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[mdkirby]

Expedition 33, followed by death stranding 2…nice to see blue prince in the list, whilst great, it's not GOTY great.

 

[Evil Calvin]

Top 3 for me:

1. Clair Obscur
2. Donkey Kong Bananza
3. Avowed

Haven't played DS2. I could never get into the first one. But yeah, Avowed deserves a place in the selections a heck of alot more than AC: Shadows, imo

I'd pick those three as well. Maybe Avowed above DK.

 

[diffusionx]

You say that to the fanbase of any game and you are just asking for pushback. I don't get why it matters. If the "narrative" behind GOTY award (whatever it is) means the game that deserves GOTY actually wins GOTY then it is a moot point. So why harp on it?

what does it mean to say a game "deserves GOTY"

I don't think CO33 "deserves GOTY" but like I said it will definitely win the Geoffs and the chance of it not winning the Geoffs is 0%. The reasons why it will win is because it conforms to what the Geoffs are looking for - not dissimilar to "Oscar Bait" that comes out every year.

 

[vaibhavpisal]

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 without a doubt. I haven't played KDC 2 yet and might like it more, but the evolution brought to the RPG genre, it's mature storytelling and unending barrage of GOAT music in games simply elevate Expedition 33 to a masterpiece and best of the year.

Am playing through Exp 33 currently.

Am finding it to be very well made, something that will win via sheer quality and imaginativeness.

But am wondering, in what way does it evolve RPG genre?

 

[LakeOf9]

Am playing through Exp 33 currently.

Am finding it to be very well made, something that will win via sheer quality and imaginativeness.

But am wondering, in what way does it evolve RPG genre?

It doesn't, it's an excellently executed version of the classic JRPG template, but it hasn't really done anything new (the closest is the Pictoss system, which is a greatly expanded form of similar systems found in Metroidvanias like Hollow Knight and Ori)

Most things that people credit E33 with being "innovative" for are things other JRPGs/turn based games have been doing for years or decades, but those people didn't know that because they don't really keep up with those genres usually for them to know.

 

[Buggy Loop]

You say that to the fanbase of any game and you are just asking for pushback. I don't get why it matters. If the "narrative" behind GOTY award (whatever it is) means the game that deserves GOTY actually wins GOTY then it is a moot point. So why harp on it?

But that's the thing, it won't always be the case

Say KCD 2 was still the fan favourite and darling of 2025 without expedition 33 in the loop

I would not be so sure it wins GOTY then, because Vavra has been a thorn in the narrative of Geoff & friends. Same for Black Myth Wukong and Chinese cheap labour and controversy around the studio.

You understand? Again, I would have said the same for BG3 even though it's also my GOTY. Expedition 33 was mine and actually maybe even when the dust settles either DKB in a few months, E33 it might be my final GOTY 25 , but that has nothing to do with Geoff picks

 

[FoxMcChief]

I'm gonna wait the end of the year to decide.

 

[ecosse_011172]

 

[SILKYSMOOTH30FPS]

After spending time with the BF6 beta, it's BF6 lol. I feel ashamed of having an EA game anywhere near GOTY, but a good game is a good game. Well, assuming that the full release is a good game that is.

 

[vaibhavpisal]

It doesn't, it's an excellently executed version of the classic JRPG template, but it hasn't really done anything new (the closest is the Pictoss system, which is a greatly expanded form of similar systems found in Metroidvanias like Hollow Knight and Ori)

Most things that people credit E33 with being "innovative" for are things other JRPGs/turn based games have been doing for years or decades, but those people didn't know that because they don't really keep up with those genres usually for them to know.

Pictos system and in general skill set of characters is very well done.

But IMO it doesn't deliver on potential of those mechanics by adding parry and evade.

It seems to take a half step towards great battle system, but simply made it good at the end. Which isn't something to scoff at, mind you, in an rpg.

 

[Dr.Morris79]

Stellar Blade, PC

 

[Topher]

I didn't say it at all, tbf, but I am just saying these statements are made every year. I saw them about Elden Ring, I saw them about Baldur's Gate 3, God of War, Breath of the Wild, because again, most people understand that making a comment about awards shows is not a reflection on the quality of the game.

No E33 fan should be butthurt over someone making a remark about how Keighley's awards go, certainly not for a post that makes it a point to still recognize the quality of the game. If they are doing so, I feel like they have invested far too much of their identity into the game.

Nah....people just disagree. I don't think this is about anyone's identity. Not sure why Geoff has to become the center of this conversation every time any way. The thread is about personal GOTY, not award shows.

what does it mean to say a game "deserves GOTY"

I don't think CO33 "deserves GOTY" but like I said it will definitely win the Geoffs and the chance of it not winning the Geoffs is 0%. The reasons why it will win is because it conforms to what the Geoffs are looking for - not dissimilar to "Oscar Bait" that comes out every year.

