The Game Awards 2023 are fast approaching, but people are still arguing about Red Dead Redemption 2, developed by Rockstar Games. Despite its critical acclaim and commercial success, the title’s loss to God of War for the Game of the Year award.
Regarded as the highest-rated game of 2018, RDR2 was widely expected to clinch the biggest award at The Game Awards that year. Its intricate narrative, immersive open-world gameplay, and remarkable technical achievements set a new benchmark in gaming. Five years on, fans still express disappointment over its loss to God of War, a title praised for its narrative depth and revitalization of a beloved franchise.
As the nominations for this year’s Game of the Year were announced, discussions on social media have not just been about the current contenders. The exclusion of titles like Starfield and Hogwarts Legacy from the nominations list has also been a point of contention. Amidst these debates, RDR2’s 2018 snub is once again a hot topic, with many gamers calling it the biggest robbery in the history of The Game Awards.
The clash between God of War and RDR2 in 2018 was a highlight for gaming enthusiasts. While God of War was lauded for its pacing and revitalization of its series, RDR2 was seen as a trailblazer for the open-world genre. This rivalry still evokes mixed opinions, with a segment of the gaming community firmly believing that RDR2’s contributions to gaming were unparalleled.
In line with the tradition of controversies, this year’s awards have had their share, including surprising nominations like Cyberpunk 2077 for best ongoing support and debates over the inclusion of remakes in the Game of the Year category.
Despite the 2018 setback, RDR2 has not faded into obscurity. Selling over 57 million copies, it stands among the top 10 best-selling games of all time, a testament to its enduring appeal. The upcoming reveal of GTA 6 in December adds to the anticipation, with hopes that it might bring Rockstar its long-awaited major win at The Game Awards.