No, Borderlands did not win game of the year.
The question lingers in many gamers’ minds: did Borderlands win game of the year? The series has certainly made a big impact on the gaming world with its unique style and gameplay.
Many fans feel a Borderlands game deserves the accolade. The titles offer a lot of fun and replayability with their loot system and distinct characters. So, why has it not quite taken home that top prize?
Did Borderlands Win Game of the Year?
The big question on everyone’s mind, especially for fans of the looter-shooter genre, is: did a Borderlands game ever snag the coveted “Game of the Year” award? It’s a simple question that doesn’t have a simple yes or no answer. Let’s dive into the awards landscape and see how the Borderlands series has fared, focusing on the major awards and recognizing that “Game of the Year” can mean different things to different people. We’ll also look at some of the specific games within the series and why they might (or might not) have been contenders.
Understanding Game of the Year Awards
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of Borderlands’ award history, let’s talk about what “Game of the Year” actually means. There isn’t a single, worldwide, official “Game of the Year” award. Instead, multiple organizations and publications give out their own version of the award. These range from big industry events like The Game Awards to smaller, more specialized awards from gaming magazines and websites. Each has different criteria and voting systems, so a game that wins in one place might not even be nominated somewhere else. This can make it very confusing when trying to track if a game “won Game of the Year”.
Different Kinds of Awards
Here are some of the most well-known Game of the Year awards:
- The Game Awards: This is a big, televised event that many consider the most prestigious in the industry. They have a public voting component mixed with a jury vote.
- DICE Awards: These are given out by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, made up of gaming professionals. They often favor innovation and technical achievement.
- BAFTA Games Awards: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts also have their own award show for games. They cover a range of categories with a focus on creative and artistic merit.
- IGN, Gamespot, etc.: These popular gaming websites and magazines also hand out awards, often reflecting the tastes and opinions of their readership and editorial staff.
Borderlands’ Awards Journey
Now that we know a bit about what “Game of the Year” actually entails, let’s look at the Borderlands series. The franchise has been very popular since the original game, but the series’ critical acclaim has varied across each entry. It has consistently received praise for its unique art style, co-op gameplay, and crazy humor. However, it is often debated if any of them reached the ultimate pinnacle of Game of the Year status.
Borderlands (2009)
The first Borderlands was a breath of fresh air when it came out. It presented something new with its combination of first-person shooting and loot-driven gameplay. It did well critically, winning the Best New IP award at the 2010 BAFTA Awards and receiving many nominations elsewhere. Though it earned many accolades, it did not win any of the major overall Game of the Year awards. Instead, it laid the foundation for the franchise’s success and established the series’ signature elements. It is safe to say the original Borderlands was a successful start for a new franchise.
Borderlands 2 (2012)
Borderlands 2 is probably the most beloved in the series. It built upon the first game by having more engaging characters, a much better story, and a lot of polish in its gameplay. It was a massive commercial and critical success and many consider it a classic. It did win multiple awards from various outlets, including several “Best Shooter” awards and a nomination for “Game of the Year” at the 16th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards. Though Borderlands 2 was a very strong contender, again it did not win the overall “Game of the Year” award from these major outlets. Despite missing the top prize, it is a beloved title many still consider one of the greatest games ever made.
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel! (2014)
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel! was developed by a different studio and had a different setting, taking place on Pandora’s moon. It was a fun experience for fans of the series but, did not have the impact that the previous titles did. While still a quality game, it wasn’t a major contender for “Game of the Year”. It was seen by many as a safe entry into the series with familiar gameplay and story mechanics. As a result, this title had a much weaker awards showing compared to its predecessors.
Borderlands 3 (2019)
Borderlands 3 aimed to recapture the magic of Borderlands 2. It introduced new playable characters, multiple new planets, and improved gunplay mechanics. It was a massive commercial success, selling very well. While it did get nominated for many awards including “Best Action Game” at The Game Awards 2019, it did not win any of the major “Game of the Year” awards. It did receive much praise for its combat and amount of content but was criticized for its story and character writing.
Other Borderlands Titles
Besides these main entries, there are spin-offs like Tales from the Borderlands, a narrative-focused adventure game, and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, a fantasy-themed spin-off. These titles, while well-received by fans and critics, didn’t really compete for “Game of the Year” status either. Tales from the Borderlands earned accolades for its story and character but was not considered in the running for the big prizes. Similarly, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands was seen as a fun and fresh experience within the franchise, but didn’t reach “Game of the Year” levels.
Why Didn’t Borderlands Win Game of the Year?
So, why did the Borderlands series miss out on the most important “Game of the Year” accolades? There are a few likely reasons:
- Competition: The video game industry is packed with amazing releases every year. Borderlands titles were often released in years with other very strong titles that may have had a wider appeal or more unique ideas.
- Genre Specific: Borderlands, while innovative, is mainly a looter-shooter. Sometimes, games that are more novel or try different gameplay elements appeal to award voters more than games within more established genres.
- Story Issues: While some entries have excellent stories, not all the games hit the mark in this category. Award voters often consider story and character development to be very important.
- Technical Issues: Some of the entries, particularly Borderlands 3 at launch, had some performance issues, which might have affected their chances with some critics.
- Critical Acclaim vs Popularity: Sometimes, a game that is very popular with gamers may not get the highest scores from critics. Awards usually reflect critical opinions and innovations that aren’t necessarily the same as what the average gamer likes.
The Impact of Borderlands
Regardless of whether any of the Borderlands games won a major “Game of the Year” award, the series’ impact on the gaming world is undeniable. Borderlands created a wave of games that copied its gameplay of loot-based shooting. The unique blend of first-person action, crazy humor, and co-op multiplayer has made it an influential franchise. The series’ popularity has also spawned numerous games, comic books, merchandise and even a film adaptation. Though the awards may have eluded them, their mark on the industry is without question.
While no game in the Borderlands series has secured a major Game of the Year award, the franchise has been a consistent force in the gaming world. Its unique blend of first-person shooting, looting, and co-op gameplay has made it a beloved series by players and critics. The series’ continuous innovation in its gameplay, humor, and world-building are why many gamers are still looking forward to the next entry into the Borderlands universe.
Borderlands 4 – Official Gameplay Trailer | The Game Awards 2024
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, Borderlands did not secure the prestigious Game of the Year award. Other titles often claim the top spot each year, showcasing strong competition. The games had different merits.
While a great game, and fans enjoyed it, ‘did borderlands win game of the year’ is a question with a negative answer. The competition was tough. It remains a must play title for many.