I'm quoting "deserves GOTY". Probably "worthy of GOTY" is a better way of saying it. CO has received a mega-ton of acclaim even without the Geoff award so I'd say there is more the reasons why it would win than simply be what Geoff is looking for.

 

[Lootlord]

Expedition 33, what else.

 

[LakeOf9]

Pictos system and in general skill set of characters is very well done.

But IMO it doesn't deliver on potential of those mechanics by adding parry and evade.

It seems to take a half step towards great battle system, but simply made it good at the end. Which isn't something to scoff at, mind you, in an rpg.

Oh yeah, one thing E33 deserves an insane amount of credit for (and which I don't think enough people recognize it for funnily) is how distinct and unique each character feels to fight as – which for a turn based game is an insane achievement, given how you are engaging with the mechanics.

 

[Topher]

But that's the thing, it won't always be the case

Say KCD 2 was still the fan favourite and darling of 2025 without expedition 33 in the loop

I would not be so sure it wins GOTY then, because Vavra has been a thorn in the narrative of Geoff & friends. Same for Black Myth Wukong and Chinese cheap labour and controversy around the studio.

You understand? Again, I would have said the same for BG3 even though it's also my GOTY. Expedition 33 was mine and actually maybe even when the dust settles either DKB in a few months, E33 it might be my final GOTY 25 , but that has nothing to do with Geoff picks

Think we are getting too wrapped around Geoff here though. Clearly folks don't like his awards and I understand that.

 

[ShadyAcshuns]

Think we are getting to wrapped around Geoff here though. Clearly folks don't like his awards and I understand that.

Agreed. His awards are flashy and meant to represent the industry as something akin to the academy awards, but by no means is TGA the Pinnacle of game of the year awards as every website has them.

TGA has the most views by far, and that has influence, but what credentials say Geoff's award show is above any other goty awards?

 

[Danny22]

I'm saying that game awards are manufactured

KCD 2 imo is a better RPG than expedition 33

If expedition 33 had been made by Ubisoft say, a lot less buzz around it would have been made, a lot less. The whole marketing is basically "Can you believe what this small team made???"

You know KCD2 fits that bill as well considering what the team started with in KCD1. Sure it took them an extra game but the narrative still stands.

And if KCD2 was made by Ubisoft, ofcourse it will face an inherent bias and less buzz at the awards. Same if ex33, bg3 was made by Ubisoft. This bias exists because people don't expect ubisoft to make games of that quality, and rightfully so. That's not something to blame the award show for.

And if it was really about this kind of narrative, doesn't Sony games TLOU2 and God of War discredit it (crunch and big company). Or witcher 3 and elden ring being the biggest games their teams had created.

Agreed. His awards are flashy and meant to represent the industry as something akin to the academy awards, but by no means is TGA the Pinnacle of game of the year awards as every website has them.

TGA has the most views by far, and that has influence, but what credentials say Geoff's award show is above any other goty awards?

The reason you're having to downplay them is exactly why they are something people pay a lot of attention to. Not just the viewership numbers, but also because its a collective opinion of all major industry outlets (including ones that don't have an award show which makes them better than the aggregate, I would argue) and it mostly cuts audience votes (10 percent mostly to drum up hype) which is great considering what the normal audience usually votes for in players voice. Even if you disagree with their opinion, I think most of us can see why the games that won usually won.

 

[ShadyAcshuns]

You know KCD2 fits that bill as well considering what the team started with in KCD1. Sure it took them an extra game but the narrative still stands.

And if KCD2 was made by Ubisoft, ofcourse it will face an inherent bias and less buzz at the awards. Same if ex33, bg3 was made by Ubisoft. This bias exists because people don't expect ubisoft to make games of that quality, and rightfully so. That's not something to blame the award show for.

And if it was really about this kind of narrative, doesn't Sony games TLOU2 and God of War discredit it (crunch and big company). Or witcher 3 and elden ring being the biggest games their teams had created.


The reason you're having to downplay them is exactly why they are something people pay a lot of attention to. Not just the viewership numbers, but also because its a collective opinion of all major industry outlets (including ones that don't have an award show which makes them better than the aggregate, I would argue) and it mostly cuts audience votes (10 percent mostly to drum up hype) which is great considering what the normal audience usually votes for in players voice. Even if you disagree with their opinion, I think most of us can see why the games that won usually won.

Problem is, like it or not, TGA can be very shallow and uninformed about niche games and even placing games in the wrong categories. I don't think they have the respect of most gamers in the grand scheme of things.

 

[dezzy8]

Expedition 33 and it's not close.

