Every year, the public votes for the winners of the prestigious Golden Joystick Awards ceremony, which includes the coveted Golden Joystick Award for Game of the Year. This award is a significant recognition in the gaming industry, honoring the best video game released in a given year, showcasing outstanding performance in creativity, design, and gameplay. In 1983, the inaugural Golden Joystick Awards were presented, marking the beginning of an annual celebration that not only highlights exceptional games but also reflects the evolving landscape of the gaming community. Over the decades, the awards have adapted to new trends and technologies, embracing genres and styles that resonate with players around the world, and fostering a sense of competition and appreciation within the gaming industry.

Officially, the 42nd Golden Joystick Awards have taken place, and the winners have been announced, marking a significant event in the gaming community. Winners were chosen from 21 different categories using more than 12 million public votes, showcasing the immense participation and enthusiasm from fans worldwide. Critics’ Choice, Breakthrough Award, and Streamers’ Choice were the other three categories that were selected by the judges, reflecting the diverse talent and creativity present in the industry. Some pretty big stars hosted and attended the award ceremony, adding glamour and excitement to the event. Neil Newbon, Derek Slow, Alex McKenna, and Ben Starr are among them, each bringing their unique flair and personality to the stage. The atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation as various developers and creators awaited their fates. The list below provides all the information you require regarding this year’s Golden Joystick Award winners, should you be curious about who took home what, including the highly coveted Game of the Year award and other notable mentions that highlight the best of what gaming has to offer.

winners

• Best Storytelling – Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (public vote)
• Best Visual Design – Black Myth: Wukong (public vote)
• Best Multiplayer Game – Helldivers 2 (public vote)
• Best Audio Design – Astro Bot (public vote)
• Best Game Expansion – Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree (public vote)
• Best Indie Game Self Published – Another Crab’s Treasure (public vote)
• Best Indie Game – Balatro (public vote)
• Studio of the Year – Team ASOBI (public vote)
• Best Soundtrack – Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (public vote)
• Best Game Trailer – Helldivers 2 (public vote)
• Best Early Access Game – Lethal Company (public vote)
• Still Playing – Mobile – Honkai: Star Rail (public vote)
• Still Playing – Consoles & PC – Minecraft (public vote)
• Streamers’ Choice Award – Chained Together (critically chosen)
• Breakthrough Award – Balatro (critically chosen)
• Best Gaming Hardware – Steam Deck OLED (public vote)
• Best Game Adaptation – Fallout (public vote)
• Best Supporting Performer – Briana White (public vote)
• Best Lead Performer – Cody Christian (public vote)
• PC Game of the Year – Satisfactory (public vote)
• Console Game of the Year – Helldivers 2 (public vote)
• Critics’ Choice Award – Helldivers 2 (critically chosen)
• Most Wanted Game – Grand Theft Auto VI (public vote)
• Ultimate Game of the Year – Black Myth: Wukong (public vote)