Golden Joystick Awards
The Golden Joystick Awards, also known as the People's Gaming Awards, is a video game award ceremony; it awards the [List of Golden Joystick Award for Game of the Year|Game of the Year awards|best video games of the year]. Although originally solely voted for by the British public, it is now a global event that is voted for online by millions of fans worldwide via GamesRadar+. Launched in 1983, the Golden Joystick Awards is the longest-running and one of the biggest public-voted video game award shows.
The awards were initially focused on computer games, but were extended to include console games. The ceremony is not directly related to the golden joystick prize given away to successful contestants on GamesMaster, a British television show, but both properties belong to Future plc.
Winners
1983
Awards were presented by DJ Dave Lee Travis at a ceremony in London's Berkeley Square.| Award | Winner | Runners-up |
| Game of the Year | Jetpac | Arcadia, Manic Miner, The Hobbit |
| Best Arcade-Style Game of the Year | Manic Miner | Arcadia, Penetrator, Zalaga |
| Strategy Game of the Year | The Hobbit | Football Manager, Planet Invasion, Scrabble |
| Best Original Game of the Year | Ah Diddums | Ant Attack, Pssst, Splat! |
| Software House of the Year | Ultimate Play the Game | Imagine Software, Llamasoft, Melbourne House |
1984
Awards were presented by Jools Holland, at a ceremony in London.| Award | Winner | Runner-Up | Commended |
| Game of the Year | Knight Lore | Ghostbusters | Avalon, Impossible Mission |
| Software House of the Year | Ultimate Play the Game | Beyond Software | Hewson Consultants, Mikro-Gen |
| Best Original Game of the Year | Elite | Deus Ex Machina | Ancipital, Pyjamarama |
| Best Adventure Game of the Year | Claymorgue Castle | Erik the Viking | Eureka, Tir Na Nog |
| Best Strategy Game of the Year | Lords of Midnight | Beach Head | NATO Commander, Battle for Midway |
| Best Arcade-Style Game of the Year | Daley Thompson's Decathlon | Boulderdash | Wanted: Monty Mole, 3D Starstrike |
| Best Programmer of the Year | Ultimate Team | Mike Singleton | Tony Crowther, Acornsoft |
1985
Awards were presented by Jools Holland, at a ceremony on a Thames Riverboat.| Award | Winner | Runners-up |
| Game of the Year | The Way of the Exploding Fist | Elite, Summer Games II |
| Software House of the Year | Melbourne House | U.S. Gold, Elite Systems, Firebird Software |
| Best Original Game of the Year | Little Computer People | Spy vs. Spy, Paradroid |
| Adventure Game of the Year | Red Moon | Gremlins, Bored of the Rings |
| Strategy Game of the Year | Theatre Europe | Shadowfire, Battle of Britain |
| Arcade-Style Game of the Year | Commando | Hyper Sports, Dropzone |
| Programmer of the Year | Stephen Crow | Jeff Minter, Andrew Braybrook, Bo Jangeborg |
1986
The ceremony took place at Cadogan Hall.| Award | Winner | Runners-up |
| Game of the Year | Gauntlet | Uridium, Space Harrier |
| Software House of the Year | Elite Systems | U.S. Gold, Hewson Consultants |
| Best Original Game of the Year | The Sentinel | Trap Door, Trivial Pursuit |
| Adventure Game of the Year | The Pawn | Lord of the Rings, Heavy on the Magick |
| Strategy Game of the Year | Nam (Vietnam) | Johnny Reb II, Silent Service |
| Arcade-Style Game of the Year | Uridium | Gauntlet, Ghosts'n Goblins |
| Programmer of the Year | Andrew Braybrook | Chris Butler, Stephen Crow |
| Best Soundtrack of the Year | Sanxion | Knucklebusters, Starglider |
1987
Awards were presented by Chris Tarrant.| Award | Winner | Runners-up |
| Game of the Year | Out Run | The Last Ninja, Renegade |
| Software House of the Year | U.S. Gold | Ocean Software, Elite Systems |
| Best Original Game of the Year | Nebulus | Wizball, Driller |
| Arcade Game of the Year | Out Run | Renegade, Bubble Bobble |
| Adventure Game of the Year | The Guild of Thieves | Knight Orc, Shadows of Mordor |
| Strategy Game of the Year | Vulcan | Defender of the Crown, Annals of Rome |
| Programmer of the Year | Jon Ritman | Andrew Braybrook |
1988
