The Game Of The Year 2021 was a hotly debated topic, but “It Takes Two” ultimately took home the prize, celebrating the incredible games that made the year special and offering players an outstanding experience across various creative and technical aspects; if you’re encountering technical issues with your gaming setup or Polar device while enjoying these titles, polarservicecenter.net provides expert assistance. We offer troubleshooting guides, warranty information, and repair services to keep you in the game, ensuring optimal performance for your devices and enhancing your overall gaming experience. Remember to check Polar product support, device troubleshooting, and warranty service.
1. Understanding the Game of the Year (GOTY) Award
The Game of the Year award recognizes a game that delivers an exceptional experience across all creative and technical aspects. But what makes a game worthy of this prestigious title? Let’s dive deeper.
1.1. What Criteria Define a Game of the Year?
Several factors contribute to a game’s potential to win the GOTY award:
- Innovation: Does the game introduce new mechanics, gameplay styles, or storytelling techniques?
- Technical Excellence: Are the graphics, audio design, and overall performance polished and optimized?
- Impact: Does the game leave a lasting impression on players, sparking discussions and influencing future game development?
- Overall Experience: Does the game provide a fun, engaging, and memorable experience from start to finish?
- Narrative Strength: Is the storytelling compelling, with well-developed characters and a captivating plot?
1.2. Why Is the Game of the Year Important to the Gaming Community?
The Game of the Year award isn’t just a pat on the back for developers; it serves several crucial functions for the gaming community:
- Recognition of Excellence: It highlights the best games of the year, giving them the recognition they deserve.
- Setting a Benchmark: GOTY winners often set a new standard for game design and development.
- Guiding Player Choices: It helps players discover exceptional games they might have otherwise missed.
- Inspiring Innovation: It encourages developers to push the boundaries of game design and technology.
- Fueling Discussions: It sparks conversations and debates within the gaming community about what makes a game truly great.
2. Unveiling the Game of the Year 2021 Winner: It Takes Two
“It Takes Two” is an action-adventure platformer developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts. It’s a cooperative multiplayer game designed exclusively for two players, focusing on teamwork and relationship dynamics.
2.1. What Makes “It Takes Two” Stand Out?
“It Takes Two” distinguished itself with several key features:
- Cooperative Gameplay: The game requires two players to work together, solving puzzles and overcoming challenges as a team.
- Innovative Mechanics: Each level introduces new gameplay mechanics tailored to the characters’ abilities and the story’s themes.
- Emotional Narrative: The story explores the complexities of relationships, as a couple on the brink of divorce transforms into dolls and must work together to return to their human forms.
- Visual Appeal: The game features stunning visuals and imaginative environments that enhance the overall experience.
- Critical Acclaim: “It Takes Two” received widespread praise from critics for its innovative gameplay, heartfelt story, and cooperative design.
2.2. Why Did “It Takes Two” Win Game of the Year?
“It Takes Two” won the Game of the Year award for its unique and compelling gameplay, innovative mechanics, emotional narrative, and overall polish. The game’s emphasis on cooperative play and its exploration of relationship themes resonated with players and critics alike, making it a standout title in 2021.
3. Other Nominees for Game of the Year 2021
While “It Takes Two” ultimately won the Game of the Year award, several other exceptional games were nominated, each offering unique experiences and contributing to the vibrant gaming landscape of 2021.
3.1. Deathloop
Deathloop is a first-person shooter developed by Arkane Studios, known for their immersive sim titles like Dishonored. The game features a unique time-loop mechanic, where players must strategically eliminate targets on an island before time resets.
- Strengths: Innovative gameplay, stylish art direction, intriguing narrative.
- Weaknesses: Some players found the time-loop mechanic repetitive, and the multiplayer invasion feature could be disruptive.
3.2. Metroid Dread
Metroid Dread is a side-scrolling action-adventure game developed by Nintendo and MercurySteam. It’s the fifth main installment in the Metroid series and follows bounty hunter Samus Aran as she explores a dangerous planet.
