What Developers Say About Their Game Award Wins

9 January 2025

Let’s face it: video games are no longer just playthings for kids or a reason for parents to pull the plug on the Wi-Fi. These days, video games are a legitimate art form—an intricate blend of storytelling, creative visuals, and deep immersion. And when a developer pours their heart and soul into a game, getting recognized with an award is like the ultimate mic drop. But what do developers actually think about their game award wins? Is it the Hollywood-style glamour we imagine, or is it a mixed bag? Buckle up, because we’re diving deep into the minds of game developers to uncover how they really feel about taking home that shiny trophy.

The Sweet Taste of Validation

For many game developers, winning an award is exactly what it looks like on the outside: sheer, unbridled validation. Imagine spending years building a game—working late nights, obsessing over the tiniest details, and stressing over whether the final product will resonate with the audience. Then boom! You snag a Game Award, and suddenly it's all worth it.

Developers often describe award wins as a sense of vindication for all their hard work. For instance, Cory Barlog, the director of God of War (2018), openly cried when the game won Game of the Year. Why? Because emotional investment runs deep. A win is proof that all the sacrifices—from sleepless nights to eating junk food at their desks—meant something. It’s like running a marathon and finally crossing the finish line. It’s relief, pride, and happiness all rolled into one.

Another fan-favorite, Hidetaka Miyazaki, creator of Elden Ring, didn’t just see his 2022 Game of the Year win as "a personal achievement." He credited the entire team and community who stand behind the game. Developers like him see awards as a collective celebration. In other words, they’re not just proud for themselves—they’re proud of their team, their fans, and the broader gaming community that made it all possible.

Pressure Cooker or Badge of Honor?

But wait, let’s throw a curveball here. While awards are often seen as celebrations, many developers admit that those shimmering accolades can sometimes feel like a double-edged sword. Why? Because with awards come expectations. BIG expectations.

For a developer, winning a major title like Game of the Year can be exhilarating but terrifying at the same time. Think about it. Once you’re the best, everybody expects you to keep being the best. It’s like being a band whose single blows up, only to hear fans asking, “What’s next?” For example, the team behind The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild knew that any follow-up game would carry massive expectations—and the pressure to one-up themselves was intense.

Some developers even talk about the dreaded “award curse.” After winning, they feel like their creative freedom shrinks because players, publishers, and even their own internal teams start setting higher-than-ever benchmarks. In essence, awards can feel like wearing a crown... but that crown’s pretty dang heavy.

Here's a little twist though: some developers handle this pressure like pros. They see it not as a burden but as fuel for the fire. In interviews, developers have said that awards push them to think bigger, innovate harder, and never rest on their laurels. Because let’s be real—there’s always someone hot on their heels, waiting to dethrone them.

The "Indie Underdog" Glow

Game awards aren’t just for big-budget AAA titles; indie developers have been stealing the spotlight, too. And when they win? Oh man, it’s like watching Rocky take down Apollo Creed.

One of the most heartwarming parts of any award show is when an indie darling comes out on top. Remember when Hades swept categories in 2020? The developers at Supergiant Games were absolutely floored. Winning against multi-million-dollar studios wasn’t just a testament to their hard work—it was a David and Goliath moment that inspired every up-and-coming developer.

For indie creators, winning an award often feels like punching through the noise and shouting, “We made it!” And while it’s incredibly rewarding (pun intended), it’s also life-changing. Awards for indies are the golden ticket that can catapult their sales, boost their reputation, and ensure they’ll be able to make more games in the future. It’s like the gaming equivalent of getting a scholarship to your dream college. Suddenly, the world is your oyster.

Criticism Still Stings

Okay, so we’ve been hyping up the warm fuzzies of winning an award, but let’s not sugarcoat it: developers have critics to deal with, too. Winning doesn’t mean everyone will agree. In fact, it’s often the opposite.

Take the 2022 Game Awards, for example. When Elden Ring won Game of the Year, some fans of God of War Ragnarok were straight-up livid. Social media exploded with debates, memes, and hot takes. And while it’s the fans doing most of the shouting, developers can’t help but hear the noise. Some admit it stings when their work is dismissed or overshadowed by controversy.

That debate of “who deserved it more” doesn’t always paint awards in the prettiest light. For developers, though, many take the criticism as constructive feedback—an indication of how they can evolve in the future. After all, making games is about connecting with players, and not every connection is perfect.

“It’s Not About the Awards, But...”

Here comes the cliché part, but it’s something a LOT of developers say. While awards are nice, that’s not the main goal. Developers frequently emphasize that they’re in this industry to make games—not to win trophies. True, right?

Winning awards is the cherry on top, but the real satisfaction comes from knowing they’ve created something players love. When fans tell developers their game changed their life, helped them through tough times, or gave them memories with friends and family, that’s the ultimate reward. No golden statue or red-carpet moment can compare to that sort of impact. Think of it like a chef who’s fulfilled by seeing someone genuinely enjoy their food. The joy is in the art, not just the recognition.

That said, no one’s mad about winning, either. They’ll take the cherry on top any day of the week.

The Future of Game Awards

Game awards are evolving right alongside the industry. As gaming becomes more diverse, inclusive, and innovative, the types of games being recognized are shifting, too. Developers are celebrating this change because it opens the door to fresh voices and new ideas.

More diverse awards mean more opportunities for developers from all walks of life. Smaller studios, unconventional game genres, and groundbreaking narratives are finally getting the attention they deserve. And for the devs behind these projects, that recognition is priceless.

Many developers have voiced their hope that awards continue to push boundaries. They want to see awards that celebrate accessibility, diversity, and bold leaps in storytelling—not just technical achievements or visual polish. To them, it’s about celebrating games as a whole art form, not just a product to sell.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, game awards are a rollercoaster of emotions for developers: pride, gratitude, pressure, and maybe even a splash of imposter syndrome. Whether they’re working in a giant studio or grinding it out as indie creators, an award win is a huge moment. It’s proof that their blood, sweat, and (probably) tears paid off.

But here’s the kicker: whether they win or not, what truly matters is the connection they build with the gaming community. Awards are great, but knowing they’ve made an impact on players’ lives? That’s priceless.