The Game Awards is basically the best holiday in terms of video games for gamers around the world. World premieres, gameplay, new announcements, and industry recognition are just a few of the aspects that make the VGAs a worthy event globally. There is even music entertainment to add a more ‘party’ atmosphere for attendees. It truly is a celebration. This year was no exception. Here’s the breakdown (List of winners is at the end of the article):

Before the ceremony even started, Bill Trinen took the stage for Nintendo to give us an all new look into Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The trailer was visually stunning and it featured smooth mechanics, elaborated on epic adventures – even showcased an adorable canine companion. The theme of the trailer quickly shifted into slightly darker tones as the music morphs alongside the enviromentals to show Link facing moments of darkness. But as is his fate, he is not alone. Take a look at the video below to see what we mean:

Next we had a look into the future of Rocket League’s intergalactic need for speed. Say hello to the Starbase ARC. The music had an almost Mass Effect vibe in the beginning as the action quickly picked up. For fans of this title, the new Arena, the Starbase ARC, will give provide exactly the right amount of new content to an established gameplay for any gamer. The footage shown is actual in-game play and it is expected to release December 7th:

If you are like me – all of those teasers from Gearbox probably had you amped up for a potential new Borderlands game. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case this time BUT we do get to see an old friend, Duke Nukem. Just … not in the way you might think.

The world premiere for Bulletstorm Full Clip Edition was released and it will be available on all platforms April 7th with 4K capability. If you pre-order the special edition, you will unlock the Duke himself as a completely playable character. The environments were eclectic, the gore a-plenty, and the pace is incredibly fast. If you think you can keep up, check out the world premiere here:

Now is where the show officially can start! What an intro – but in true VGA style, they’ve got to connect with the fans. And connect they did with a beautifully blended sequence of our favourite games to inspire and remind us how truly wonderful our community is.

Games can be a sanctuary. The chance to escape to new realities […] Tonight we unite to celebrate the one thing we can all agree on. Games that change us for the better.”

That didn’t tear you up? Maybe Geof Keighley’s tribute to Hideo Kojima will be that catalyst to make those eyes water up. It’s just the dust, right? We’re not crying, YOU’RE crying.

The tribute starts off with an emotional introduction from Keighley friend-to-friend, colleague-to-colleague.

Last year, I thought I lost everything. But I didn’t. I didn’t. (he laughs) I didn’t lose anything, thanks to all of you. I thank you all for all of your support. I love you Geoff and the Game Awards. I really love you all from my heart. (dramatic pause with a smirk on his face) One more thing – please enjoy”

Good ‘ol Kojima sure knows how to make a good segway. After accepting his award (well deserved after the bullshit with Konami), he then turned his attention to the prompter for the world premiere of brand new footage for Death Stranding. A video that actually makes sense and gives us some insight to just what the hell this game is about. You’ll also see some very recognizable faces. Check it out:

Did you stop believin’? You better not have because the world premiere teaser trailer for TellTale’s Guardian’s of the Galaxy trailer is here and finally confirmed after months of online speculation. Keep in mind, it is a teaser so it is meant to be vague but we are very happy to see that they kept up with the musical stylings of one very talented Starlord:

Though the list for the winners is at the end of this article, we do want to give a special congratulations to the team behind The Dragon Cancer on their win for Games for Impact Award. The tearful acceptance speech left not one dry seat in the house as our hearts physically hurt from his story. You have to watch this video – it was both inspiring and heartbreaking.

Often in games we get to choose how we are seen […] why our lives matter. You let us tell the story of my son Joel and in the end, it was not the story we wanted to tell.”

The Game Awards also brought Jesse Houston, BioWare veteran, center stage to unveil his newest project from his very own company, Dauntless. The world premiere showcased a warrior with a broadsword strapped to her back as she meets up with a group of eclectic individuals to meet a man stumbling out from within a destroyed forest. A battle ensues as the group becomes faced with a towering creature seemingly encased in the shadows. See more in the trailer below and you can sign up for the beta here.

Lawbreakers world premiere hit as Cliff Bleszinski took the stage from Boss Key Productions.  The trailer included a very fast-paced insight into the game featuring dynamic fighting styles, gravity spears, interchangeable weapons, and colourfully diversified maps to conquer in. This shooter is definitely going to be hit, for sure – check it out yourself here:

Anticipation of Arcane’s Prey has been high in the coming months and Raphael Colantonio did not disappoint when he took center stage to show us the world premiere of this tale of survival among hostile alien races. Dead Space fans will love this title as this FPS adventure takes hold.

“They’ll know they exist because of the things we did.”

“30 years ago …” Reggie, President of Nintendo of America, started out with a smile on his face, “Legend of Zelda launched in Japan.”  Legend of Zelda fans world-wide received an even bigger look inside this highly anticipated title as the Nintendo team showed us actual in-game footage. New enemies, shrine quests, new weapons, inventory logging, dynamic enviroments – this game play footage has it all:

343 Industries took the stage to unveil Halo Wars 2 with a jaw dropping trailer highlighting the story filled with new threats and old enemies.