 

[ShadyAcshuns]

Expedition 33 and it's not close.

I would have agreed with you if it was just about gameplay, or even musical score, but the story was kind of stupid and lazy.

 

[Buggy Loop]

You know KCD2 fits that bill as well considering what the team started with in KCD1. Sure it took them an extra game but the narrative still stands.

Vavra is not a good front for the game awards

KCD is not that kind of industry growth/narrative no matter how beloved the series is. On top of the director being controversial with that kind of crowd.

And if KCD2 was made by Ubisoft, ofcourse it will face an inherent bias and less buzz at the awards. Same if ex33, bg3 was made by Ubisoft. This bias exists because people don't expect ubisoft to make games of that quality, and rightfully so. That's not something to blame the award show for.

And if it was really about this kind of narrative, doesn't Sony games TLOU2 and God of War discredit it (crunch and big company). Or witcher 3 and elden ring being the biggest games their teams had created.

TLOU 2 and GOW are the very definition of "growth" and pushing for them grows the industry, you get perhaps movies, a TV series, etc, it loops back to renewed interest in video games from perhaps peoples who had ignored it, It's making game awards bigger by default.

Does anyone think Balatro for example had a single chance?

It's quite well explained in the video I posted earlier. Not sure why it's controversial.

Anyway enough about this, I was simply responding to Danjin44 that this poll is personal opinion and not VGA

If you made a thread like this but with What you predict to be GOTY at VGA regardless of personal opinion, just a bet, you would get vastly different poll results I bet

 

[ChoosableOne]

Expedition 33 wins goty+ Alicia(main theme) live on stage, I expect nothing less.

 

[Danny22]

But that's the thing, it won't always be the case

Say KCD 2 was still the fan favourite and darling of 2025 without expedition 33 in the loop

I would not be so sure it wins GOTY then, because Vavra has been a thorn in the narrative of Geoff & friends. Same for Black Myth Wukong and Chinese cheap labour and controversy around the studio.

It wouldn't. Donkey Kong is number 2 after Clair and Death stranding number 3. Just getting nominated will be major for KCD2 but Geoff doesn't vote for the awards. The outlets that do might have this bias (maybe KCD2 would be 90 plus without critic bias) but point remains, you can't just claim that KCD2 isn't winning because of Bias alone. Same for Black myth which won the 'best action' game award. They actually need to be that good and even getting nominated is big for both.

If you made a thread like this but with What you predict to be GOTY at VGA regardless of personal opinion, just a bet, you would get vastly different poll results I bet

you would get the same results, hell bet markets are voting for expedition 33 at this point. https://kalshi.com/markets/kxgameawards/game-awards

 

[Buggy Loop]

It wouldn't. Donkey Kong is number 2 after Clair and Death stranding number 3. Just getting nominated will be major for KCD2 but Geoff doesn't vote for the awards. The outlets that do might have this bias (maybe KCD2 would be 90 plus without critic bias) but point remains, you can't just claim that KCD2 isn't winning because of Bias alone. Same for Black myth which won the 'best action' game award.

DKB wouldn't even be in top 3 pick of GOTY final, but KCD 2 might even be lower because of Vavra. Yes I am making that claim

It'll get pity award for family game at best

They actually need to be that good and even getting nominated is big for both.

Right?

Please it's getting annoying : where did I say that expedition 33 has no merit of winning? FFS

you would get the same results, hell bet markets are voting for expedition 33 at this point. https://kalshi.com/markets/kxgameawards/game-awards

There wouldn't be anywhere near as much DKB or KCD 2 in predictions , that was my point

 

[mèx]

KCD2 stands tall together with all the other greatest RPGs of all time.

The choice is clear.

 

[Chuck Berry]

No Oblivion listed?

Figures, you poll making Nintentard

Well, mine is the Oblivion remake

 

[Dacvak]

I LOVED Expedition 33 but my GOTY has go to Donky Kong Bananza, that game was just pure fun.

I keep going back and forth between Bananza and E33. I love Bananza, and 3D platformers are easily my favorite genre, especially 1st-party Nintendo ones. In fact, I pretty much hate most RPGs, especially JRPGs.

And that's why Expedition 33 is so insane. It's a "J"RPG that I absolutely adored, which is something I never would have expected. Even though I'd love nothing more than for my boy DK to come home with a GOTY, I think I'd have to give it to E33. That game is truly a masterpiece.

 

[ecosse_011172]

No Oblivion listed?

Figures, you poll making Nintentard

Well, mine is the Oblivion remake

Isn't that a janky piece of shit that pales in comparison to newer games like Avowed?

 

[Chuck Berry]

Isn't that a janky piece of shit that pales in comparison to newer games like Avowed?

