Abandonware DOS title

Video games awards

Since the early days of video gaming history, the best of the best were awarded honors and accolades. Nowadays, video game awards are often seen on YouTube channels or even on TV, but in the past century (the 80s and the 90s) the primary source of golden medals was the plethora of video game magazines around. I'm talking about printed magazines like Edge, Crash, etc.; there was no Internet!

These are some of the many video game awards past and present, and the video games awarded (not only for DOS or Windows) are some of the best in the history of video gaming.

Every award list on Abandonware DOS was compiled by crossreferencing the official sites of each award and the Wikipedia. GOTY is an acronym that stands for Game Of The Year.


  • 1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die

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    1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die is a book that compiles a list of notable video games from various platforms, genres, and time periods that are considered significant in the history and development of the medium. The book is part of the "1001 Before You Die" series, which covers a range of topics, including books, movies, and more.The video game edition, edited by Tony Mott, was first published in 2010 and has since been updated to reflect developments in the gaming industry. The book provides a chronological list of video games, ranging from classic titles to contemporary releases, and it includes games from a variety of platforms, including arcade, console, and PC. The list on Abandonware DOS is not complete.
    Games awarded
  • All-TIME 100 video games TIME.com

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    The All-TIME 100 video games is a list compiled by TIME magazine, one of the world's most renowned publications. Released in 2012, the list aims to highlight the most influential and significant video games of all time, spanning multiple platforms and genres.The All-TIME 100 video games list was curated by a team of journalists and gaming experts, who considered various factors such as cultural impact, innovation, gameplay, and historical significance when selecting the games. The list includes both classic titles and more recent releases, showcasing the evolution of the gaming industry over time.The selection covers a wide range of genres, including action-adventure, role-playing, puzzle, strategy, and more. It features iconic games like "Super Mario Bros.," "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time," "Tetris," and "Minecraft," among many others. The list represents a diverse collection of games that have left a lasting impact on the industry and players worldwide.
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  • BAFTA Interactive Entertainment Awards

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    The BAFTA Interactive Entertainment Awards were an annual event hosted by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). These awards recognized and celebrated achievements in the field of interactive entertainment, including video games, virtual reality experiences, and other forms of interactive media.The BAFTA Interactive Entertainment Awards honored excellence in various categories such as Best Game, Best British Game, Artistic Achievement, Audio Achievement, Game Design, Game Innovation, and many others. The awards aimed to acknowledge the creativity, innovation, and technical prowess of individuals and teams involved in the interactive entertainment industry.
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  • CODiE Awards

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    The CODiE Awards, also known as the SIIA CODiE Awards, are an annual awards program that recognizes excellence in software, information, and education technology industries. The awards are organized by the Software and Information Industry Association (SIIA), a trade association representing software and digital content companies.The CODiE Awards honor products and services across a wide range of categories, including software applications, mobile apps, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, educational technology, and more. The awards program has been in existence for over 30 years and has become one of the industry's most prestigious recognitions.Winning a CODiE Award is considered a significant achievement in the software and information industry, as it recognizes companies and products for their innovation, effectiveness, and contribution to the industry as a whole.
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  • Electronic Games Arcade Awards

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    The Electronic Games Arcade Awards, also known as the Electronic Games Awards or simply the Arcade Awards, were an annual awards ceremony that recognized achievements in the electronic gaming industry during the 1980s and 1990s. The awards were organized by Electronic Games magazine, which was a prominent publication during that era.The Electronic Games Arcade Awards honored outstanding games and game-related products in various categories, including Best Arcade Game, Best Home Video Game, Best Computer Game, Best Graphics, Best Sound, and many others. The awards recognized both arcade games and home video games across different platforms, such as arcade cabinets, console systems, and personal computers.The winners of the Electronic Games Arcade Awards were determined through a voting process that involved the readers of Electronic Games magazine. The awards were considered a significant accolade in the gaming industry at the time and provided recognition to game developers and publishers for their contributions to the medium.It's important to note that the Electronic Games Arcade Awards are no longer active as the awards ceremony and Electronic Games magazine ceased publication in the 1990s.
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  • Electronic Gaming Monthly Game of the Year

