The Biggest Snubs in Game Awards History

6 February 2025

Let’s face it: video game awards are kind of like family reunions. Everyone pretends to agree and keep the peace, but deep down, someone is fuming because Grandma didn’t compliment their casserole. In the gaming world, too, there are snubs. We’re talking about the moments when fan-favorite games, groundbreaking titles, or hard-working developers somehow got overlooked, leaving players (and sometimes the creators themselves) scratching their heads in disbelief.

Even though award shows aim to celebrate the best of the best, they're no stranger to controversy. After all, not everyone can win—even if they deserve it. So, grab a controller and settle in as we dive into the biggest snubs in Game Awards history.

What Exactly Is a Snub?

Before we start throwing around accusations like we’re on a Reddit rant, let’s clarify what we mean by a "snub." It's not just a game losing—it's about those shocking moments when a game that was expected to win (or, ahem, should have won) gets ignored entirely or loses to something seemingly less deserving.

Imagine cooking the perfect meal, carefully plating it, and having someone hand the "Best Dish" award to the person who microwaved instant ramen. That’s what a snub feels like in the gaming world.

The Most Infamous Game Awards Snubs

When it comes to snubs, there are plenty of examples that still make gamers roll their eyes—or full-on rage-quit the conversation. Here are some of the most jaw-dropping instances where the wrong game walked away with the trophy.

1. Red Dead Redemption 2 Losing Game of the Year to God of War (2018)

Let’s talk about an emotional gut-punch. Red Dead Redemption 2 was hailed as a masterpiece. From its stunning open world to its cinematic storytelling, Arthur Morgan’s tragic journey felt like an undeniable benchmark for gaming. Fans were practically handing it the Game of the Year award before nominations were even announced.

But guess what? The award went to God of War instead. Now, don’t get me wrong—God of War is amazing, and Kratos deserves every ounce of love. But many felt like Rockstar’s magnum opus was robbed in broad daylight. It’s like being at a karaoke contest where you hit every note in Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” only for someone singing “Happy Birthday” off-key to win.

2. Celeste Almost Getting Swept Under the Rug (2018)

Speaking of 2018, we need to talk about Celeste. Yes, this indie darling managed to snag Best Independent Game, but let’s be real—it deserved so much more. This beautifully crafted platformer touched on deep themes like mental health and self-acceptance, wrapped in gameplay so tight it was practically gift-wrapped.

Many fans believed Celeste was more than worthy of being crowned Game of the Year, but it didn’t even get close. It’s like knowing you aced an exam just for your teacher to hand you a participation ribbon. Ouch.

3. Mass Effect 2 Ignored for Game of the Year (2010)

When Mass Effect 2 dropped in 2010, it didn’t just redefine space RPGs—it set the gold standard for storytelling in games, period. From its emotionally charged characters to a story that genuinely made you feel like your decisions mattered, this game was a universal favorite.

But when the 2010 Game Awards dust settled, Mass Effect 2 was nowhere to be found in the winner’s circle. The ultimate prize that year went to Red Dead Redemption (the original). Sure, Rockstar’s Western epic was incredible, but saying Mass Effect 2 wasn’t the best of the year? That’s like saying pizza isn’t one of the best foods ever. Straight-up impossible.

4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons Snubbed at the 2020 Game Awards

Ah, Animal Crossing: New Horizons. If there were ever a game that defined a moment in time, it was this one. Released during the global chaos of early 2020, this delightful life-sim became the escape everyone needed. It brought people together when we were all apart.

So, naturally, millions of players thought New Horizons had Game of the Year 2020 on lock. But nope—the award went to The Last of Us Part II. Now, don’t get me wrong (again)—Naughty Dog delivered a phenomenal game, but many fans felt like Animal Crossing was the therapy we all deserved in a tough year. Instead, it was left holding a consolation gift basket.

5. Undertale Walking Away Nearly Empty-Handed (2015)

If there were ever an underdog story in gaming, it’s Undertale. Developed by literally one guy (Toby Fox), this quirky RPG challenged everything we thought we knew about video games. Its unique combat system, heartfelt narrative, and willingness to break the fourth wall made it a phenomenon.

Despite its groundbreaking design and passionate fanbase, Undertale didn’t win any major categories at the Game Awards in 2015. It was like watching a humble food truck with five-star chefs lose to another fast-food chain. Sure, the winners were good games, but still… c'mon.

Why Do These Snubs Happen?

You might be wondering, “How do these snubs even happen?” Well, the gaming industry is complicated. It boils down to a few factors:

- Timing Matters: Games released earlier in the year often lose momentum by the time awards season rolls around. They get overshadowed by the "shiny new toys."
- Genre Bias: Let’s be honest—narrative-heavy or artsy games often get overlooked for big-budget action titles.
- Voter Influence: Awards are decided by panels, not players. Personal tastes, industry politics, and even marketing campaigns can sway decisions.

It’s frustrating, but like your Wi-Fi signal dropping mid-match, it’s just something we’ve learned to live with.

Honorable Mentions: The “Wait, What?!” Moments

- Hades not winning Game of the Year in 2020. Yes, The Last of Us Part II was stellar, but Hades refined the roguelike genre like no other.
- The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess losing Best Game at the 2006 BAFTA awards to… Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter. Um, what?
- Super Mario Galaxy 2 getting totally snubbed for Game of the Year in 2010.

Why Fans Take These Snubs So Personally

Let’s be real: for gamers, these awards aren’t just about trophies or bragging rights. They're about validation. When a game we love wins, it feels like a personal victory. It’s like your favorite team winning the Super Bowl—or your kid winning their school’s spelling bee.

So when the “wrong” game wins, it stings. It’s like someone saying, “Hey, your favorite thing isn’t actually that great.” And no one enjoys being told that, right?

Wrapping It Up

At the end of the day, awards aren’t everything—but they do matter. They highlight the work, creativity, and passion that goes into making video games. And while some decisions will always spark debate, the bigger picture is this: gaming is an incredibly diverse and ever-evolving medium. Not every masterpiece will get the recognition it deserves, but that doesn’t make it any less special to us.

So, if your favorite game has ever been snubbed, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Celebrate it, talk about it, and maybe even play it again. After all, the true measure of a game’s greatness is how it lives in our hearts, not on a trophy shelf.