The ceremony took place at Kensington Roof Gardens.1989
The ceremony took place at Kensington Roof Gardens, 11 April 1990.1990
The ceremony took place at Kensington Roof Gardens, 4 April 1991.| Award | Winner | Winner |
| Computer Game of the Year | Rick Dangerous 2 | Kick Off 2 |
| Console Game of the Year | Mega Man | John Madden American Football |
| Best Graphics of the Year | Midnight Resistance | Shadow of the Beast 2 |
| Best Soundtrack of the Year | RoboCop 2 | Speedball 2 |
| Best Simulation Game of the Year | F19 Stealth Fighter | F19 Stealth Fighter |
| Best Coin-Op Conversion of the Year | Rainbow Islands | Golden Axe |
| PC Game of the Year | Railroad Tycoon | |
| Hardware Manufacturer of the Year | Sega | |
| Software House of the Year | Ocean Software |
1991
The ceremony took place at Hyde Park Hotel, London, on 7 April 1992.| Award | Winner | Developer |
| Overall Game of the Year | Sonic the Hedgehog | Sonic Team |
| 16-Bit Computer Game of the Year | Heimdall | Core Design |
| Best Coin-Op Conversion | Toki | TAD |
| Best Simulation | Jimmy White's 'Whirlwind' Snooker | Virgin |
| Best Graphics | Heimdall | Core Design |
| Best Soundtrack | The Secret of Monkey Island | U.S. Gold |
| Programmer of the Year | Archer Maclean | |
| Software House of the Year | Electronic Arts |
1992
The ceremony took place at Kensington, London, in May 1993.| Award | Winner | Platform | Publisher |
| Game of the Year | Street Fighter II | Super NES | Capcom |
| Computer Game of the Year | Sensible Soccer | Amiga | Renegade Software |
| Console Game of the Year | Street Fighter II | Super NES | Capcom |
| Handheld Game of the Year | Super Kick Off | Game Gear | U.S. Gold |
| Best Licensed Console Game | Street Fighter II | Super NES | Capcom |
| Best Licensed Computer Game | Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis | PC | LucasArts |
| Best Original Console Game | Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | Mega Drive | Sega |
| Best Original Computer Game | Alone in the Dark | PC | Infogrames |
| Best Console Original Action Game | Desert Strike | Mega Drive | Electronic Arts |
| Best Computer Simulation | Formula One Grand Prix | PC | Microprose |
| Promotional Campaign of the Year | Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | Mega Drive | Sega |
| Programming Team of the Year | LucasArts | ||
| Software House of the Year | Electronic Arts | ||
| Software House of the Year | Team17 |
1993
The ceremony took place in London, on 16 May 1994.| Award | Winner | Platform |
| Console Game of the Year | Super Mario All-Stars | Super NES |
| Hand Held Game of the Year | The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening | Game Boy |
| Best Original Computer Game | Cannon Fodder | Amiga |
| Best Computer Simulation | TFX | Amiga |
| Best Advert of the Year | The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening | Game Boy |
| Best Software House | Virgin Interactive | |
| Best Computer Programmer | Sensible Software | |
| Services to the Industry | Acclaim Entertainment |
1996/1997
The ceremony took place at Café de Paris, in November 1997.| Award | Winner |
| Game of the Year | Super Mario 64 |
| PlayStation Plus Best PlayStation Game | Resident Evil |
| Sega Saturn Magazine Best Saturn Game | Fighters Megamix |
| Nintendo Magazine Best N64 Game | Super Mario 64 |
| CVG Best PC Game | Quake |
| Best Looking Game | Super Mario 64 |
| Best Sounding Game | Wipeout 2097 |
| Most Original Game | Parappa the Rapper |
| Best Ad | Tekken 2 |
| Scoop of the Year | GoldenEye 007 |
| Favourite Game Character | Lara Croft |
| Best Development Team | Rare |
| Best Software House | Sony |
| Best Looking Pages | Sega Saturn Magazine Showcases |
| Best Review Writer | Ed Lomas, CVG |
2002
The 2002 ceremony took place at the Dorchester Hotel on 25 October 2002 and was hosted by Jonathan Ross.2003
The 2003 ceremony took place at the Park Lane Hilton on 28 November 2003 and was hosted by Phill Jupitus.2004
The 2004 ceremony took place at the Park Lane Hilton on 5 November 2004 and was hosted by Matt Lucas.2005