    GOTY
    Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) is a long-running video game magazine that has been in circulation since 1989. EGM has awarded a "Game of the Year" title to select video games based on their annual assessments.EGM's "Game of the Year" award is given to the game that the magazine's staff considers the best overall game released within a specific year. The award takes into account various factors such as gameplay mechanics, graphics, sound design, innovation, storytelling, and overall impact on the industry. The winners of EGM's "Game of the Year" have varied over the years, reflecting the changing trends and advancements in the gaming industry.
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  • Eurogamer Game of the Year

    GOTY
    Eurogamer is a prominent gaming website that covers the latest news, reviews, and features in the gaming industry. Each year, Eurogamer awards a "Game of the Year" title to the game that they consider the best release of that particular year.The Eurogamer "Game of the Year" award is chosen by the website's editorial team, who evaluate games based on various criteria including gameplay, design, innovation, storytelling, and impact on the industry. The selected game is recognized as the standout title that has made a significant impact and provided an exceptional gaming experience.
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  • Game Critics Awards (E3)

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    The Game Critics Awards is an annual awards program that recognizes outstanding achievements in the field of video games at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). E3 is one of the largest and most influential gaming conventions where game developers and publishers showcase their upcoming titles and innovations.The Game Critics Awards are determined by a panel of leading media outlets and journalists within the gaming industry. These outlets and journalists form the Game Critics Awards organization and collectively vote on the best games and products showcased at E3. The winners of the Game Critics Awards are typically announced shortly after E3 concludes, reflecting the collective opinion of the media panel regarding the most exciting and impressive games showcased at the event. The awards serve as a way to highlight the most anticipated and noteworthy titles that have generated buzz and excitement among attendees and industry professionals during E3.It's worth noting that the Game Critics Awards are not officially affiliated with E3 or its organizers, but rather an independent recognition by a group of industry professionals. The awards provide an important barometer of the most anticipated and highly regarded games showcased at E3 each year.
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  • Game Informer Game of the Year

    GOTY
    Game Informer is a popular video game magazine published by GameStop. Each year, the magazine selects a "Game of the Year" title, recognizing what they consider to be the best video game released within that particular year.The Game Informer "Game of the Year" award is determined by the magazine's editorial staff. They assess games based on a variety of factors, including gameplay mechanics, graphics, sound design, storytelling, innovation, and overall impact on the industry. The selected game is regarded as the standout title that offers an exceptional gaming experience.
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  • Game Informer Greatest Games (pre-1996)

    GOTY
    Game Informer has published several lists highlighting the "Greatest Games" of all time. These lists are curated by the magazine's staff and aim to recognize and celebrate the most influential and significant video games across various platforms and eras.The Game Informer "Greatest Games" lists typically feature a selection of titles that have made a lasting impact on the gaming industry and have garnered critical acclaim. The games are chosen based on their innovation, gameplay, storytelling, cultural impact, and overall quality.Game Informer has published different iterations of the "Greatest Games" list over the years, often updating and expanding the selections to reflect the evolving landscape of gaming. These lists may focus on specific consoles, generations, or encompass all platforms.
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  • Games Magazine Game of the Year award

    GOTY
    The winners of the Games magazine Game of the Year award are chosen by Games editors.
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  • Gamespot Game of the Year

    GOTY
    The winners of the GameSpot Game of the Year are chosen by GameSpot editors.
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  • Gamespot Greatest PC Games of all Time

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    The winners of the GameSpot Game of the Year are chosen by GameSpot editors.
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  • GameSpy's 25 Favorite PC Games of the '90s

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    "The 1990s were landmark years for PC gaming, giving rise to three of the most deeply ingrained genres on the platform, and delivering memorable classics in the role-playing and adventure genres that the PC had long been known for. To celebrate this monumental decade we've put together some reflections on our 25 favorite PC games of the '90s, as selected by GameSpy's editorial staff, and we'll be sharing them with you over the course of five days."GameSpy Online, often referred to as GameSpy, was a division of IGN Entertainment that provided a wide range of online gaming services and features. It was known for its multiplayer gaming services and community-building tools.GameSpy was widely used in the late 1990s and early 2000s, especially in the PC gaming community.
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  • GameSpy's Greatest PC Games of All Time: The '80s

