On Dec. 9, the annual Game Awards held its prestigious ceremony. Widely considered the biggest award show in gaming, it would be quicker to list prominent figures in the community who weren’t present. Not to mention the numerous special guests including the likes of Al Pacino and Animal from the Muppets.

The awards were hosted by the returning Geoff Keighley, creator and producer of the award show who has hosted every year since 2014. Highlights of the night included a heart-warming tribute to the iconic voice of Batman Kevin Conroy, who recently passed with it being announced that his last role as the Dark Knight would be in Rocksteady’s upcoming Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. As well as what the internet has deemed “Flute guy,” a passionate member of the Game Awards orchestra who inspired wholesomeness with his enthusiasm and passion. The award winners are as follows:

• Games for Impact: As Dusk Falls
• Best Esports Athlete: Jacob “Yay” Whiteaker
• Best Esports Team: LOUD
• Best Esports Coach: Matheus “bzkA” Tarasconi
• Best Esports Event: 2022 League of Legends World Championship
• Best Audio Design: God of War Ragnarök
• Best Independent Game: Stray
• Best Debut Indie Game: Stray
• Best Performance: Christopher Judge, God of War Ragnarök
• Best Action: Bayonetta 3
• Best Art Direction: Elden Ring
• Best Role Playing Game: Elden Ring
• Best Score & Music: God of War Ragnarök
• Content Creator of the Year: Ludwig
• Best Multiplayer Game: Splatoon 3
• Best Mobile Game: Marvel Snap
• Best Narrative: God of War Ragnarök
• Best Action/Adventure: God of War Ragnarök
• Best Ongoing Game: Final Fantasy XIV
• Best Community Support: Final Fantasy XIV
• Innovation in Accessibility: God of War Ragnarök
• Best Sports/Racing: Gran Turismo 7
• Best Game Direction: Elden Ring
• Best Esports Game: Valorant
• Best Family Game: It Takes Two
• Best Fighting Game: Kirby and the Forgotten Land
• Best Strategy Game: Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
• Most Anticipated Game: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
• Game of the Year: Elden Ring

It was a hot topic leading up to the event whether the official game of the year would be declared as God of War or Elden Ring, both being truly exemplary titles that demonstrate the pinnacle of what gaming should strive to be. Ultimately God of War won a majority of the narrative awards but Elden Ring took home the titular crown.

In its final moments, the ceremony was interrupted by an intruder who stormed the stage in a random prank. An event that the internet quickly latched onto and poked fun at but one that ultimately shouldn’t overshadow the tremendous achievements and hard work of the people involved in the creation of these interactive masterpieces.