Some games were the standard-bearing must-plays of the last generation, like those highlighted in our Best Games of the Generation piece. But other projects earn our praise for the features and experiences that set them apart, pushing technology, design, and overall fun to new heights. Here are our individual awards for the games that shaped the last generation of the hobby.
Fortnite
Few would have guessed when Fortnite was first revealed as a cooperative fort builder that it would transform into the juggernaut it became in more recent years. From its defining role in growing the booming battle-royale scene to its games-as-service business model, this game crossed into the world’s consciousness, and remains a fixture in gaming and popular culture.
Subnautica
Dead Cells
Beat Saber
Resogun
Half-Life: Alyx
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Horizon Zero Dawn
Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Maker 2
Sonic Mania
Dragon Quest Builders 2
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Destiny 2
Overwatch
Final Fantasy VII Remake
Shadow of the Colossus
Gone Home
Superhot
Ghost of Tsushima
Rainbow Six Siege
Into the Breach
Bloodborne
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Dishonored 2
No Man’s Sky
World of Warcraft
Until Dawn
Slime Rancher
Yakuza
The Outer Worlds
Slay the Spire
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Death Stranding
Inside
Source: Game Informer Game Informer's End-Of-Generation Awards