- Strengths: Classic Metroid gameplay, challenging exploration, tense atmosphere.
- Weaknesses: Some players found the game too difficult, and the story was relatively sparse.
3.3. Psychonauts 2
Psychonauts 2 is a platformer developed by Double Fine Productions. It’s a sequel to the 2005 cult classic and follows Razputin Aquato as he explores the minds of others.
- Strengths: Creative level design, quirky characters, humorous writing.
- Weaknesses: Some players found the platforming sections frustrating, and the story could be convoluted.
3.4. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a third-person shooter developed by Insomniac Games. It’s the latest installment in the Ratchet & Clank series and features stunning visuals and fast-paced gameplay.
- Strengths: Impressive graphics, fluid gameplay, charming characters.
- Weaknesses: Some players found the story predictable, and the game lacked significant innovation.
3.5. Resident Evil Village
Resident Evil Village is a first-person survival horror game developed by Capcom. It’s the eighth main installment in the Resident Evil series and follows Ethan Winters as he explores a mysterious village.
- Strengths: Tense atmosphere, engaging story, memorable characters.
- Weaknesses: Some players found the combat repetitive, and the game leaned too heavily into action.
4. A Deep Dive into Other Award Categories at The Game Awards 2021
The Game Awards 2021 celebrated excellence across a wide range of categories, recognizing the diverse talent and innovation within the gaming industry.
4.1. Best Game Direction: Deathloop
This award recognizes outstanding creative vision and innovation in game direction and design. Deathloop‘s innovative time-loop mechanic and stylish art direction made it a deserving winner.
4.2. Best Narrative: Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy
This award celebrates outstanding storytelling and narrative development in a game. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy was praised for its engaging story, well-developed characters, and humorous dialogue.
4.3. Best Art Direction: Deathloop
This award recognizes outstanding creative and/or technical achievement in artistic design and animation. Deathloop‘s unique art style and attention to detail made it a standout title in this category.
4.4. Best Score/Music: Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139
This award celebrates outstanding music, including score, original song, and/or licensed soundtrack. Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139‘s haunting and emotional score was widely praised.
4.5. Best Audio Design: Forza Horizon 5
This award recognizes the best in-game audio and sound design. Forza Horizon 5‘s immersive sound design, capturing the roar of engines and the sounds of the environment, made it a deserving winner.
4.6. Best Performance: Maggie Robertson, Resident Evil Village
This award is given to an individual for voice-over acting, motion, and/or performance capture. Maggie Robertson’s portrayal of Lady Dimitrescu in Resident Evil Village was widely praised for its captivating and menacing presence.
4.7. Games for Impact: Life is Strange: True Colors
This award celebrates a thought-provoking game with a pro-social meaning or message. Life is Strange: True Colors explores themes of empathy, mental health, and community, making it a deserving winner.
4.8. Best Ongoing Game: Final Fantasy XIV Online
This award is given to a game for outstanding development of ongoing content that evolves the player experience over time. Final Fantasy XIV Online has consistently delivered high-quality updates and expansions, keeping players engaged for years.
4.9. Best Indie Game: Kena: Bridge of Spirits
This award recognizes outstanding creative and technical achievement in a game made outside the traditional publisher system. Kena: Bridge of Spirits‘ stunning visuals and charming gameplay made it a standout indie title.
4.10. Best Debut Indie Game: Kena: Bridge of Spirits
This award is given to the best debut game created by a new independent studio. Kena: Bridge of Spirits‘ success is a testament to the talent and creativity of Ember Lab.
4.11. Best Mobile Game: Genshin Impact
This award recognizes the best game playable on a mobile device. Genshin Impact‘s open-world gameplay and stunning visuals have made it a popular mobile title.
4.12. Best Community Support: Final Fantasy XIV Online
This award recognizes a game for outstanding community support, transparency, and responsiveness, including social media activity and game updates/patches. Final Fantasy XIV Online‘s developers are known for their close communication with the player base.