The 2005 ceremony took place at the Park Lane Hilton on 4 November 2005 and was hosted by Jimmy Carr.| Award | Winner |
| PlayStation 2 Game of the Year | Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas |
| GameCube Game of the Year | Resident Evil 4 |
| Xbox Game of the Year | Halo 2 |
| PC Game of the Year | Half-Life 2 |
| Handheld Game of the Year | Super Mario 64 DS |
| Best Film-Based Game of 2005 | Resident Evil 4 |
| Best Game Soundtrack of 2005 | Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas |
| Online Game of the Year | World of Warcraft |
| Publisher of the Year | Nintendo |
| Retailer of the Year | Play.com |
| Gaming Innovation of the Year | PSP |
| One to Watch for Xmas | The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess |
| One to Watch for 2006 | Resident Evil 5 |
| Hero of 2005 | CJ |
| Villain of 2005 | Officer Tenpenny |
| The Girl's Choice for 2005 | The Sims 2 |
| Editor's Game of the Year | Resident Evil 4 |
| Unsung Hero of the Year | Fahrenheit |
| Ultimate Game of the Year | Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas |
| Soundtrack of the Year | Sonic Rush |
2006
The 2006 ceremony took place at the Park Lane Hilton on 27 October 2006 and was hosted by Emma Griffiths.| Award | Winner |
| Ultimate Game of the Year | The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion |
| PC Game of the Year | The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion |
| PlayStation Game of the Year | Resident Evil 4 |
| Xbox Game of the Year | The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion |
| Nintendo Game of the Year | New Super Mario Bros. |
| Handheld Game of the Year | Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories |
| Online Game of the Year | Age of Empires III |
| The All-Nighter Award | Pro Evolution Soccer 5 |
| The One to Watch 2007 | PlayStation 3 |
| The Editor's Choice Award | Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter |
| Publisher of the Year | Electronic Arts |
| Retailer of the Year | GAME |
| Soundtrack of the Year | Need for Speed: Carbon |
| Innovation Award | Xbox Live Marketplace |
| Family Game of the Year | Nintendogs |
| Favourite Character Award | Lara Croft |
| Girls' Choice Award | Nintendogs |
2007
The 2007 ceremony took place at the Park Lane Hilton on 26 October 2007 and was hosted by David Mitchell.| Award | Winner |
| Ultimate Game of the Year | Gears of War |
| Xbox Game of the Year | Gears of War |
| PC Game of the Year | Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar |
| PlayStation Game of the Year 2007 | God of War II |
| Nintendo Game of the Year | The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess |
| The Editor's Choice Award | Gears of War |
| Publisher of the Year | Nintendo |
| Retailer of the Year | GAME |
| The One to Watch | Assassin's Creed |
| UK Developer of the Year | Codemasters |
| Online Game of the Year | World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade |
| All-Nighter | Gears of War |
| Soundtrack of the Year | Guitar Hero II |
| Innovation of the Year | Nintendo Wii |
| Mobile Game of the Year | Final Fantasy |
| Handheld Game of the Year | Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories |
| Family Game of the Year 2007 | Wii Sports |
| Girls' Choice Game of the Year 2007 | Guitar Hero II |
2008
The 2008 ceremony took place at the Park Lane Hilton on 31 October 2008 and was hosted by Frankie Boyle.| Award | Winner |
| Nuts All-Nighter Award | Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare |
| Handheld Game of the Year | The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass |
| Mobile Game of the Year | Bejeweled 2 |
| Mobile Game Pitch 2008 | Finders Keeper |
| Nintendo Game of the Year | Super Smash Bros: Brawl |
| PC Game of the Year Sponsored by United Kingdom eSports Association | Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare |
| Retailer of the Year | Play.com |
| Official PlayStation Magazine HD PlayStation Game of the Year | Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots |
| Soundtrack of the Year | Grand Theft Auto IV |
