The Game Critics Awards were a set of annual awards held after the E3 video game conference since 1998. The awards were given to products displayed at E3 with the title Best of E3 of their category. The 21st Annual Game Critics Awards was showcased for the final time in 2019, four years before E3 was permanently discontinued.

Format

The nominees and winners of the awards were chosen by individual judges representing 35 (as of 2011) major North American media outlets. The awards were given independently of the Expo's organizers.

Current categories

Note on "all systems" as platform: Because games shown at E3 may still be in development, the platforms for which the game is published might differ.

Best of Show

Best Original Game

Best Console Game

Best PC Game

Best Handheld Game

Best Peripheral/Hardware

Best Action Game

Best Action/Adventure Game

Best Role Playing Game

Best Racing Game

Best Sports Game

Best Fighting Game

Best Strategy Game

(Real-Time or Turn-Based)

Best Social/Casual/Puzzle/Family Game

Best Online Multiplayer

Best Independent Game

Best VR/AR Game

Best Ongoing Game

Special Commendation for Graphics, Sound or Innovation

Discontinued categories

Best Downloadable Game

Best Motion Simulation Game

Best Simulation Game

(Combat, Flight, Non-Combat)

Best Platformer

Most Promising New Game

Best Booth

Best Party