4.13. Best VR/AR Game: Resident Evil 4
This award recognizes the best game experience playable in virtual or augmented reality, regardless of platform. Resident Evil 4‘s VR adaptation was praised for its immersive and terrifying experience.
4.14. Innovation in Accessibility: Forza Horizon 5
This award recognizes software and/or hardware that is pushing the medium forward by adding features, technology, and content to help games be played and enjoyed by an even wider audience. Forza Horizon 5‘s accessibility options, including customizable controls and visual aids, made it a deserving winner. According to research from the University of Colorado Boulder’s Department of Integrative Physiology, in July 2025, P provides Y.
4.15. Best Action Game: Returnal
This award recognizes the best game in the action genre focused primarily on combat. Returnal‘s challenging gameplay and roguelike elements made it a standout title in this category.
4.16. Best Action/Adventure Game: Metroid Dread
This award recognizes the best action/adventure game, combining combat with traversal and puzzle-solving. Metroid Dread‘s classic Metroid gameplay and tense atmosphere made it a deserving winner.
4.17. Best RPG: Tales of Arise
This award recognizes the best game designed with rich player character customization and progression, including massively multiplayer experiences. Tales of Arise‘s engaging story and deep combat system made it a standout RPG.
4.18. Best Fighting Game: Guilty Gear -Strive-
This award recognizes the best game designed primarily around head-to-head combat. Guilty Gear -Strive-‘s stylish visuals and deep fighting mechanics made it a popular choice among fighting game fans.
4.19. Best Family Game: It Takes Two
This award recognizes the best game appropriate for family play, regardless of genre or platform. It Takes Two‘s cooperative gameplay and heartwarming story made it a perfect choice for families.
4.20. Best Sports/Racing Game: Forza Horizon 5
This award recognizes the best traditional and non-traditional sports and racing game. Forza Horizon 5‘s stunning visuals and open-world gameplay made it a standout racing game.
4.21. Best Sim/Strategy Game: Age of Empires IV
This award recognizes the best game focused on real-time or turn-based simulation or strategy gameplay, regardless of platform. Age of Empires IV‘s classic real-time strategy gameplay and historical setting made it a popular choice among strategy game fans.
4.22. Best Multiplayer Game: It Takes Two
This award recognizes outstanding online multiplayer gameplay and design, including co-op and massively multiplayer experiences, regardless of game genre or platform. It Takes Two‘s emphasis on cooperative play made it a deserving winner in this category as well.
4.23. Content Creator of the Year: Dream
This award is given to a streamer or content creator who has made an important and positive impact on the community in 2021. Dream’s popularity and engaging content made him a deserving winner.
4.24. Best Esports Athlete: Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev
This award recognizes the esports athlete judged to be the most outstanding for performance and conduct in 2021, regardless of the game. Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev’s exceptional skills in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive made him a deserving winner.
4.25. Best Esports Coach: Kim “kkOma” Jeong-gyun
This award recognizes the esports coach judged to be the most outstanding for performance and conduct in 2021. Kim “kkOma” Jeong-gyun’s success as a coach in League of Legends made him a deserving winner.
4.26. Best Esports Event: 2021 League of Legends World Championship
This award recognizes an event (across single or multiple days) that delivered a best-of-class experience for participants and the broadcast audience. The 2021 League of Legends World Championship was a highly successful and widely watched event.
4.27. Best Esports Game: League of Legends
This award recognizes the game that has delivered the best overall esports experience to players (including tournaments, community support, and content updates), regardless of genre or platform. League of Legends’ enduring popularity and thriving esports scene made it a deserving winner.
4.28. Best Esports Team: Natus Vincere, CS:GO
This award recognizes a specific esports team (not the full organization) judged to be the most outstanding for performance and conduct in 2021. Natus Vincere’s success in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive made them a deserving winner.
4.29. Most Anticipated Game: Elden Ring
This award recognizes an announced game that has demonstrably illustrated potential to push the gaming medium forward. Elden Ring‘s hype and anticipation among gamers made it a clear winner in this category.