| Xbox Game of the Year | Grand Theft Auto IV |
| Most Wanted Award | Fallout 3 |
| Online Game of the Year | Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare |
| UK Developer of the Year | Rockstar North |
| Grand Master Flash Award | Stickman Madness |
| One to Watch | Call of Duty: World at War |
| UK Publisher of the Year | Activision Blizzard |
| Ultimate Game of the Year | Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare |
2009
The 2009 ceremony took place at the Park Lane Hilton on 30 October 2009 and was hosted by Sean Lock.| Award | Winner |
| Family Game of the Year | LittleBigPlanet |
| Handheld Game of the Year | Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars |
| Retailer of the Year | GAME |
| Mobile Game of the Year | Metal Gear Solid Touch |
| Nintendo Game of the Year | Call of Duty: World at War |
| Multiplayer Game of the Year | Call of Duty: World at War |
| Soundtrack of the Year | Guitar Hero World Tour |
| Xbox Game of the Year | Gears of War 2 |
| PC Game of the Year | Fallout 3 |
| UK Developer of the Year | Jagex |
| PlayStation Game of the Year | Killzone 2 |
| Publisher of the Year | Activision Blizzard |
| Online Game of the Year | Left 4 Dead |
| ShortList One to Watch | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 |
| Ultimate Game of the Year | Fallout 3 |
2010
The 2010 ceremony took place at the Bridge Park Plaza on 29 October 2010 and was hosted by Rich Hall.| Award | Winner |
| Action/Adventure Game of the Year, in association with Nuts | Assassin's Creed II |
| Download Game of the Year, in association with Green Man Gaming | Plants vs. Zombies |
| Fighting Game of the Year, in association with Official Nintendo Magazine | Street Fighter IV |
| Music Game of the Year, in association with Total Film | Guitar Hero 5 |
| The One to Watch | Call of Duty: Black Ops |
| Online Game of the Year | League of Legends |
| Portable Game of the Year | Pokémon HeartGold/Soul Silver |
| Puzzle Game of the Year | World of Goo |
| Racing Game of the Year | Forza Motorsport 3 |
| RPG of the Year | Mass Effect 2 |
| Shooter of the Year, in association with ITN Game On | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 |
| Soundtrack of the Year, in association with Metal Hammer | Final Fantasy XIII |
| Sports Game of the Year | FIFA 10 |
| Strategy Game of the Year | Plants vs. Zombies |
| UK Developer of the Year | Jagex |
| Ultimate Game of the Year | Mass Effect 2 |
2011
The 2011 ceremony took place at the Bridge Park Plaza on 21 October 2011 and was hosted by Seann Walsh.| Award | Winner |
| Shooter of the Year | Call of Duty: Black Ops |
| Action/Adventure Game of the Year | Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood |
| Download Game of the Year | Minecraft |
| Fighting Game of the Year | Mortal Kombat |
| Free to Play Game of the Year | League of Legends |
| Music Game of the Year | Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock |
| The One to Watch | The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim |
| Online Game of the Year | World of Warcraft |
| Mobile Game of the Year | Angry Birds Rio |
| Racing Game of the Year | Gran Turismo 5 |
| RPG of the Year | Fallout: New Vegas |
| Sports Game of the Year | FIFA 11 |
| Best MMO | World of Warcraft |
| Strategy Game of the Year | StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty |
| Innovation of the Year | Nintendo 3DS |
| Outstanding Contribution | Sonic the Hedgehog |
| Ultimate Game of the Year | Portal 2 |
2012
The 2012 ceremony took place at the Bridge Park Plaza on 26 October 2012 and was hosted by Ed Byrne.| Award | Winner |
| Shooter of the Year | Battlefield 3 |
| Action/Adventure Game of the Year | Batman: Arkham City |
| Download Game of the Year | Minecraft |
| Fighting Game of the Year | Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition |
| Free to Play Game of the Year | Slender: The Eight Pages |
| Handheld Game of the Year | Uncharted: Golden Abyss |
| Top Gaming Moment | Skyrim: Throat of the World |
