Now Loading...The Game Awards and Game of the Year Nominees

With The Game Awards happening in just a few hours from now, the PlayStation LifeStyle staff chimes in on what games they think will win the coveted Game of the Year award, as well as talk a fair bit about PlayStation LifeStyle’s own Game of the Year awards which will roll out later this month in this latest entry of Now Loading.

While there were a ton of great games that was released this year, you might — or might not — be surprised at what the staff picks to win (the choices were narrowed down to two games) at this year’s The Game Awards. Will it fare the same when it comes to PSLS’ Game of the Year? We honestly haven’t decided on anything yet, but are in the process of finalizing each category nominee and winner.

Don’t forget that we’ll be posting a live-stream link for The Game Awards a few minutes before the event starts at 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET, and as well as report on the latest news, trailers and announcements as it happens.

What game do you think will win Game of the Year at The Game Awards? Which game would you nominate for an award here at PSLS? Let us know in the comments below.

Now Loading is a recurring staff-driven feature where PlayStation LifeStyle discusses anything video game-related under the sun (yes, even non-Sony platforms).

Essential Reading:

Now Loading GoTY (The Game Awards)

Now Loading...The Game Awards and Game of the Year Titles
Alex Co

@excaliburps

For The Game Awards, I'd say The Witcher 3 has a big chance of nabbing the super coveted Game of the Year honors, but only because Bloodborne is exclusive to PS4.

Based on the staff responses, you definitely can expect both games to contend for Game of the Year honors here at PlayStation LifeStyle. We have one heck of a plan for all the "Best of" awards that you'll soon see come to fruition in the coming days and weeks.
Stephen Bitto

@MrXDurden

Despite my own Game of the Year not making the cut for The Game Awards, I can still discern a deserving winner from the list. The nominee I would choose, again from the very Until Dawn-less list, would be Bloodborne. The world built by From Software was fantastically realized and the gameplay, while challenging, was improved so that a newcomer like myself was able to enjoy it. The feat of making a Souls-type game approachable to the masses should not be understated.
Zarmena Khan

@Zarmena

The Witcher 3...easily. It was the first game that I played since buying a PS4 that truly made me feel like I was playing a current-gen game. Beautiful in every way, full of life, outstanding story and script, amazing replay value. Everything else pales in comparison. The Witcher 3 has something for everyone - from casual players to seasoned players. I can't say the same for Bloodborne and MGS V, I'm afraid.
Chandler Wood

@FinchStrife

The Witcher 3 is the clear winner in my eyes. This was a game that truly and fully embraced it's home on this generation of consoles and did very little wrong. The minor things that annoyed me when I reviewed it were even fixed later on via updates, and it featured one of the best DLC/expansions in recent memory (with one more still to come), so I can't rightly see any game that deserves the honor of being 2015's game of the year more than The Witcher 3.

It was a year full of good games though, and out own coming end of the year awards will break them down even further, so stay tuned to see what else we thought was great, even if they can't topple The Witcher 3's throne.
Heath Hindman

@TheHeathHindman

My favorite games this year are Dragon Quest Heroes and Fallout 4, and it's dang hard to pick which I like more. My gut goes with Fallout 4, but I wonder if that's because it's fresher in my mind (DQH was several months ago for me) and/or because I already know there's an improved DQH sequel on the way in 2016 that will make the first one something I never go back to. Tough call.

The Game Awards? It's more marketing, that's all. I don't really care about it; it's seriously just a collection of a bunch of other people's opinions. Meh.
Mack Ashworth

@GamingWithMack

From The Game Award's list of Game of the Year nominees, I'd have to go with The Witcher 3. Pre-release, the game created a buzz in all the right ways. At launch, gamers were treated to an incredible world, which promised hundreds of hours of fantastic gameplay. Post-release, The Witcher 3 received support from a dedicated developer, in the from of free DLC and patches, as well as worthwhile paid-for expansions. The Witcher 3 should take the crown at this year's TGAs.

As for PlayStation LifeStyle's GoTY... Stay tuned!
Cameron Teague

@Cameron_PSLS

I have nothing really to say about the Game Awards themselves.. as for GOTY, I pick Dragon Quest Heroes.
Michael Briers

@briersytweets

I find myself torn between The Phantom Pain and Bloodborne. On the one hand there's the rich majesty of Yharnam, with its spine-chilling atmosphere and origami-like environments. Tiptoeing down the cobbled streets, waiting with bated breath in fear of an enemy leaping out, is a feeling that had me hooked from day one, and From's world absolutely sings on PS4.

Despite all that, I have to vote The Phantom Pain. It's everything I wanted from a Metal Gear title, and you really get the feeling that this is Hideo Kojima as he intends it, without the technical limitations of hardware dampening his vision. Wonderful design from top to bottom, really, and that the entire thing runs at a crisp 60fps is a testimony to the Fox engine. It is, without question, a game I'll always cherish.
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