The year is coming to a close and soon, we’ll be crowning a new Game of the Year courtesy of The Game Awards happening on December 10. God of War took home the prestigious award back in 2018, beating out the likes of Monster Hunter: World, Marvel’s Spider-Man, and Red Dead Redemption 2. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice won last year, edging out tough contenders like Death Stranding, Resident Evil 2, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

2020 saw a LOT of fantastic games, but there can only be a handful that will be nominated to be in contention for the biggest award of the year. Got your predictions? Here’s our short list!

Final Fantasy VII Remake

Who doesn’t include FF7R in their lists? Those savages! Seriously though, the Remake was great and what’s more impressive is the fact that despite a Remake, overhauling a ton of systems, and even fleshing out the story, it turned out pretty good I would say. Probably an severe understatement, but you get it.

Ghost of Tsushima

I think most would have expected Ghost of Tsushima to be a hit, but almost nobody expected it to be THIS big of a hit. The game probably defied a lot of expectations, and with the addition of the superb multiplayer mode Legends (for FREE), it really just cements its place as a rightful addition to this list.

Hades

The surprise of the bunch, Hades burst into the scene with such impact that within a few days of its release, almost everybody was singing praises of this possible GotY contender. It’s a roguelike for people who don’t like roguelikes, and it says a lot that it can turn around opinions of players who don’t like the genre in the first place.

The Last of Us Part II

Some would call this a shoo-in for the award, but the game was so polarizing that it has been nothing but divisive ever since it was released. Whether you loved it or hated it for whatever reason, you can’t deny that a game such as The Last of Us Part II that elicits such emotions is definitely one for the books.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

When a game becomes the second best selling game of the Switch within months of its release, you know it’s gotta be a good one. It was even awarded the Game of the Year from the Tokyo Game Show. Will Animal Crossing: New Horizons win The Game Awards as well?

Doom Eternal

Doom may not have won during 2016 despite being nominated, but its follow up in Doom Eternal is here as backup. Building on the first game, Doomguy is back and with the Crucible in his arsenal, 2020 could be the year that this shooter finally gets what it deserves.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps

One of the most beautiful games of the year? Check. Perfect scores across the board from critics and players alike? Check. A follow up that improves upon a phenomenal first outing? Check. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is in some fine company, but can definitely stand tall among the giants.

Honorable mention: Half-Life: Alyx

Think we missed anything else? Let us know your thoughts on who you think should win Game of the Year!