| DLC of the Year | Portal 2's Perpetual Testing Initiative |
| One to Watch | Grand Theft Auto V |
| MMO Game of the Year | World of Tanks |
| Mobile Game of the Year | Angry Birds Space |
| Racing Game of the Year | Forza Motorsport 4 |
| RPG of the Year | The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim |
| Sports Game of the Year | FIFA 12 |
| Strategy Game of the Year | Civilization V: Gods & Kings |
| Ultimate Game of the Year | The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim |
| YouTube Gamer | The Yogscast |
| Outstanding Contribution | FIFA |
2013
The 2013 ceremony took place at the indigO2 on 25 October 2013 and was hosted by Ed Byrne.| Award | Winner |
| Best Newcomer | The Last of Us |
| Most Wanted | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt |
| Best Indie Game | Mark of the Ninja |
| Best Visual Design | BioShock Infinite |
| Best Multiplayer | Payday 2 |
| Best Gaming Moment | Far Cry 3: "The Definition of Insanity" |
| Studio of the Year | Naughty Dog |
| Innovation of the Year | Oculus Rift |
| Best Storytelling | The Last of Us |
| Best Online Game | World of Tanks |
| Best Handheld Game | Assassin's Creed III: Liberation |
| YouTube Gamer Award | The Yogscast |
| Best Gaming Platform | Steam |
| Best Mobile/Tablet Game of the Year | XCOM: Enemy Unknown |
| Game of the Year | Grand Theft Auto V |
| Hall of Fame | Call of Duty |
| Lifetime Achievement | Ken Levine |
2014
The 2014 ceremony took place at the indigO2 on 24 October 2014 and was hosted by Ed Byrne.| Award | Winner |
| Best Original Game | DayZ |
| Best Online Game | Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft |
| Best Storytelling | The Last of Us: Left Behind |
| Best Visual Design | Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag |
| Best Audio | Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag |
| Playfire Most Played Game | Rust |
| Best Multiplayer | Battlefield 4 |
| Best Indie Game | DayZ |
| Innovation of the Year | Oculus Rift DK2 |
| Best Gaming Moment | The Last of Us: Left Behind - The Kiss |
| Handheld Game of the Year | Pokémon X and Y |
| Best Mobile Game | Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft |
| Most Wanted | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt |
| Gaming Personality | PewDiePie |
| Studio of the Year | Ubisoft Montreal |
| Best Gaming Platform | Steam |
| Lifetime Achievement | Hideo Kojima |
| Game of the Year | Dark Souls II |
2015
The 2015 ceremony took place at the indigO2 on 30 October 2015 and was hosted by Danny Wallace.| Award | Winner |
| Best Original Game | Bloodborne |
| Best Storytelling | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt |
| Best Visual Design | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt |
| Best Audio | Ori and the Blind Forest |
| Best Multiplayer Game | Grand Theft Auto Online |
| Best Indie Game | Kerbal Space Program |
| Family Game | Splatoon |
| Playfire Most Played Award | Grand Theft Auto V |
| Best Gaming Moment | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt |
| Gaming Personality | PewDiePie |
| eSports Icon | Anders Blume |
| Studio of the Year | CD Projekt Red |
| Innovation of the Year | First-person mode in Grand Theft Auto V |
| Gaming Platform of the Year | Steam |
| Performance of the Year | Ashly Burch as Chloe Price |
| PlayStation Game of the Year | Bloodborne |
| Xbox Game of the Year | Ori and the Blind Forest |
| Nintendo Game of the Year | Splatoon |
| PC Game of the Year | Grand Theft Auto V |
| Most Wanted Game | Fallout 4 |
| Ultimate Game of the Year | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt |
| Critics' Choice | Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain |
| Best Handheld / Mobile Game | Fallout Shelter |
| Lifetime Achievement | Satoru Iwata |
2016
The 2016 ceremony took place at the indigO2 on 18 November 2016 and was hosted by James Veitch.| Award | Winner |
| Best Original Game | Overwatch |
| Best Storytelling | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Blood and Wine |
| Best Visual Design | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Blood and Wine |
