The world of esports has grown exponentially over the last decade, evolving from a niche hobby into a global phenomenon. Along with this growth, recognition for esports titles has increased, and one of the most prestigious accolades in the industry is The Game Award for Best Esports Game. This award, presented annually, celebrates the top esports titles that captivate players and audiences worldwide.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the history of The Game Award for Best Esports Game, explore the criteria for selecting winners, analyze notable past recipients, and discuss the significance of this recognition in the esports industry. Let’s explore the fascinating world behind one of esports’ most sought-after honors.
What Is The Game Award for Best Esports Game?
The Game Awards, founded by video game journalist Geoff Keighley, serve as one of the gaming industry’s largest and most high-profile events. Created to honor achievements in the gaming world, it has categories that range from Game of the Year to Best Indie Game, but the Best Esports Game category is a vital part of its recognition of competitive gaming.
Definition and Purpose of the Award
The Best Esports Game award highlights the game that has demonstrated excellence in competitive gameplay, delivered a strong community experience, and offered a significant presence in the professional esports scene. It’s an accolade that goes beyond gameplay mechanics and instead celebrates a game’s influence on the global esports ecosystem.
The purpose of the award is to recognize not just a game that players enjoy casually, but one that has a thriving competitive scene, involving professional teams, tournaments, and millions of fans who engage with it across different platforms.
Selection Criteria
Games nominated for this award must meet several criteria:
- Competitive Play: The game must have a well-established structure for professional competition, with balanced gameplay that allows for fair matches.
- Community Engagement: The game should have an active, dedicated player base and provide tools for community engagement, such as esports events, tournaments, and content creation.
- Professional Scene: A strong professional ecosystem, including sponsors, teams, and international tournaments, is essential.
- Stability and Updates: Regular updates and developer support that maintain the game’s balance and longevity are also key factors.
History of the Best Esports Game Award
The Best Esports Game category was first introduced in 2016 during the third edition of The Game Awards. Since then, it has grown in significance as the esports industry has exploded into mainstream popularity. Games that dominate this category tend to not only be popular titles but also cornerstone esports that have built sustainable, long-term competitive environments.
Notable Winners Over the Years
Here are some of the notable winners of the Best Esports Game award over the years:
1. Overwatch (2016)
Blizzard’s Overwatch took home the first Best Esports Game award in 2016. Known for its fast-paced, team-based action, Overwatch became a major player in esports due to its Overwatch League (OWL), a global competition with franchise-based teams. Overwatch‘s win highlighted the game’s immediate impact on the esports landscape, capturing millions of viewers during its prime years.
2. League of Legends (2019)
Riot Games’ League of Legends (LoL) has been a consistent powerhouse in the esports scene since its launch in 2009. It claimed the award in 2019, a testament to the game’s longevity and its continued success with events like the League of Legends World Championship, one of the biggest esports events worldwide. LoL’s blend of strategy, teamwork, and skill has made it a fan favorite and one of the most-watched games on platforms like Twitch.
3. Valorant (2022)
A relatively new contender, Riot Games’ Valorant won the award in 2022. As a tactical first-person shooter (FPS) with a blend of hero-based abilities, Valorant quickly became a favorite in the esports community. Its ability to blend strategic depth with high-level mechanical skill has made it stand out in a crowded FPS market. Valorant’s competitive ecosystem was developed swiftly, with official events like Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) cementing its status in the esports world.
Recurrent Nominees
Some games, despite not always winning, have consistently been nominated in this category, illustrating their sustained impact in esports:
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS
): A staple of the FPS esports scene, CS
has been a perennial favorite due to its simplicity, tactical depth, and global competitive circuit.
- Dota 2: Known for hosting the largest prize pool in esports history with The International, Dota 2 continues to draw millions of viewers and remains a major force in the esports industry.
Importance of the Best Esports Game Award
Recognition of Excellence
The Best Esports Game award is more than just a trophy. It symbolizes recognition from both industry professionals and fans for the game’s impact on esports culture. It also encourages developers to continue supporting and growing their competitive scenes, fostering innovation and evolution in the genre.
Winning the Best Esports Game award can have significant financial and reputational benefits for both the developers and the game’s community. For example, a win can attract new players, sponsors, and investors, contributing to the longevity of the game’s competitive ecosystem.
Influencing Game Development
Developers often use the visibility gained from being nominated or winning the Best Esports Game award to make adjustments or improvements to the game. The accolade serves as an incentive to refine game mechanics, improve balance, and enhance the overall user experience. It can also encourage developers to expand esports infrastructure, such as creating more accessible tournament modes or improving spectator tools for better engagement.
Growing the Esports Audience
The Best Esports Game award also plays a crucial role in growing the overall esports audience. When a game wins or is nominated for this award, it often attracts media attention, which can lead to increased viewership for future events. Additionally, new players may be drawn to the game, contributing to the growth of both the casual and professional player base.
How the Best Esports Game Impacts Communities
Esports games aren’t just about professional play—they also impact a wide range of communities:
Casual Players and Fans
While the Best Esports Game award focuses on competitive play, the games that win or are nominated often have vibrant casual communities. For example, League of Legends and Valorant are not just professional esports titles; they also have millions of casual players who contribute to the game’s success through fan art, community events, and social media presence. Casual fans are often deeply invested in the success of their favorite esports teams, and this emotional connection adds a level of passion that fuels the overall growth of the game.
Content Creators
Many esports games have thriving ecosystems of content creators who produce everything from tutorial videos to live streams. Platforms like YouTube and Twitch are brimming with esports-related content, and these creators play a vital role in keeping the community engaged. Winning the Best Esports Game award often leads to increased viewership and more content creation, as fans look to learn from the best or stay updated on the latest trends.
Professional Players and Teams
Professional players and teams are directly affected by which games are nominated or win the Best Esports Game award. These awards help legitimize a game’s competitive scene, which can lead to increased sponsorship deals, higher prize pools, and more opportunities for professional players to make a living from esports. In some cases, the spotlight on a winning game can lead to the creation of new teams, more tournaments, and broader media coverage.
The Future of The Game Award for Best Esports Game
As the esports industry continues to expand, the Best Esports Game award will likely grow in importance. The criteria for the award may evolve, incorporating more aspects such as player welfare, sustainable game design, or even the environmental impact of large-scale tournaments.
Emerging Games and Trends
With the continuous development of new esports titles, such as mobile games entering the competitive space, we can expect future nominees to come from diverse genres. Mobile esports, in particular, is a rapidly growing sector, and it’s possible that we’ll see a mobile game win the Best Esports Game award in the near future.
Moreover, as games continue to blur the line between competitive esports and entertainment, titles that focus on streaming and fan interaction may become serious contenders for this award.
Integration of Technology
Technological advancements will likely play a big role in shaping the future of the Best Esports Game award. Virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and cloud gaming are areas that could introduce new types of competitive gameplay and esports experiences. As these technologies develop, they could redefine what it means to be the “best” esports game, expanding the scope and criteria for this prestigious award.
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Conclusion
The Game Award for Best Esports Game is not just about celebrating the top competitive titles of the year; it’s about recognizing the games that shape the future of esports. From their impact on professional players to their influence on community engagement, these games play a crucial role in the evolution of esports as an industry.
As esports continues to grow, this award will remain a key indicator of success for competitive titles and a valuable tool for recognizing excellence in esports game development. Whether you’re a casual gamer, professional player, or just a fan of the competitive scene, the Best Esports Game award highlights the best of the best, shaping the future of competitive gaming for years to come.