Horizon Forbidden West Has Already Won a Game of the Year Award

Despite some believing that the release ofElden Ringovershadowed it,Horizon Forbidden Westhas still proven to be an incredibly well-received game by both fans and critics. The continuation of Aloy’s story sees great improvements fromHorizon Zero Dawnin everything from graphics to gameplay. Sony has clearly taken note of the game’s success, asHorizon Forbidden Westwas the first game to get an official PS5 bundle. It seems as well that some awards shows are already eyeing upHorizon Forbidden Westas a game of the year contender.Usually, gaming awards shows like the BAFTAs or The Game Awards would wait until early 2023 or late 2022 to announce thebest games of this year. However, it seems the Develop: Brighton conference doesn’t care much for traditions, as it has already given out its nominations and granted awards in categories such as Best Narrative, Best Audio, Best Game Design, and Best Game for 2022.Horizon Forbidden Westpicked up the win for multiple awards, but what is likely most interesting is that it was crowned as the Best Game.RELATED:Horizon Forbidden West Introduces Upgraded Performance ModeThe Develop: Brighton conference is an event specifically designed for game developers, with the awards being decided on by a board made up from various studios, meaning that game creators get to decide on the best games from their own perspective. As well as picking up the Best Game award,Horizon Forbidden Westwas also crowned the winner for Best Visual Art, giving Guerrilla Games two major trophies long before any other gaming awards shows will take place.

Most of the games at the conference launched in 2021, as it was celebrating titles from the past 12 months rather than specifically giving awards to 2022 releases. Sony titles picked up a few other wins withRatchet & Clank: Rift Apartreceiving the Best Technical Innovation award and timed PS5 exclusiveDeathloopwinning for Best Original IP.Unpacking,a game where the player slowly opens boxes to reveal more about the character and their lives, was seen as a title that wassnubbed at The Game Awards. However, it was granted the Best Game Design award at the Develop: Brighton conference.

It may seem early forHorizon Forbidden Westto be picking up a Game of the Year award, considering that 2022 is barely halfway over. However, back inFebruary gamers were already debating Game of the Year contenders, with titles likeElden Ring,Pokemon Legends: Arceus, andHorizon Forbidden Westbeing labeled as possible winners. WithGod of War: Ragnarok,Bayonetta 3, and other major releases coming later in 2022, it seems the Game of the Year contenders will have a tough battle ahead.

Horizon Forbidden Westis available now on PS4 and PS5.

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