The Last of Us Part II wins Game of the Year

On Thursday, December 10, The Game Awards 2020 recognized the year’s standout games and creators, with The Last of Us Part II emerging as the evening’s dominant winner. Naughty Dog’s sequel took home seven awards, including the ceremony’s highest honor, Game of the Year.

“Elden Ring” is scheduled for release in 2021. Photo: From Software/Reproduction

Major winners and headline results

The Last of Us Part II won multiple top categories: Game of the Year, Best Narrative, Best Game Direction, Best Sound Design and Innovation in Accessibility, among others, totaling seven trophies.

Ellie from The Last of Us Part II holding a guitar — The Naughty Dog title was the night’s big winner, taking seven awards including Game of the Year. Photo: Naughty Dog/Reproduction

Other notable winners included Final Fantasy VII Remake for Best Score and Music, Hades for Best Action game and Best Indie, and Among Us for Best Multiplayer and Best Mobile Game. Elden Ring was awarded Most Anticipated Game.

Competitive fields across categories

The awards covered a wide range of genres and specialties. Final Fantasy VII Remake beat strong contenders to claim Best RPG, while Ghost of Tsushima took Best Art Direction. Microsoft Flight Simulator won Best Strategy/Simulation, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 won Best Sports/Racing.

Final Fantasy VII Remake cover art — The first episode of the anticipated remake received six nominations. Photo: Square Enix/Disclosure

The Last of Us Part II promotional image of Ellie — “The Last of Us Part II” received eleven nominations at The Game Awards 2020. Photo: Naughty Dog/Reproduction

Esports and creators recognized

In esports, G2 Esports was honored as Best Esports Team and League of Legends took Best Esports Game. The League of Legends World Championship 2020 won Best Esports Event. Individual esports awards included Heo “Showmaker” Su as Best Esports Athlete and Danny “Zonic” Sorensen as Best Esports Coach. Eefje “Sjokz” Depoortere won Best Esports Host.

League of Legends Championship stage with crowd — The 2020 League of Legends World Championship took place in October in China. Photo: Disclosure

Valkyrae was named Content Creator of the Year, while Fall Guys received Best Community Support for its continued development and engagement with players.

Fall Guys colorful bean characters on a stage — The bean-based game was one of 2020’s surprises. Photo: Mediatonic/Reproduction

Indie and multiplayer standouts

Hades was awarded Best Independent Game as well as Best Action, reflecting strong recognition for its design and mechanics. Phasmophobia took Best Debut Indie Game, and No Man’s Sky was chosen as Best Ongoing Game. Among Us captured Best Multiplayer and Best Mobile Game after widespread popularity in 2020.

Hades key art showing protagonist and gods — “Hades” was created by the studio behind “Bastion” and “Transistor.” Photo: Supergiant Games/Reproduction

Screenshot of Phasmophobia gameplay showing ghost-hunting HUD — “Phasmophobia” places the player in the role of a ghost hunter. Photo: Steam/Reproduction

Animal Crossing: New Horizons characters on an island — “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” is available for Nintendo Switch. Photo: Nintendo/Disclosure

Performance and technical awards

Laura Bailey won Best Performance for her role as Abby in The Last of Us Part II, while Ashley Johnson was also nominated for her portrayal of Ellie. The Last of Us Part II was additionally awarded Best Sound Design. Half-Life: Alyx received Best VR/AR Game.