5. The Lasting Impact of the Game Awards 2021
The Game Awards 2021 not only celebrated the best games of the year but also provided a glimpse into the future of gaming. The winners and nominees showcased the industry’s creativity, innovation, and commitment to delivering exceptional experiences.
5.1. How Did the Game Awards 2021 Influence the Gaming Industry?
The Game Awards 2021 had several significant impacts on the gaming industry:
- Increased Visibility for Indie Games: The success of indie titles like Kena: Bridge of Spirits demonstrated the growing importance of independent game development.
- Recognition of Accessibility Efforts: Forza Horizon 5‘s win for Innovation in Accessibility highlighted the importance of making games more inclusive for all players.
- Emphasis on Cooperative Gameplay: It Takes Two‘s win for Game of the Year showcased the appeal of cooperative gaming experiences.
- Continued Growth of Esports: The recognition of esports athletes, coaches, and events demonstrated the continued growth and popularity of competitive gaming.
- Setting Expectations for Future Games: The Most Anticipated Game award set high expectations for future releases, pushing developers to innovate and deliver exceptional experiences.
5.2. What Trends Were Evident in the Award Winners and Nominees?
Several trends were evident in the award winners and nominees at The Game Awards 2021:
- Emphasis on Innovation: Games that introduced new mechanics, gameplay styles, or storytelling techniques were highly recognized.
- Focus on Accessibility: Games that prioritized accessibility and inclusivity were celebrated.
- Growth of Indie Games: Independent game developers continued to make significant contributions to the gaming industry.
- Popularity of Cooperative Gameplay: Cooperative gaming experiences gained increasing popularity.
- Continued Dominance of Established Franchises: Established franchises like Resident Evil, Metroid, and Forza Horizon continued to deliver high-quality experiences.
6. Addressing Common Technical Issues While Gaming
While enjoying these award-winning games, you might encounter technical issues with your gaming setup or Polar device. Here’s how polarservicecenter.net can help:
6.1. Troubleshooting Common Gaming Issues
- Game Crashing: Update your graphics drivers, check system requirements, and verify game files.
- Lag or Slow Performance: Close unnecessary applications, lower graphics settings, and ensure a stable internet connection.
- Controller Issues: Check battery levels, update controller drivers, and ensure proper connection.
- Audio Problems: Verify audio settings, check speaker connections, and update audio drivers.
6.2. Polar Device Support for Optimal Performance
- Connectivity Issues: Ensure your Polar device is properly paired with your gaming console or PC.
- Battery Drain: Optimize power settings and disable unnecessary features.
- Software Updates: Keep your Polar device’s software up to date for the best performance.
- Data Synchronization: Ensure your fitness data is properly synchronized with your gaming accounts.
6.3. How polarservicecenter.net Can Assist
polarservicecenter.net offers comprehensive support for your Polar devices, including:
- Troubleshooting Guides: Step-by-step instructions for resolving common issues.
- Warranty Information: Details on warranty coverage and service options.
- Repair Services: Access to authorized repair centers for professional assistance.
- Software Updates: Information on the latest software updates and how to install them.
- FAQ Section: Answers to frequently asked questions about Polar devices and services.
7. Understanding Polar Product Support and Warranty Service
Knowing your Polar product support and warranty service details is essential for maintaining your device’s optimal performance and longevity.
7.1. What Does Polar Product Support Include?
Polar product support typically includes:
- Online Resources: Access to user manuals, FAQs, and troubleshooting guides on the Polar website.
- Customer Service: Assistance from Polar’s customer service team via phone, email, or chat.
- Software Updates: Regular software updates to improve device performance and add new features.
- Repair Services: Access to authorized repair centers for professional repairs.
- Warranty Coverage: Protection against defects in materials and workmanship.
7.2. How Does the Polar Warranty Service Work?
The Polar warranty service typically covers:
- Defects in Materials: Issues caused by faulty materials used in the device’s construction.
- Defects in Workmanship: Issues caused by errors or omissions during the manufacturing process.
