The (other) Game Awards
And so the sun sets on another Gamescom — and it seems that this year’s event was something of a successful comeback. Making a grand return to Germany’s Koelnmesse complex, the first physical Gamescom in over two years saw players, press, and publishers gather together to show off and/or experience some of the top titles currently working their way toward an eager gaming public.
While some, this author included, found the Opening Night Live stream a tad underwhelming, there was a large selection of interesting games and projects showcased both online and on the show floor over the course of the week-long event. As is tradition, a jury of Gamescom’s peers and employees has put together an awards list, shining the spotlight on a selection of titles showcased during the event that stood out to the panel as being particularly promising, impressive releases.
Now, of course, we don’t need to put too much weight on this list. It is, after all, an honors list of Gamescom games as decided by Gamescom. But it’s still interesting to see which of the 100+ games in attendance this week have been selected as featuring some special promise, and it may help them find their way onto your own personal radar. I’m certainly looking forward to seeing more of Lies of P.
Here are the Gamescom 2022 award winners:
Best Action Adventure Game: Lies of P
Best Action Game: Metal: Hellsinger
Best Family Game: Paper Trail
Best Indie Game: Inkulinati
Best Multiplayer Game: Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
Best Ongoing Game: Sea of Thieves
Best Role Playing Game: Lies of P
Best Sports Game: AEW: Fight Forever
Best Strategy/Simulation Game: IXION
Most Original Game: Inkulinati
Most Wanted Microsoft Xbox Game: The Last Case of Benedict Fox
Most Wanted Nintendo Switch Game: Tin Hearts
Most Wanted PC Game: Metal: Hellsinger
Most Wanted Sony PlayStation Game: Lies of P
Best Trailer/Announcement: Hogwarts Legacy
Best Booth: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Best Lineup: Plaion
Heart of Gaming Award – The game industry’s solidarity with Ukraine
Gamescom Goes Green Award: Ukie
