The game of the year 2013 was The Last of Us.
The gaming landscape in 2013 was filled with incredible titles, making the question, ‘what is the game of the year 2013’ a hotly debated one at the time. We saw amazing experiences across multiple platforms, but one game truly captured the hearts and minds of critics and players alike.
This game not only redefined storytelling within the medium, but it also offered tight gameplay and a world that felt both beautiful and brutal. It’s a title that continues to be discussed even today for its impact on the industry.
What is the Game of the Year 2013?
Figuring out the “Game of the Year” for 2013 is like trying to pick your favorite flavor of ice cream – there are so many delicious choices! 2013 was a fantastic year for video games, with a wide variety of titles across different genres vying for the top spot. It wasn’t just one easy pick; many games made a huge splash and captured the hearts of players worldwide. Let’s dive deep into some of the top contenders and see what made 2013 such a special year for gaming.
The Big Players: The Major Contenders
Several games came out in 2013 that felt like must-plays. They weren’t just fun; they were innovative, emotional, and technically impressive. When people talked about the best games of the year, these titles were always in the conversation.
Grand Theft Auto V: A Massive Open World
Probably one of the biggest games of 2013, if not all time, was Grand Theft Auto V. This game took everything people loved about the series and made it even bigger. Players could explore the sprawling city of Los Santos and its surrounding areas as three different characters: Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. Each character had their own story that intertwined with the others, creating an epic tale of crime, betrayal, and friendship. The game wasn’t just about missions; it was about messing around in a giant open world, driving crazy cars, flying planes, and creating your own fun. It also featured an online mode where players could join together to complete heists, race, and compete against each other in countless game modes. Its impact on gaming has been huge, and even today, people are still playing Grand Theft Auto V. The game sold millions of copies and became a pop culture phenomenon.
- Huge open world to explore
- Three playable characters with intertwining stories
- Varied missions and gameplay activities
- A compelling online experience with lots of things to do
- Advanced graphics for its time
The Last of Us: A Heartbreaking Story
On the other end of the spectrum, we had The Last of Us, a game that focused on a post-apocalyptic story and deep characters. This game followed Joel, a hardened survivor, and Ellie, a young girl who might be the key to saving humanity, as they journey across a ruined United States. The story was emotional and intense, showing the bond between these two characters and how they had to survive in a very dangerous world filled with infected creatures and other humans. It wasn’t just a game about fighting; it was about survival and the sacrifices people make to protect the ones they care about. The gameplay combined stealth, combat, and resource management, which made each encounter feel tense and important. The story was the real star, however, and it left a lasting impact on anyone who played it. It became very popular and won many awards for its storytelling and gameplay.
- A compelling and emotional story
- Believable and relatable characters
- A gritty and dangerous post-apocalyptic world
- Challenging gameplay that mixes stealth and combat
- Memorable cutscenes and cinematic moments
BioShock Infinite: A City in the Sky
BioShock Infinite took players to a whole new world, the floating city of Columbia. Players take on the role of Booker DeWitt, who is hired to rescue a young woman, Elizabeth, who has magical powers. What starts as a simple mission quickly turns into something much bigger as players unravel the mysteries of Columbia and the strange, supernatural things within. The game was known for its interesting story, its unique art style, and its combat system, which mixed shooting with special powers called Vigors. This was the third game in the BioShock series, but it was a completely unique and innovative experience. The themes of fate, choice, and the nature of reality were very interesting for players to think about, while they were being entertained by the action and the beautifully designed world.
- Unique and imaginative setting
- A fascinating story filled with twists and turns
- Exciting gameplay with Vigors and firearms
- A distinctive art style that stands out
- Thought-provoking themes and ideas
Genre Variety: A Year of Many Flavors
2013 wasn’t just about huge AAA titles. There were amazing games in many different categories. This made 2013 a great year for almost every kind of player.
