Despite being released all the way back in January, it would seem that Capcom’s outstanding Resident Evil 2 upgrade has left an enduring impression on gamers. How else would you explain its runaway success at this year’s Golden Joystick awards, where it not only picked up the prize for ‘’Best Audio’’, but also for ‘’Ultimate Game of the Year’’?
Now in its 37th Year, the Golden Joysticks is one of the longest-running awards show in the industry and serves as a great litmus test of public opinion. After all, the winners are not selected by an exclusive jury or a select panel of critics, but rather by an online ballet that is open to absolutely anyone. To pick up one of the accolades is, therefore, a pretty big deal, with the 2019 ceremony receiving upwards of 3.5 million votes.
This makes it all the more of an achievement for RE: 2 to claim the top prize, especially when you consider the fact that it was going up against juggernauts like The Outer Worlds, Gears 5, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Apex Legends, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and, of course, Untitled Goose Game. It’s not exactly a shock upset, as the remake received universally stellar reviews and sold very well, but it is still a pleasant surprise, all the same, proving that survival horror is still a big deal.
In fact, this wasn’t the genre’s only victor of the afternoon, with SIE Bend’s Days Gone taking home a couple of trophies as well. Namely, the open-world zombie title was recognized for having the ‘’Best Storytelling’’ whilst also edging out Concrete Genie, Dreams and the MediEvil remaster for the ‘’Best PS4 Game’’. Meanwhile, Gears 5 won the ”Best Xbox Game”, Devil May Cry 5 won ‘’Best Visual Design’’ and Control was bestowed with the ‘’Critics Choice Award’’.
Unfortunately, neither of RE:2’s directors (Kazunori Kadoi and Yasuhiro Anpo) were able to make it to the London-based ceremony, but they did show their appreciation via a humble video message. Thanking the fans for their continued support, Anpo admitted that: ‘’The original [Resident Evil 2] is so beloved [and] we felt a lot of pressure during development. So to get this award as a result of our efforts has made us all so happy. ‘’
The Golden Joysticks took place on November 15, and were hosted by comedian Danny Wallace. The full list of winners is as follows:
- Best Storytelling: Days Gone
- Best Multiplayer Game in partnership with Servers and Gameye: Apex Legends
- Still Playing Award: Minecraft
- Best Visual Design: Devil May Cry 5
- Best Indie Game: Outer Wilds
- Esports Game of the Year in partnership with Corsair: Fortnite
- Best Audio: Resident Evil 2
- Best Game Expansion: GTA Online – Diamond Casino Update
- Best VR / AR Game: Beat Saber
- Best Gaming Hardware: Nvidia 20-series Super graphics cards
- Best Performer: Logan Marshall-Green
- Studio of the Year: Epic Games
- Best New Streamer / Broadcaster: Ewok
- Breakthrough Award: Untitled Goose Game, House House
- Mobile Game of the Year: BTS World
- Outstanding Contribution: Life is Strange
- PC Game of the Year: World of Warcraft Classic
- PlayStation Game of the Year: Days Gone
- Xbox Game of the Year: Gears 5
- Nintendo Game of the Year: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Most Wanted Game: Cyberpunk 2077
- Critics Choice Award: Control
- Lifetime Achievement: Yu Suzuki
- Ultimate Game of the Year: Resident Evil 2