Despite some believing that the release of Elden Ring overshadowed it, Horizon Forbidden West has still proven to be an incredibly well-received game by both fans and critics. The continuation of Aloy's story sees great improvements from Horizon Zero Dawn in everything from graphics to gameplay. Sony has clearly taken note of the game's success, as Horizon Forbidden West was the first game to get an official PS5 bundle. It seems as well that some awards shows are already eyeing up Horizon Forbidden West as a game of the year contender.Usually, gaming awards shows like the BAFTAs or The Game Awards would wait until early 2023 or late 2022 to announce the best games of this year. However, it seems the Develop: Brighton conference doesn't care much for traditions, as it has already given out its nominations and granted awards in categories such as Best Narrative, Best Audio, Best Game Design, and Best Game for 2022. Horizon Forbidden West picked up the win for multiple awards, but what is likely most interesting is that it was crowned as the Best Game.The Develop: Brighton conference is an event specifically designed for game developers, with the awards being decided on by a board made up from various studios, meaning that game creators get to decide on the best games from their own perspective. As well as picking up the Best Game award, Horizon Forbidden West was also crowned the winner for Best Visual Art, giving Guerrilla Games two major trophies long before any other gaming awards shows will take place.
Most of the games at the conference launched in 2021, as it was celebrating titles from the past 12 months rather than specifically giving awards to 2022 releases. Sony titles picked up a few other wins with Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart receiving the Best Technical Innovation award and timed PS5 exclusive Deathloop winning for Best Original IP. Unpacking, a game where the player slowly opens boxes to reveal more about the character and their lives, was seen as a title that was snubbed at The Game Awards. However, it was granted the Best Game Design award at the Develop: Brighton conference.
It may seem early for Horizon Forbidden West to be picking up a Game of the Year award, considering that 2022 is barely halfway over. However, back in February gamers were already debating Game of the Year contenders, with titles like Elden Ring, Pokemon Legends: Arceus, and Horizon Forbidden West being labeled as possible winners. With God of War: Ragnarok, Bayonetta 3, and other major releases coming later in 2022, it seems the Game of the Year contenders will have a tough battle ahead.
Horizon Forbidden West is available now on PS4 and PS5.