Indie Gems: Smaller Games, Big Impact
Independent game developers also made some standout titles in 2013. These games often focused on unique gameplay experiences and artistic expression. Games like Papers, Please had you making tough decisions as a border officer, while Gone Home told an emotional story through the environment. The Stanley Parable challenged ideas about video games themselves, while Outlast was a terrifying first person horror. These indie games showed that you don’t need a huge budget to create a compelling game.
- Innovative and unique game mechanics
- Focus on storytelling and atmosphere
- Artistic styles and original game concepts
- Offer different experiences compared to mainstream games
- Show the passion and creativity of independent developers
Action-Adventure: Exploration and Combat Combined
Action-adventure games also had strong contenders in 2013. Tomb Raider rebooted the classic franchise with a grittier, more realistic Lara Croft. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag let players sail the seas as a pirate, exploring a vast open world filled with adventure. These games mixed exciting combat with exploration and puzzle solving. The ability to travel the world, find treasure, and fight enemies kept players entertained and excited.
- Exciting combat and action sequences
- Exploration of various open worlds and environments
- Puzzles and challenges for players to overcome
- A sense of adventure and discovery
- Strong storylines and character development
Sports and Racing: Competition and Speed
For the sports fans, 2013 offered great games such as FIFA 14 and NBA 2K14. These games kept pushing the limits of realism and provided some of the best ways to play your favorite sports virtually. Forza Motorsport 5 brought some very sharp graphics to the driving simulation genre, making it feel like you were actually behind the wheel of a high-performance car. These titles focused on creating immersive experiences that let players experience the excitement and competition of real-world sports.
- Realistic simulations of sports and racing
- Improved graphics and game mechanics
- Online multiplayer capabilities
- Variety of game modes and options
- A focus on competition and skill
Critical Acclaim and Fan Favorites: Who Won?
While many games were nominated for Game of the Year awards, it’s interesting that the ultimate “winner” wasn’t always consistent across different publications and fan opinions. Some organizations gave the crown to Grand Theft Auto V because of its impact and huge sales. However others chose The Last of Us, celebrating the story telling and emotional experience it provided. BioShock Infinite also earned plenty of recognition for its innovative design and story. The fact that no single game dominated all the awards shows just how competitive 2013 was.
A Look at the Awards
Different organizations chose different games. This highlights that there isn’t one ‘correct’ answer, because it comes down to what each individual person thinks is important in a video game. Here is an example of some of the awards and the games that were recognized:
- Game Developers Choice Awards: The Last of Us
- Spike Video Game Awards: Grand Theft Auto V
- BAFTA Games Awards: The Last of Us
- Numerous publications like IGN and GameSpot also had their own selections
Why it Matters: The Impact of 2013 Games
The games of 2013 didn’t just entertain us, they influenced the industry as a whole. Grand Theft Auto V’s open world design showed how vast and detailed video games could be. The Last of Us helped push the boundaries of video game storytelling and emotional impact. BioShock Infinite’s art style and imaginative world showed that games could be artistic and innovative. These games inspired developers and continue to influence the games we play today.
The Legacy of 2013: Still Relevant Today
Even though it has been over a decade since 2013, the games from that year still have a big impact. Many of these games are still played today, thanks to re-releases and remasters. These games continue to be talked about because of their quality and the experiences they gave players. The year 2013 was a high point in video game history, and it’s a reminder that games are not just entertainment, they are art, stories, and experiences that can stay with us for a long time.
Ultimately, picking a single ‘Game of the Year’ for 2013 is a difficult task, and in many ways it really comes down to personal preference. Each of the games mentioned offered something unique and memorable. What we can agree on is that 2013 was a landmark year, filled with high quality games, interesting stories, and engaging experiences that have helped shape the industry we see today.
VGX 2013: Game of the Year Award
Final Thoughts
The Game of the Year 2013, quite definitively, was The Last of Us. It swept awards ceremonies, securing praise for its narrative and character development. Its gameplay was captivating, and it presented a genuinely emotional experience.
Players still discuss The Last of Us today, emphasizing its impact on storytelling in games. This memorable title established itself as a must-play classic, remaining relevant years later. Ultimately, what is the game of the year 2013? It’s undoubtedly The Last of Us.
