2017 marked a standout year in interactive entertainment, with critics and players celebrating games that pushed storytelling, mechanics, and technology forward. Industry awards ceremonies highlighted breakthroughs in design, performance, and cultural impact across platforms.
Below is a snapshot of how major titles and studios were recognized, followed by deeper exploration of trends, categories, and community discussions that defined the 2017 video game awards landscape.
| Game | Major Awards | Release Windows | Key Innovation |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Game of the Year, Best Game Design, Best Action Game | Wii U, Nintendo Switch | Open-world systemic design |
| Horizon Zero Dawn | Best PS4 Game, Best Story, Best Visual Design | PlayStation 4 | Machine-driven narrative and combat |
| Destiny 2 | Best Ongoing Game, Best Multiplayer | PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC | Seasons and shared-world evolution |
| Cuphead | Best Independent Game, Best Art Direction | Xbox One, PC, Switch | Hand-drawn animation and tight run-and-gun gameplay |
| Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus | Best Narrative, Best Character | PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC | Alternate history storytelling and set pieces |
Crafting Open Worlds Innovation
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild dominated discussions around systemic design and player agency. Its approach to puzzles, exploration, and emergent gameplay influenced how awards framed open-world excellence in 2017 video game awards categories.
Designers emphasized fewer scripted sequences and more dynamic interactions, earning consistent praise from both critics and players. This shift shaped expectations for future large-scale adventures and reinforced the value of player-directed discovery in award rubrics.
Visual Storytelling Characters And Narrative
Horizon Zero Dawn And Character Driven Narratives
Horizon Zero Dawn showcased how richly designed characters and a strong protagonist can anchor a sci-fi epic. The nuanced performance of Aloy supported a narrative that balanced mystery, worldbuilding, and emotional stakes, contributing to multiple narrative and visual design wins at the 2017 video game awards.
Storytelling Across Multiple Platforms
Titles like Wolfenstein II demonstrated that bold, politically charged stories could resonate widely when paired with tight action design. Their success highlighted how narrative ambition and technical polish could coexist, influencing both award voting patterns and broader market expectations.
Multiplayer And Live Service Trends
Destiny 2 underscored the growing importance of live service models, seasonal content, and evolving multiplayer ecosystems. Awards focused on long-term engagement, community tools, and fair monetization, reflecting both developer intentions and player feedback.
The performance of ongoing shooters and cooperative experiences informed how organizers structured categories around retention, events, and competitive balance in 2017 video game awards.
Art Direction Indie Development And Accessibility
Cuphead As A Standout Independent Title
Cuphead highlighted how distinctive visual style and challenging gameplay could resonate beyond traditional audiences. Its awards success illustrated the value of artistic risk-taking and how indie releases can compete with blockbuster productions on visual and mechanical merit.
Broader Indie Recognition And Accessibility Features
Developers and award bodies increasingly considered options for colorblind players, subtitle clarity, and control remapping. These efforts expanded audience reach while signaling that thoughtful accessibility design deserved prominent recognition alongside artistic and technical achievements.
Looking Ahead Industry Impact And Recommendations
The patterns from 2017 video game awards continue to shape how studios approach design, narrative, and player expectations across current and next-generation platforms.
- Prioritize systemic design that rewards curiosity and player-driven discovery.
- Invest in strong character writing and visual identity to strengthen narrative impact.
- Support live-service models with clear roadmaps and community trust.
- Integrate accessibility options early to broaden audience reach and inclusivity.
- Encourage risk-taking in indie projects to maintain creative diversity in the market.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which game won the most awards at the 2017 video game awards?
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild accumulated the most major honors, frequently cited as Game of the Year across multiple award programs in 2017.
How did Horizon Zero Dawn perform at the 2017 video game awards?
It earned wins for PS4 Game of the Year, Best Story, and Best Visual Design, reflecting strong narrative and artistic execution in a competitive year.
What made Cuphead stand out in the 2017 video game awards?
Its hand-drawn animation and demanding run-and-gun gameplay set it apart, securing awards for Best Independent Game and Best Art Direction. The game was praised for its evolving seasons, structured multiplayer modes, and efforts to balance long-term engagement with fair monetization practices.