The Golden Joystick Awards, one of the gaming world's most celebrated annual events, delivered a night of triumph for Capcom's survival horror juggernaut Resident Evil Requiem, which walked away with four major trophies, including the coveted ultimate game of the year title.
A Franchise Still at Its Peak
Released in February, Resident Evil Requiem represents the latest chapter in a franchise that has grown far beyond gaming since its debut three decades ago, spawning novels, Hollywood films, and television adaptations along the way. The game's victory at Wednesday's ceremony underscored that the series remains a cultural force capable of captivating both longtime fans and newcomers.
The title secured 17 percent of the public vote to claim ultimate game of the year, beating out stiff competition from Phantom Blade Zero, Crimson Desert, Control Resonant, and The Blood of Dawnwalker. It also took home console game of the year, best game trailer for its chilling 'Evil Has Always Had A Name' spot, and best lead performer for Angela Sant'Albano.
A New Hero Takes Center Stage
Sant'Albano's win celebrated her portrayal of Grace Ashcroft, an FBI agent introduced as a fresh protagonist in the series. Alongside returning favourite Leon S. Kennedy, Ashcroft navigates familiar and haunted locations, including the iconic Raccoon City police department, while unraveling a string of mysterious deaths.
Capcom itself was honoured as studio of the year, with the Japanese developer also earning recognition for other projects, including Onimusha: Way of the Sword and Pragmata.
Indie Darling and Industry Recognition
Across 25 categories, 22 of which were decided by gamers worldwide, the indie scene made its mark. Meccha Chameleon, a multiplayer hide-and-seek game where players paint themselves to blend into their surroundings while evading hunters, claimed four prizes: streamers' choice, developers' choice, best multiplayer game, and best indie game self-published.
Critics' choice went to Big Walk, a cooperative online title from Australian studio House House. The win came amid controversy this week after reports emerged that the studio used generative AI during the final stages of development without disclosing it at launch. House House stated the tool was used to produce only a small amount of code.
The Full List of Winners
- Best Audio Design: Onimusha: Way of the Sword
- Best Game Expansion: Doom: The Dark Ages
- Best Indie Game Self-Published: Meccha Chameleon
- Still Playing, Consoles and PC: Minecraft
- Best Game Trailer: Resident Evil Requiem, Evil Has Always Had A Name
- Best Remake or Remaster: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered
- Best Supporting Performer: Grace Saif as Diana, Pragmata
- Best Lead Performer: Angela Sant'Albano as Grace Ashcroft, Resident Evil Requiem
- Console Game of the Year: Resident Evil Requiem
- Ultimate Game of the Year: Resident Evil Requiem
The night belonged to a franchise that, thirty years on, continues to reinvent itself while honouring its roots, proving that survival horror still has plenty of life left in it.