Does overwatch really deserve game of the year?

I already posted this in the gamespot game of the year 2016 comments section on the main page but thought it would be applicable here too.

Not trying to cause controversy or anything (or am I?) but I’ve had this nagging feeling ever since it was released that Overwatch would be championed by the gaming community (the journalists and media.) as being the prime ambassador for Game of the Year.

All the pieces of the proverbial puzzle seem to be in place in regards to its ascension to such a prestigious role. I mean, it’s multiplatform, developed by a very powerful and influential company, and as of late seems to be checking off all the “proper” PC boxes on the ballot; the latter of which the gaming community (mostly journalists.) and media seem to eat up like it’s going out of style.

I can’t help but feel like the gaming media is putting emphasis on all these points when choosing between the different candidates. Should they? Perhaps. But still, I can’t help but feel there’s something more going on.

I still remember that cringe-worthy speech done by the guy who accepted the award on Overwatch’s behalf at the VGA’s a few weeks ago. Forgive me for paraphrasing but when he accepted the award I believe he said something along the lines of the game promoting

-“… a message of hope, of diversity, a message about a bright and hopeful future. And these are all thing we really believe everyone needs a little bit of RIGHT NOW…”-

This kind of stuck out in my mind, especially considering the political climate at the time (the presidential election had just wrapped up and people were rioting.). I don’t know, maybe I’m looking too far into it (I’m sure I am… lol, I do that.) but I just thought the way he delivered what he said was a little odd, like there was something behind it.

Either way, Overwatch seems to be the “right” choice from a “let’s try to please as many people as we can” point of view. Not sure if that means it’s truly deserving of such a title but…

What say you Gamespot community, agree? Disagree? Also, should all these reviewers (not just gamespot) give more clear criteria in regards to what makes them come to the decisions they make?

-VIDEOGAME NINJA APPROVED-

Do we really need this thread if we already have the thread about the GS Goty where pretty much everyone talks about exactly that?

http://www.gamespot.com/forums/system-wars-314159282/overwatch-is-gamespots-goty-33374148/

@ArchoNils2: Short answer..... no. LOL!!!!!! Still, might give a chance for some people to chime in who missed it.

-VIDEOGAME NINJA APPROVED-

I personally say "no" it's certainly not my 2016 GotY. But I'm fine with GS picking it.

My time playing Overwatch was more limited than the fanbase that plays it even now, those that still play with freinds, and grind for rare loot boxes.

It's a game many play and enjoy, mostly due to Blizzards level of quality and care I assume. Has solid mechanics, art direction. You could say it doesn't need to be more for its intended audience. It's more inviting than the usual DM FPS because it's a lot like Team Fortress 2.

But that's also why it's not my personal pick. It's simple in its intention, and thus is limited in scope. And considering it wants you to replay continuously. I'd rather do that in games like Dark Souls III, D00M, or even Pokémon S/M.

I know many think poorly of D00Ms DM multiplayer, but Snapmap is amazing! Do not overlook that feature. Then add to that a superb single-player campaign.

And Souls. Well, replay-value is well known at this point.

As for Pokémon. Only reason why I see that getting dismissed, is because it being a 3DS game. S/M really is an amazing gem that has beaten all expectations. But many will judge/ dismiss it for juvenile reasoning.

However I can't speak for everyone, so did Overwatch deserve GotY? Again, for me- "no", but I don't know what the popular vote would be_

A game of the year selection is not objective so why does anyone care what someone selects as game of the year?

Meh. Overwatch is fun and all, but it gets super boring after a while. That's my biggest issue with multiplayer-only games: a few fleeting game modes just arent enough to keep my interest. Gameplay is solid overall, even though a lack of customization for each character other than cosmetics kinda ruins it for me. Not to mention the loot boxes feels a lot like gambling when everything is randomized. So, no, I wouldnt put it as my GotY no matter how fun it is in the moment. For me, GotY goes to 3 games: Uncharted 4, Dark Souls 3, and Final Fantasy 15.

I'm fine with their choice. I played it a bit when they had the free trial and thought that it was a fantastic game and one that I would want to pick up myself someday and play much more of it. Personally I'm not really sure what my Game of the Year is yet as I have several other games that I want to get and play first before I can decide.

It comes down to this : Doom had a multiplayer segment some people liked, some people hated. Overwatch was a multiplayer-only game some people liked, some people hated, and that's about it. Personally, i think Doom accomplished a lot more. It gave the player much more. It took the basic run and gun gameplay of yesteryear and gave it a new twist. It had a solid level editor and content browser that will allow it to still be played for years to come. it gave it's players a solid multiplayer mode that's a lot of fun, but nothing to write home about.

While i don't hate Overwatch, i don't think it accomplished enough to be awarded game of the year. And don't get me started on the art style, blegh. My two cents for what it's worth.

@lucidique: @lucidique: Hmm, not understanding the quote relevance.

Stated good things about D00M. I prefer it over Overwatch, and feel it was made apparent in my overall comment. Mentioned Snapmap and it's single-player. . Or am I missing something here?

Dark souls 3... that right there is a solid game that NO ONE is talking about for some reason. It's like they forgot it even came out this year.

-VIDEOGAME NINJA APPROVED-

@videogameninja: It's probably my favorite game FROM has made, let alone up as one of my favorite Action RPGs. But if I had to guess? It's customer fatigue.

DkSII Remaster and BB came out the year before so many have overlooked the new one.

What many don't know is From has two main development teams, and though they share some key staff they are not making half-baked games. Most the people who made Bloodborne didn't work on DkSIII. However it clearly shares assets. At first I feared DkSIII would be rushed, based on sharing the improved BB engine.

Was suprised. Dam good game! Still playing it, and can't wait for the next DLC.

@videogameninja: Short answer is No.

Giving a multiplayer only game GOTY sets a bad precedent and gives a wrong signal to the developers.

A game that does not appeal to a broad spectrum should never be giving that title, despite how pointless it is to discuss a subjective opinion from a bunch of laymen's who has no more knowledge than your average gamer.

absolutely this

The thread is about Overwatch's relevance as a winner of the game of the year award. You made a mention of people not liking Doom's multiplayer, even tough it is about as complex as Overwatch is. I made a comparison between both titles as i believe that Doom was more deserving of that award.

It was not meant to reflect on your personal opinion, only to show context. (aka you were not meant to follow up.)

I guess. Never played enough games this year to really judge. Doom was certainly a surprise, the multiplayer didn't do it any favors but it's SP was entertaining.

I never played Overwatch, but personally, it would be disqualified from my pics for having no single player. I don't support multiplayer only games.

It's easy to understand. Everybody and their mother has been/is playing Overwatch. It's garnered a lot more attention than any other title released this year, regardless of content and innovation.

I think you are looking too far into the "message" Ovwerwatch developers said during the VGAs. Besides his message of acceptance and diversity OW seems like the only game developers listens and tunes the game to make it as balanced as possible. The level of care and attention made by the developers is unique and rare in the gaming world. What other developers do this? Not many or not a single one to the level of Blizzard. Plus the game is unique and one of a kind. The game deserves the GoTY.

Yes. It's an amazing game, and one of the best competitive shooters on PC (which is all that matters). A;lso t's about time we got a successor to TF2 genre (10+ years!).

Also, please stop acting like hot lesbians is just targeting SJWs, media has used hot lesbians to typically target 18-34 age group males for decades in movie/tv/games/comics....because it's hot. Tracer and her scissor partner make me sizzle.

For me, it's a toss up between overwatch and bf1, but both are really good shooters.

I guess we come in different circles , because iv not had many who actually played a lot of Overwatch.

It´s a MP only game.