by The Steam Awards are finally here to wrap up the 2022 season of video game awards. Unlike Game Awards, which are decided by a panel of elite game critics, the Steam Awards are determined entirely by player fan votes (which in our opinion makes it a bit more fun).
In addition to the standard awards like Game of the Year and Best Soundtrack, the Steam Awards also include more unique categories like “Better With Friends” and “Best Game You’ve Sucked”. Moreover, the prizes are for games that made their way to Steam throughout the year, including games previously released on consoles and released on PC for the first time this year. You won’t see God of War Ragnarök in this series, but you will see the original. God of War the game.
Your voice is important at this award ceremony. Check out the full list of nominees and don’t forget to vote!
further reading
how to vote
You can cast your votes for Steam Awards winners from December 22 at 13:00 ET / 10:00 PT until January 3, 12:00 ET / 9 am PT.
To vote, simply visit the official Steam Awards website, log in to your Steam account, and vote using on-screen commands.
All accounts with unlimited can vote in the Steam Rewards. For each category you vote on, you will receive a random Steam Rewards Trading Card that you can keep and keep forever or sell to earn some credits on your next Steam purchase.
Full list of candidates
game of the year
“Maybe it was the gripping gameplay or the gripping story… well-crafted characters, impeccable design, or addictive multiplayer. Whatever the reason, this year’s Game of the Year winner is an instant classic.”
VR Game of the Year
“Virtual Reality Game of the Year isn’t just masquerading as ordinary reality. This game enhances reality by leveraging the VR environment and pushing the boundaries of the virtual world.”
- BONELAB
- shooter 3
- Green Hell VR
- Virtual Reality Among Us
- Inside the Back Rooms
labor of love
“This game has been on the market for a while. The team has already made their creative baby debut, but since they are good parents, these developers continue to nurture and support their creations. This game, to this day, is still gaining new content after all these years.
- DOTA 2
- The Zomboid Project
- No Man’s Sky
- Deep Rock Galactic
- cyberpunk 2077
Better With Friends
“There are some games that are not the same when you play alone. Maybe you need a friend to watch your back. Maybe you should have a friend you can stab in the back. One way or another, fun awaits those who gather their friends playing this game.”
Exceptional Visual Style
“The visual style does not aspire to real-world graphics fidelity (although that is a noble goal in itself)… it defines a different look and feel that pervades the entire game.”
Most Innovative Gameplay
“The designers of this game are at the forefront of creative experimentation, bringing new perspective and brain-wrenching surprises. This game delights, inspires and entertains with never-before-played innovations.”
The Best Game You’ve Sucked
“This is a game that rewards persistence and is not for the fainthearted. The hardest game we’ve ever loved.”
- GTFO
- Victoria 3
- Total War: Warhammer III
- Hand Ring
- FIFA 23
Best Soundtrack
“This unsung hero deserves to be commended for his outstanding musical score. This is OST with MOST!”
Extraordinarily Rich Story Game
“Some days, purely narrative-heavy gameplay will take its place, and it’s a slapstick. As gripping as any soap opera and as well-arranged as a prestigious TV script. Bravissimo – for making us feel something!”
- A Plague Tale: Lamentation
- God of War
- Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection
- Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe
- Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered
Sit back and relax
“This game is the antidote to a busy day. It’s smooth, it’s soothing, it lets your worries go away. This game is your zen moment.”
- LEGO Star Wars: The Legend of Skywalker
- PowerWash Simulator
- Disney Dreamlight Valley
- orromantic
- Slime Farmer 2
Best Game On The Go
“This game was so good you wanted to take it everywhere. So you did! Luckily, everything that makes it playable at your desk forever has just gotten better on the go.”
Editors’ Suggestions