| Best Audio | Fallout 4 |
| Best Indie Game | Firewatch |
| Gaming Personality of the Year | Sean Plott |
| Best Multiplayer Game | Overwatch |
| Competitive Play of the Year | coldzera's jumping AWP quad kill at MLG Columbus |
| Best Gaming Moment | Overwatch |
| YouTube - Upcoming Personality of the Year | Jesse Cox |
| Studio of the Year | CD Projekt Red |
| Innovation of the Year | Pokémon Go |
| Lifetime Achievement | Eiji Aonuma |
| Best Gaming Platform | Steam |
| Best Gaming Performance | Doug Cockle as Geralt of Rivia |
| Competitive Game of the Year | Overwatch |
| Nintendo Game of the Year | The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD |
| PlayStation Game of the Year | Uncharted 4: A Thief's End |
| Xbox Game of the Year | Rise of the Tomb Raider |
| PC Game of the Year | Overwatch |
| Handheld/Mobile Game of the Year | Pokémon Go |
| Breakthrough | Stardew Valley |
| Hall of Fame | Lara Croft |
| Critics' Choice | Titanfall 2 |
| Most Wanted Game | Mass Effect: Andromeda |
| Ultimate Game of the Year | Dark Souls III |
2017
The 2017 ceremony took place at Bloomsbury Big Top on 17 November 2017 and was hosted by Danny Wallace.| Award | Winner |
| Best Storytelling | Horizon Zero Dawn |
| Best Visual Design | Cuphead |
| Best Audio | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild |
| Best Gaming Performance | Ashly Burch as Aloy |
| Best Indie Game | Friday the 13th: The Game |
| Best Multiplayer Game | PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds |
| Studio of the Year | Nintendo EPD |
| Best VR Game | Resident Evil 7: Biohazard |
| eSports Play of the Year | Agilities |
| eSports Team of the Year | Lunatic-Hai |
| eSports Game of the Year | Overwatch |
| Best Streamer/Broadcaster | Markiplier |
| Handheld/Mobile Game of the Year | Pokémon Sun and Moon |
| Nintendo Game of the Year | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild |
| PlayStation Game of the Year | Horizon Zero Dawn |
| Xbox Game of the Year | Cuphead |
| PC Game of the Year | PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds |
| Critics' Choice Award | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild |
| Breakthrough Award | Ashly Burch |
| Hall of Fame | Final Fantasy |
| Most Wanted Award | The Last of Us Part II |
| Still Playing Award | World of Tanks |
| Outstanding Contribution to the UK Games Industry | Debbie Bestwick MBE |
| Lifetime Achievement | Sid Meier |
| Ultimate Game of the Year | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild |
2018">2018 Golden Joystick Awards">2018
The 2018 ceremony took place at Bloomsbury Big Top on 16 November 2018, and was hosted by Danny Wallace.| Award | Winner |
| Best Storytelling | God of War |
| Best Competitive Game | Fortnite Battle Royale |
| Best Cooperative Game | Monster Hunter: World |
| Best Design | God of War |
| Best Indie Game | Dead Cells |
| Best Audio | God of War |
| Still Playing Award | World of Tanks |
| Best Performer | Bryan Dechart as Connor |
| eSports Game of the Year | Overwatch |
| Best VR Game | The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR |
| Studio of the Year | Santa Monica Studio |
| Best Streamer/Broadcaster | Bryan Dechart and Amelia Rose Blaire |
| Mobile Game of the Year | PUBG Mobile |
| PC Game of the Year | Subnautica |
| PlayStation Game of the Year | God of War |
| Xbox Game of the Year | Forza Horizon 4 |
| Nintendo Game of the Year | Octopath Traveler |
| Breakthrough Award | Unknown Worlds |
| Most Wanted Award | Cyberpunk 2077 |
| Critics' Choice Award | Red Dead Redemption 2 |
| Lifetime Achievement | Hidetaka Miyazaki |
| Outstanding Contribution | Xbox Adaptive Controller |
| Ultimate Game of the Year | Fortnite Battle Royale |
2019
The 2019 ceremony took place at Bloomsbury Big Top on 16 November 2019.| Award | Winner |
| Best Storytelling | Days Gone |
| Best Multiplayer Game | Apex Legends |
| Best Visual Design | Devil May Cry 5 |
| Best Indie Game | Outer Wilds |
| Best Audio | Resident Evil 2 |
| Still Playing Award | Minecraft |