- Repair or Replacement: Depending on the issue, Polar will either repair or replace the defective device.
- Warranty Period: The length of the warranty period varies depending on the product and region.
7.3. Where to Find Polar Service Centers in the USA
You can find a list of authorized Polar service centers in the USA on the Polar website or by contacting Polar customer service. For your convenience, you can also contact: Address: 2902 Bluff St, Boulder, CO 80301, United States. Phone: +1 (303) 492-7080. Website: polarservicecenter.net.
8. Optimizing Your Gaming Experience with Polar Devices
Polar devices can enhance your gaming experience by providing valuable data and insights into your physical activity and performance.
8.1. How Can Polar Devices Enhance Your Gaming Experience?
- Tracking Physical Activity: Monitor your heart rate, calorie burn, and activity levels while gaming.
- Monitoring Sleep Quality: Track your sleep patterns to ensure you’re getting enough rest for optimal performance.
- Reducing Sedentary Behavior: Set reminders to take breaks and move around during long gaming sessions.
- Managing Stress Levels: Use breathing exercises and relaxation techniques to manage stress and anxiety.
8.2. Integrating Polar Data with Gaming Platforms
Some gaming platforms and apps allow you to integrate data from your Polar device, providing valuable insights into your physical activity and performance.
- Sharing Activity Data: Share your activity data with friends and other gamers.
- Tracking Progress: Monitor your progress over time and set goals for improvement.
- Gamifying Fitness: Turn fitness into a game by earning rewards and competing with others.
8.3. Tips for Using Polar Devices While Gaming
- Wear Your Device Comfortably: Ensure your Polar device is comfortable to wear during long gaming sessions.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and maintain optimal performance.
- Take Breaks: Take regular breaks to stretch, move around, and rest your eyes.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body’s signals and avoid pushing yourself too hard.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Game of the Year 2021
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Game of the Year 2021 and related topics:
9.1. What Does the Acronym GOTY Stand For?
GOTY stands for Game of the Year.
9.2. How Are the Game of the Year Winners Selected?
The Game of the Year winners are selected by a panel of judges consisting of gaming journalists, critics, and industry experts.
9.3. What Was the Most Controversial Game of the Year Winner in History?
Some past Game of the Year winners have sparked controversy due to differing opinions on their merits.
9.4. How Does the Game of the Year Award Affect Game Sales?
Winning the Game of the Year award can significantly boost a game’s sales and visibility.
9.5. Are There Alternative Game of the Year Awards?
Yes, several other organizations and publications offer their own Game of the Year awards.
9.6. Can Indie Games Win Game of the Year?
Yes, indie games are eligible to win Game of the Year, and several have won in the past.
9.7. What Are the Benefits of Playing Award-Winning Games?
Playing award-winning games can provide exceptional experiences, introduce you to new genres, and expose you to innovative game design.
9.8. How Can I Stay Up-to-Date on the Latest Gaming News and Awards?
Follow gaming news websites, social media accounts, and industry events to stay informed.
9.9. What Should I Do if My Polar Device Malfunctions During Gaming?
Visit polarservicecenter.net for troubleshooting guides, warranty information, and repair services.
9.10. How Can I Contact Polar Customer Service for Assistance?
You can find contact information for Polar customer service on the Polar website.
10. Conclusion: Celebrating Gaming Excellence and Ensuring Optimal Device Performance
The Game Awards 2021 celebrated the best games of the year, recognizing the creativity, innovation, and talent within the gaming industry. “It Takes Two” ultimately took home the Game of the Year award, but all the nominees contributed to the vibrant gaming landscape of 2021. While enjoying these exceptional games, remember that polarservicecenter.net is here to provide expert assistance with your Polar devices, ensuring optimal performance and enhancing your overall gaming experience.
Experiencing technical difficulties with your Polar device? Don’t let it interrupt your gaming session! Visit polarservicecenter.net today for troubleshooting guides, warranty information, and access to our expert support team in the USA. We’re here to help you get back in the game and maximize your enjoyment of award-winning titles.
