Best Performance award for his role in Baldur's Gate 3. The survival horror game Alan Wake 2 garnered three awards, recognising its achievements in-game direction, narrative, and art direction. 

Notable victories also included The Last of Us TV series for Best Adaptation, Cyberpunk 2077 for Best Ongoing Game, and Cocoon as the Best Independent Game.

While celebrating the industry's successes, the Game Awards also provided glimpses into upcoming titles. Archetype Entertainment's sci-fi RPG, Exodus, and Hideo Kojima's project "OD" with director Jordan Peele were unveiled. 

The event showcased a remake of Brothers: A Tale Of Two Sons, along with previews of Hellblade 2: Senua's Saga and Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth. The awards, criticised for their focus on trailers, occurred against the backdrop of significant job cuts in the gaming industry throughout the year, prompting discussions about recognising the talented individuals behind the games.