No you're thinking of MindsEye

 

[Danjin44]

I keep going back and forth between Bananza and E33. I love Bananza, and 3D platformers are easily my favorite genre, especially 1st-party Nintendo ones. In fact, I pretty much hate most RPGs, especially JRPGs.

And that's why Expedition 33 is so insane. It's a "J"RPG that I absolutely adored, which is something I never would have expected. Even though I'd love nothing more than for my boy DK to come home with a GOTY, I think I'd have to give it to E33. That game is truly a masterpiece.

Well I'm someone who absolutely LOVES JRPGs and I really enjoyed E33 but the satisfaction and gamey feeling I got when playing DK Bananza was sooooooo gooood! It's same feeling I got when I played Kid Icarus Uprising for the first time and I adore that game.

 

[ecosse_011172]

No you're thinking of MindsEye

 

[MagiusNecros]

Well, mine is the Oblivion remake

It's up there with MH Wilds for Garbage of the Year for sure.

Good thing Skyblivion will be upon us sometime this year.

 

[Chuck Berry]

It's up there with MH Wilds for Garbage of the Year for sure.

No no you're getting that confused with your mothers vagina.

 

[Gilgalaad]

Exp 33 by far.
Like this :

 

[LakeOf9]

No no you're getting that confused with your mothers vagina.

I can't believe someone thought a remaster of a 20 year old game deserves GOTY...

... much less when that remaster is the garbage that was the Oblivion remaster

 

[Tajaz2426]

Not a darn thing, as I haven't bought anything this year,. The Elden Ring DLC was my last purchase and before that, Elden Ring.

My youngest son, bought me Death Stranding 2. I haven't played the first one, but my suspicion is this man hates oil, but probably likes to jet around the world to different countries, wear glasses from oil, clothes, energy to create the game, etc.

With that said, my soul died after the first couple deliveries and I refunded my son, as I felt so bad that he bought it for me. My own opinion of course, don't know the guy or what he has done other than this game and o think he did the Metal Gears I didn't play as I was deployed most of 2001-2014 and didn't game pretty much at all.

 

[Chuck Berry]

I can't believe someone thought a remaster of a 20 year old game deserves GOTY...

... much less when that remaster is the garbage that was the Oblivion remaster

Make another poll. It's been far too long.

Also, the year isn't over yet.

 

[LakeOf9]

Make another poll. It's been far too long.

Look, I'm flattered at how much I seem to live in your head rent free, but I'm not into dudes and randos I find stalking me online, so you're gonna have to find some other hobby now.

Shoo

 

[Rush2112]

Yeah oblivion remaster deserves a kick in the ass not GoTY. Ease down, fanboys. Go back to starfield for now.

 

[MagiusNecros]

Yeah oblivion remaster deserves a kick in the ass not GoTY. Ease down, fanboys. Go back to starfield for now.

Starfield is the better game ^_^

 

[Chuck Berry]

Look, I'm flattered at how much I seem to live in your head rent free, but I'm not into dudes and randos I find stalking me online, so you're gonna have to find some other hobby now

 

[Last Hearth]

it's E33 for me and it's not close

 

[NeverYouMind]

Well, mine is the Oblivion remake

It is awesome. I bounced off every Elder Scrolls game I tried including original but keep coming back to this one. I am already contemplating my next character. If it was not for Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 being so great for short gameplay sessions it would likely be my choice as well.

 

[VGA-Games]

I personally voted for Donkey Kong: Bananza

 

[nikos]

It's going to be Tokyo Xtreme Racer for me, no question. The return of that series is a dream come true.

Mafia: The Old Country would have been a contender. Best narrative game so far.

 

[Critical Hit]

KCD2's world, very flexible approach to quests

It's flexible, but not very.

 

[StereoVsn]

It's flexible, but not very.

What's a game of this scope to better approach to quests that released relatively recently? The only one comes to mind is BG3.

 

[Rambone]

Just finished Death Stranding 2. The lead up to the ending and ending itself is kind of a religious experience. It's a holy shit moment that leaves you with goose bumps and that feeling like jesus himself passed through you, maybe from the pure spectacle of all the shit going on but also that feeling that hits home real fast that nobody makes games like this anymore and you are experiencing a masterpiece play out right Infront of you and you just can't help but feel the big dick energy on display.

Yea, Death Stranding 2 is the real deal for me this year.

 

[nemiroff]

KCD2 for a released game. But my real GOTY is the Gray Zone Warfare beta.

 

[Critical Hit]

What's a game of this scope to better approach to quests that released relatively recently?

Why is recency so important? There wasn't a lot of great rpgs recently, I think if we talk about greatness we must compare with the best rpgs ever.