| Best Performer | Logan Marshall-Green as David Smith |
| eSports Game of the Year | Fortnite Battle Royale |
| Best VR/AR Game | Beat Saber |
| Studio of the Year | Epic Games |
| Best Streamer/Broadcaster | Sweet Anita |
| Mobile Game of the Year | BTS World |
| 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 |
| Breakthrough Award | House House |
| Most Wanted Award | Cyberpunk 2077 |
| Critics' Choice Award | Control |
| Lifetime Achievement | Yu Suzuki |
| Outstanding Contribution | Life is Strange |
| Ultimate Game of the Year | Resident Evil 2 |
2020
The 2020 ceremony took place digitally on 24 November 2020 and was hosted by Laura Bailey and Travis Willingham.| Award | Winner |
| Best Storytelling | The Last of Us Part II |
| Best Multiplayer Game | Fall Guys |
| Best Visual Design | The Last of Us Part II |
| Best Game Expansion | No Man's Sky: Origins |
| Mobile Game of the Year | Lego Builder's Journey |
| Best Audio | The Last of Us Part II |
| Best Indie Game | Hades |
| Still Playing Award | Minecraft |
| Studio of the Year | Naughty Dog |
| eSports Game of the Year | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare |
| Best New Streamer/Broadcaster | iamBrandon |
| Best Family Game | Fall Guys |
| Best Gaming Community | Minecraft |
| Best Performer | Sandra Saad as Kamala Khan |
| Breakthrough Award | Among Us |
| Outstanding Contribution | The Gaming Industry |
| PC Game of the Year | Death Stranding |
| Best Gaming Hardware | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 |
| PlayStation Game of the Year | The Last of Us Part II |
| Xbox Game of the Year | Ori and the Will of the Wisps |
| Nintendo Game of the Year | Animal Crossing: New Horizons |
| Most Wanted Award | Untitled God of War sequel |
| Critics' Choice Award | Hades |
| Ultimate Game of the Year | The Last of Us Part II |
2021
The 2021 ceremony took place on 23 November 2021 and was hosted by Nolan North and Emily Rose.The Golden Joystick Awards celebrated 50 Years Of Games by asking the public to vote for the Ultimate Game Of All Time, which was won by the 2011 game Dark Souls. The PC also received the Best Gaming Hardware of All Time Award, which was accepted by Valve president Gabe Newell.
| Award | Winner |
| Best Storytelling | Life Is Strange: True Colors |
| Best Multiplayer Game | It Takes Two |
| Best Visual Design | Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart |
| Best Game Expansion | Ghost of Tsushima: Iki Island |
| Mobile Game of the Year | League of Legends: Wild Rift |
| Best Audio | Resident Evil Village |
| Best Indie Game | Death's Door |
| Still Playing Award | Final Fantasy XIV |
| Best Gaming Community | Final Fantasy XIV |
| Studio of the Year | Capcom |
| Best Performer | Maggie Robertson as Lady Dimitrescu |
| Breakthrough Award | Housemarque |
| PC Game of the Year | Hitman 3 |
| Best Gaming Hardware | Sony PlayStation 5 |
| PlayStation Game of the Year | Resident Evil Village |
| Xbox Game of the Year | Psychonauts 2 |
| Nintendo Game of the Year | Metroid Dread |
| Most Wanted Award | Elden Ring |
| Critics' Choice Award | Deathloop |
| Ultimate Game of the Year | Resident Evil Village |
| Ultimate Hardware of All Time | PC |
| Ultimate Game of All Time | Dark Souls |
2022
The 2022 ceremony took place on 22 November 2022.| Award | Winner |
| Best Storytelling | Horizon Forbidden West |
| Best Multiplayer Game | Elden Ring |
| Best Visual Design | Elden Ring |
| Best Game Expansion | Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course |
| Best Audio | Metal: Hellsinger |
| Best Indie Game | Cult of the Lamb |
| Best Early Access Launch | Slime Rancher 2 |
| Still Playing Award | Genshin Impact |
| Best Gaming Community | Final Fantasy XIV |
| Studio of the Year | FromSoftware |
| Best Performer | Manon Gage as Marissa Marcel ' |
| Breakthrough Award | Vampire Survivors |
| PC Game of the Year | Return to Monkey Island |
| Best Gaming Hardware | Steam Deck |
| PlayStation Game of the Year | Stray |
| Xbox Game of the Year | Grounded |
| Nintendo Game of the Year | Pokémon Legends: Arceus |