Dying in battle will speed their holy journey.”

Brute Commander Atriox proves to be a daunting enemy. His size is almost as big as his reputation. Know your enemy.

Telltale swings around for one more huge announcement: Walking Dead Season 3 A New Frontier. Fans in the audience went crazy as we got an inside look at the latest faces to be introduced into the series alongside a very grown up Clementine.

Meet Javi – this latest chapter is “all about family, which never ends well.” The trailer highlights the fall of the protagonist’s family when his recently deceased grandfather tunrs into a walker. Get those tissues ready – this will definitely be a feels trip.

Ok – you guys know. You just know … let’s talk about Mass Effect Andromeda’s newest video to drop. This gameplay is everything fans wanted – meeting some of the crew, seeing recruitment missions, watching combat and seeing tech upgrades – this trailer had me screaming in fangirl delight. And female turians! Finally! I can’t rave about this enough but don’t let me ramble, check out the full gameplay showing below and see for yourself! And definitely let your N7 pride show in the comment section below:

A fantastic ceremony to be sure! A huge congratulations to Blizzard’s Overwatch for winning Game of the Year! A well done character line-up for what could have easily been a one and done game – Blizzard is doing an amazing job at keeping it fresh for fans of these heroes, congratulations on the huge win.

For the full Game Awards ceremony, we’ve got you covered right here. For the full list of the nominees and winners, check it out below:

Most Anticipated Game: 

• God of War
• Horizon: Zero Dawn
• Mass Effect Andromeda –
• Red Dead Redemption 2
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild  [WINNER]

Trending Gamer: 

• AngryJoeShow
• Boogie2988 [WINNER]
• Danny O’Dwyer
• Jacksepticeye
• Lirik

Best ESports Game: 

• Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
• Dota 2
• League of Legends
• Overwatch  [WINNER]
• Street Fighter V

Best ESports Player: 

• Faker
• Coldzera [WINNER]
• Byun-Hyun Woo
• Infiltration
• Hungrybox

Best Multiplayer Game

• Battlefield 1
• Gears of War 4
• Overcooked
• Overwatch [WINNER]
• Rainbow Six Siege
• Titanfall 2

Best Sports/Racing

• Fifa 17
• Forza Horizon 3  [WINNER]
• MLB The Show 16
• NBA 2K17
• PES 2017

Best Strategy Game: 

• Civilization VI [WINNER]
• Fire Emblem Fates
• The Banner Saga 2
• Total War: Warhammer
• XCom 2

Best Family Game: 

• Dragon Quest Builders
• Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakes
• Pokemon Go [WINNER]
• Ratchet and Clank
• Skylanders: Imaginators

Best Fighting Game: 

• Killer Instinct Season 2
• King of Fighters XIV
• Pokken Tournament
• Street Fighter V [WINNER]

Best Role Playing Game 

• Dark Souls 3
• Deus EX: Mankind Divided
• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Blood and Wine [WINNER]
• World of Warcraft: Legion
• Xenoblade Chronicles X

Best Action/Adventure Game: 

• Dishonored 2 [WINNER]
• Hitman
• Hyper Light Drifter
• Ratchet and Clank
• Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

Best Action Game: 

• Battlefield 1
• DOOM [WINNER]
• Gears of War 4
• Overwatch
• Titanfall 2

Best VR Game: 

• Batman: Arkham VR
• Eve Valkyrie
• Job Simulator
• Rez Infinite [WINNER]
• Thumper

Best Mobile/Handheld Game 

• Clash Royale
• Fire Emblem Fates
• Monster Hunter Generations
• Pokemon GO [WINNER]
• Severed

Best Independent Game:

• Firewatch
• Inside [WINNER]
• Hyper Light Drifter
• Shadown Valley
• The Witness

Games for Impact: 

• 1979 Revolution
• Blockhood
• Orwell
• Sea Hero Quest
• That Dragon, Cancer [WINNER]

Best Performance: 

• Alex Hernandez in Mafia 3
• Cissy Jones in Firewatch
• Emily Rose in Uncharted 4
• Nolan North in Uncharted 4 [WINNER]
• Rich Sommer in Firewatch
• Troy Baker in Uncharted 4

Best Sound/Music Design: 

• Battlefield 1
• DOOM [WINNER]
• Inside
• Rez Infinite
• Thumper

Best Art Direction: 

• Abzu
• Firewatch
• Inside [WINNER]
• Overwatch
• Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

Best Narrative: 

• Firewatch
• Inside
• Mafia 3
• Oxenfree
• Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End [WINNER]

Best Studio/Game Direction:

• Blizzard [WINNER]
• Dice
• ID Software
• Naughty Dog
• Respawn

Game of the Year: 

• DOOM
• Inside
• Overwatch [WINNER]
• Titanfall 2
• Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End