When it comes to blockbuster console games, PlayStation stands tall as the undisputed leader of the pack. Over the last decade, Sony’s gaming powerhouse has consistently delivered big-budget, high-quality titles that have captivated players worldwide. While Nintendo focuses on its unique, family-friendly ecosystem, and Xbox charts its own path, PlayStation has carved out an impressive legacy. Love it or hate it, you can’t deny that PlayStation’s output over the years has been nothing short of phenomenal.

This consistency becomes even clearer when you look at PlayStation’s performance at The Game Awards, the annual event that celebrates the very best of the gaming industry. Every year since 2015, at least one PlayStation title has been nominated for Game of the Year (GOTY)—a staggering achievement in an industry brimming with competition. With 2024’s Astro Bot leading the charge, PlayStation has now racked up nine consecutive years of GOTY nominations, further cementing its dominance.

Astro Bot: The Latest in a Legendary Lineup

The Game Awards kicked off in 2014, a year that saw Dragon Age: Inquisition crowned as Game of the Year. PlayStation didn’t make the cut that year, but starting in 2015, the streak began—and it hasn’t stopped since. Let’s take a closer look at the PlayStation juggernauts that have earned a seat at the GOTY table over the years:

1. 2015: Bloodborne
   • FromSoftware’s gothic masterpiece stunned players with its challenging gameplay and hauntingly beautiful world. Bloodborne isn’t just a fan favorite—it’s often considered one of the greatest games of all time.
2. 2016: Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
   • Naughty Dog’s swan song for Nathan Drake gave players a cinematic, thrilling experience. Uncharted 4 set a new benchmark for storytelling and visuals in the action-adventure genre.
3. 2017: Horizon Zero Dawn
   • Guerrilla Games pivoted from its Killzone roots to create something truly special. Horizon Zero Dawn introduced us to a post-apocalyptic world ruled by robotic beasts and one of gaming’s most beloved heroines, Aloy.
4. 2018: God of War & Marvel’s Spider-Man
   • This was a banner year for PlayStation. God of War reinvented a beloved franchise with a mature, emotional story while keeping its brutal combat intact. Meanwhile, Insomniac’s Marvel’s Spider-Man gave us one of the best superhero games ever made.
5. 2019: Death Stranding
   • Hideo Kojima’s first game after leaving Konami was as weird as it was ambitious. Death Stranding divided critics and players alike, but its nomination showed PlayStation’s willingness to back unique, visionary projects.
6. 2020: Ghost of Tsushima & The Last of Us Part II
   • Another year of double nominations. Ghost of Tsushima captured the beauty of feudal Japan, delivering breathtaking visuals and satisfying samurai combat. On the other hand, The Last of Us Part II pushed storytelling boundaries, earning praise for its bold, emotional narrative and top-tier production.
7. 2021: Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
   • Insomniac returned with this stunning PS5-exclusive, showcasing the next generation of gaming with mind-bending visuals and seamless gameplay.
8. 2022: Horizon Forbidden West & God of War Ragnarök
   • A repeat of earlier successes: Horizon Forbidden West expanded Aloy’s world with even greater depth, while God of War Ragnarök continued Kratos’ epic Norse saga with unforgettable storytelling and action.
9. 2023: Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
   • Insomniac struck gold again, delivering a sequel that improved on its predecessor in every possible way. With two playable Spider-Men, a darker tone, and jaw-dropping visuals, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 stood tall as one of the year’s best games.
10. 2024: Astro Bot
    • Enter Team Asobi’s Astro Bot. Known for their work on Astro’s Playroom, a delightful PS5 pack-in game, Team Asobi has now delivered a full-fledged title that has captured hearts and earned yet another GOTY nomination for PlayStation.

A Legacy of Excellence

Over the past nine years, PlayStation has managed to secure an impressive 13 GOTY nominations at The Game Awards. While this streak highlights Sony’s unmatched ability to deliver critically acclaimed games, it’s worth noting that only two of these titles have actually taken home the ultimate prize:

• 2018: God of War
• 2020: The Last of Us Part II

You could argue that PlayStation’s presence in the nominations often outpaces its ability to win. Is it a case of near-perfection that still lacks a cutting edge? Or is it simply a reflection of the stiff competition that emerges every year?

Either way, these nominations underscore PlayStation’s role as a consistent tastemaker in the gaming industry. While competitors like Nintendo and Xbox shine in their own right, PlayStation’s focus on narrative-driven, blockbuster experiences has clearly paid off.

The Future of PlayStation and Astro Bot’s Shot at Glory

Looking at 2024, Team Asobi’s Astro Bot represents a shift in tone. Unlike many of PlayStation’s mature, story-heavy titles, Astro Bot is playful, vibrant, and joyful—qualities reminiscent of gaming’s golden age. But don’t let its cheerful appearance fool you: Astro Bot is a meticulously crafted experience that pushes boundaries and showcases Team Asobi’s mastery of platforming mechanics.

Will Astro Bot be the game that finally secures PlayStation its third GOTY win? Team Asobi has already proven that it can make standout games, but this is the studio’s first attempt at a full-length blockbuster on this scale. Whether or not it wins, Astro Bot’s nomination solidifies Team Asobi as a rising star within the PlayStation Studios family.

A Decade of Domination—What’s Next?

As PlayStation fans celebrate this incredible streak of nominations, the future looks bright. Studios like Santa Monica, Naughty Dog, Insomniac, Guerrilla Games, and Team Asobi continue to lead the charge, each delivering unforgettable experiences year after year.

With the PlayStation 5 era in full swing, the coming years are sure to bring even more groundbreaking titles that push the boundaries of what games can achieve. Whether it’s sequels to fan-favorites or daring new IPs, PlayStation has set the bar high—and it shows no signs of slowing down.

For now, all eyes are on Astro Bot. If Team Asobi can pull off a win, it would mark yet another milestone in PlayStation’s storied history. Even if it doesn’t, nine consecutive years of GOTY nominations is an achievement worth celebrating—a testament to PlayStation’s enduring excellence in a constantly evolving industry.