| Best Game Trailer | Goat Simulator 3 Announcement Trailer |
| Most Wanted Award | The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom |
| Critics' Choice Award | Elden Ring |
| Ultimate Game of the Year' | Elden Ring'' |
2023
The 2023 ceremony took place at the Royal Lancaster Hotel on 10 November 2023, and was hosted by Troy Baker.| Award | Winner |
| Best Storytelling | Baldur's Gate 3 |
| Best Multiplayer Game | Mortal Kombat 1 |
| Best Visual Design | Baldur's Gate 3 |
| Best Game Expansion | Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty |
| Best Audio | Final Fantasy XVI |
| Best Indie Game | Sea of Stars |
| Best VR Game | Horizon Call of the Mountain |
| Best Streaming Game | Valorant |
| Still Playing Award | No Man's Sky |
| Best Gaming Community | Baldur's Gate 3 |
| Studio of the Year | Larian Studios |
| Best Lead Performer | Ben Starr as Clive Rosfield |
| Best Supporting Performer | Neil Newbon as Astarion |
| Breakthrough Award | Cocoon |
| PC Game of the Year | Baldur's Gate 3 |
| Best Gaming Hardware | PlayStation VR2 |
| PlayStation Game of the Year | Resident Evil 4 |
| Xbox Game of the Year | Starfield |
| Nintendo Game of the Year | The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom |
| Best Game Trailer | Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty |
| Most Wanted Award | Final Fantasy VII Rebirth |
| Critics' Choice Award | Alan Wake 2 |
| Ultimate Game of the Year | Baldur's Gate 3 |
2024
The 2024 ceremony took place at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms on 21 November 2024, and was hosted by Ben Starr.| Award | Winner |
| Best Storytelling | Final Fantasy VII Rebirth |
| Best Visual Design | Black Myth: Wukong |
| Best Multiplayer Game | Helldivers 2 |
| Best Audio Design | Astro Bot |
| Best Game Expansion | Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree |
| Best Indie Game - Self Published | Another Crab's Treasure |
| Best Indie Game | Balatro |
| Studio of the Year | Team Asobi |
| Best Soundtrack | Final Fantasy VII Rebirth |
| Best Game Trailer | Helldivers 2 |
| Best Early Access Game | Lethal Company |
| Still Playing Award | Honkai: Star Rail |
| Still Playing Award | Minecraft |
| Streamers' Choice | Chained Together |
| Breakthrough | Balatro |
| Best Gaming Hardware | Steam Deck OLED |
| Best Game Adaptation | Fallout |
| Best Supporting Performer | Briana White |
| Best Lead Performer | Cody Christian |
| PC Game of the Year | Satisfactory |
| Console Game of the Year | Helldivers 2 |
| Critics' Choice | Helldivers 2 |
| Most Wanted Game | Grand Theft Auto VI |
| Ultimate Game of the Year | Black Myth: Wukong (Game Science) |
2025
The 2025 ceremony took place at the 8 Northumberland Avenue on 20 November 2025, and was hosted by Maggie Robertson.| Award | Winner |
| Best Storytelling | Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 |
| Best Visual Design | Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 |
| Best Multiplayer Game | Peak |
| Best Remake / Remaster | The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered |
| Best Audio Design | Ghost of Yōtei |
| Best Game Expansion | Lies of P: Overture |
| Best Indie Game - Self Published | Hollow Knight: Silksong |
| Best Indie Game | Blue Prince |
| Studio of the Year | Sandfall Interactive |
| Best Soundtrack | Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 |
| Best Game Trailer | Grand Theft Auto VI |
| Best Early Access Game | R.E.P.O. |
| Still Playing Award | Pokemon Go |
| Still Playing Award | Minecraft |
| Streamers' Choice | Peak |
| Breakthrough | Schedule 1 |
| Best Gaming Hardware | AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D |
| Best Game Adaptation | Arcane |
| Best Supporting Performer | Ben Starr |
| Best Lead Performer | Jennifer English |
| PC Game of the Year | Hollow Knight: Silksong |
| Console Game of the Year | Ghost of Yōtei |
| Critics' Choice Award | Donkey Kong Bananza |
| Most Wanted Game | Grand Theft Auto VI |
| Ultimate Game of the Year | Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 |