Larian Studios' Baldur's Gate 3 has made an impressive sweep at The Golden Joystick Awards in London, securing a staggering seven awards, including the prestigious 'Ultimate Game of the Year.' Hosted annually by PC Gamer’s publisher, the event saw the D&D RPG emerge as the undeniable star of the show.
Swen Vincke, CEO of Larian Studios, was photographed jubilantly embracing six of the awards, a testament to the game's monumental success. The accolades for Baldur's Gate 3 included 'Best Storytelling,' 'Best Visual Design,' 'Best Game Community,' and 'PC Game of the Year.' The studio itself didn't go unnoticed, clinching the 'Studio of the Year' title, adding to their impressive tally.
— Very AFK (@Cromwelp) November 10, 2023
The game's immersive world and characters also received individual recognition, with actor Neil Newbon winning 'Best Supporting Performer' for his portrayal of Astarion, a key character in the game. This marked a record seven wins for Baldur's Gate 3 at the Golden Joystick Awards, underscoring the game's profound impact on the gaming community and critics alike.
Other notable winners at the 2023 Golden Joystick Awards included Final Fantasy 16, which bagged 'Best Audio,' and actor Ben Starr, who won 'Best Lead Performer.' Alan Wake 2 took home the 'Critic's Choice Award,' while Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty was recognized as the 'Best Expansion.' Starfield won the 'Xbox Game of the Year,' contributing to an eventful ceremony that celebrated the best in gaming.
The dominance of Baldur's Gate 3 at the Golden Joysticks positions it as a frontrunner for upcoming award events, including The Game Awards on December 7 and PC Gamer's annual awards in late December. Vincke and the Larian team might indeed need a 'bag of holding' if this trend of sweeping accolades continues.
Baldur's Gate 3
Following are the Golden Joystick Award Winners 2023:
- Best Storytelling - Baldur's Gate 3
- Still Playing Award - No Man's Sky
- Best Visual Design - Baldur's Gate 3
- Studio of the Year - Larian Studios
- Best Game Expansion - Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
- Best Indie Game - Sea of Stars
- Best VR Game - Horizon Call of the Mountain
- Best Multiplayer Game - Mortal Kombat 1
- Best Audio - Final Fantasy XVI
- Best Game Trailer - Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
- Best Streaming Game - Valorant
- Best Game Community - Baldur's Gate 3
- Best Gaming Hardware - PSVR 2
- Breakthrough Award - Cocoon / Geometric Interactive
- Critics' Choice Award - Alan Wake II
- Best Lead Performer - Ben Starr, Final Fantasy XVI
- Best Supporting Performer - Neil Newborn, Astarion, Baldur's Gate 3
- Nintendo Game of the Year - The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- PC Game of the Year - Baldur's Gate 3
- Xbox Game of the Year - Starfield
- PlayStation Game of the Year - Resident Evil 4
- Most Wanted Game - Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
- UGOTY - Baldur's Gate 3
Source: Golden Joysticks