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    This is a special feature of the popular (and old!) video games site GameSpy. These games were handpicked by the GameSpy staff to be part of the best PC games published in the 80s.GameSpy Online, often referred to as GameSpy, was a division of IGN Entertainment that provided a wide range of online gaming services and features. It was known for its multiplayer gaming services and community-building tools. GameSpy was widely used in the late 1990s and early 2000s, especially in the PC gaming community.
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  • Golden Joystick Awards

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    The Golden Joystick Awards, also known as the "People's Gaming Awards," are one of the oldest and most prestigious video game awards ceremonies. They have been held annually since 1983 and are organized by the British magazine GamesRadarThe Golden Joystick Awards are unique because the winners are determined by public voting. Gamers from around the world have the opportunity to vote for their favorite games and game-related categories, making it a truly community-driven event. The awards cover various categories, including Best Game, Best Multiplayer Game, Best Indie Game, Best Mobile Game, and more.Over the years, the Golden Joystick Awards have become recognized as a significant event in the gaming industry. The ceremony brings together developers, publishers, industry professionals, and fans to celebrate the year's best games and achievements. The winners receive a trophy in the shape of a golden joystick, hence the name of the awards.The Golden Joystick Awards continue to be held annually, with the ceremony taking place in London, England. However, it's important to note that my knowledge is based on information available up until September 2021, and there may have been updates or changes to the awards since then. To stay up to date with the latest information about the Golden Joystick Awards, I recommend visiting the GamesRadar website or following their official social media channels.
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  • Interactive Achievement Awards (IAAs)

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    The Interactive Achievement Awards (IAAs), now known as the D.I.C.E. Awards, are an annual awards ceremony honoring outstanding achievements in the video game industry. The IAAs were established by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) in 1998 to recognize excellence in various categories within the gaming industry.The awards cover a wide range of categories, including game design, art direction, sound design, storytelling, and gameplay mechanics. They also honor individual contributions such as voice acting, music composition, and direction. The awards are presented based on votes from members of the AIAS, which includes professionals from the gaming industry.The ceremony is held during the D.I.C.E. Summit, an annual conference for professionals in the interactive entertainment industry. D.I.C.E. stands for "Design, Innovate, Communicate, Entertain," and the event serves as a platform for industry leaders to discuss and share insights into the world of gaming.
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  • Mobygames Game of the Year

    GOTY
    Mobygames is perhaps the biggest video game database on the Internet, as many of you already know. What you might not know is that Mobygames has a Games Of The Year award... well... sort of. The "best games" are automatically chosen among the ones with the highest critic scores. That's why the GOTY chart can change from time to time.
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  • Omni Magazine Game of the Year

    GOTY
    The games chosen as the year's best by Omni magazine, which was active from 1978 to 1995.
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  • Rock Paper Shotgun Greatest PC games of all time

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    In 2017 Rock Paper Shotgun compiled a list of the 75 greatest PC games of all time. While a majority of them were published in recent years, there are quite a few good old classics we know and love.
    Games awarded
  • Spotlight Awards (GDC)

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    The Spotlight Awards, also known as the Independent Games Festival (IGF) Spotlight Awards, are a component of the Game Developers Conference (GDC) and are dedicated to celebrating and honoring independent video games.The Spotlight Awards recognize standout achievements in the indie game development community across various categories. These categories often include Best Visual Art, Best Audio, Best Design, Best Narrative, and the prestigious Seumas McNally Grand Prize, which is awarded to the overall best independent game.The winners of the Spotlight Awards are selected by a panel of industry professionals, including game developers, journalists, and educators. The judging process involves evaluating the games based on their innovation, gameplay mechanics, artistry, storytelling, and overall impact on the independent game development scene.The awards ceremony takes place during the Game Developers Conference, an annual event that brings together professionals from the video game industry. The Spotlight Awards serve as a platform to showcase and honor the creative and artistic accomplishments of indie game developers, providing them with recognition and exposure within the gaming community.
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