I remember the night the Steam Awards 2019 results dropped like it was yesterday. I was sitting at my desk, controller in hand, when the notification pinged—Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice had claimed the throne as Game of the Year. My hands were still sore from my own countless deaths in that brutal masterpiece, each defeat a lesson etched into muscle memory.
The Unexpected Champion's Victory
Watching FromSoftware's latest creation dominate the competition felt like witnessing a sword master dismantle opponents with surgical precision. Sekiro didn't just win—it earned its crown by facing down titans like Resident Evil 2's horrifying reimagination, the Force-wielding adventure of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Destiny 2's ever-expanding universe, and Devil May Cry 5's stylish demon slaying. The game was like a relentless teacher who breaks you down only to rebuild you stronger, and Steam's community recognized that transformative experience.
A Night of Eight Celebrations
The Steam Awards weren't just about one winner, though. I spent hours exploring the eight categories, each one telling a different story about what we gamers valued in 2019. The nomination process started back in November, when I cast my votes alongside millions of others, and by December, the anticipation had built like a slow-burning fuse.
Here's how the evening unfolded:
| Award Category | Winner | My Take |
|---|---|---|
| Game of the Year | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | Absolutely deserved—this game rewired my brain 🧠 |
| VR Game of the Year | Beat Saber | Still the king of rhythm slashing ⚔️ |
| Labor of Love | Grand Theft Auto V | Six years and still going strong 💪 |
| Better With Friends | Risk of Rain 2 | Co-op chaos at its finest 👥 |
| Best Game You Suck At | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | Double winner, double the pain 😅 |
| Most Innovative Gameplay | Death Stranding | Love it or hate it, you can't ignore it 📦 |
| Outstanding Visual Style | Resident Evil 2 | Horror never looked so beautiful 🎨 |
| Outstanding Story-Rich Game | Disco Elysium | A detective story for the ages 🕵️ |
The Immortal Los Santos Legacy
What really caught my attention was Grand Theft Auto V snagging the Labor of Love award. Think about that for a moment—a game released over six years prior, still commanding enough respect and player engagement to win a major category in 2019. It's like watching a classic car that not only refuses to rust but somehow gets shinier with age.
I spoke with a Valve representative who couldn't reveal exact numbers but confirmed what we all suspected: GTA V remained one of Steam's top revenue generators even in 2019. Rockstar Games had essentially created a perpetual motion machine of content and community engagement. Every time I thought the game had peaked, another update would drop, pulling me and thousands of others back into Los Santos's sun-soaked chaos.
My Personal Gaming Cathedral
But here's where things get personal. While Sekiro rightfully claimed the crown, my own Game of the Year journey was more complicated. I spent approximately 127 hours dying in Sekiro—yes, I tracked it because I'm that kind of person—but something about Disco Elysium's narrative brilliance haunted me in ways no sword fight could.
Seeing Disco Elysium win Outstanding Story-Rich Game felt like validation for those of us who believe games can be more than reflex tests—they can be philosophical explorations, character studies, and social commentary wrapped in interactive packages. The game was like a novel that read you back, adjusting and responding to every choice with meaningful consequences.
Looking Toward 2020's Horizon
As 2019 closed its chapter, I couldn't help but feel the electric anticipation for what lay ahead. The gaming landscape of 2020 was shaping up to be legendary. Two names dominated every conversation I had:
-
Cyberpunk 2077: CD Projekt Red's vision of a dystopian future that seemed simultaneously terrifying and irresistible 🌃
-
Final Fantasy VII Remake: Square Enix reimagining one of gaming's most beloved classics with modern technology 🗡️
These weren't just games—they were cultural events waiting to happen. I remember discussing with fellow gamers how the 2020 Steam Awards would likely be one of the most competitive years in recent memory.
The Community's Voice Matters
What made these Steam Awards special was the democratic nature of the process. Unlike industry-voted ceremonies, this was us—the players—having our say. Over November and December, millions of votes poured in, each one representing someone's personal gaming journey, their triumphs, frustrations, and joy.
Beat Saber winning VR Game of the Year? That was thousands of people physically sweating in their living rooms, slicing through blocks to electronic beats. Risk of Rain 2 taking Better With Friends? That represented countless late-night sessions where friendships were tested and strengthened through alien hordes.
Reflections on a Gaming Year
Looking back at The Steam Awards 2019, I see more than just a list of winners. I see a snapshot of where we were as a gaming community—celebrating difficulty (Sekiro winning two categories!), acknowledging longevity (GTA V's continued dominance), and embracing innovation (Death Stranding's divisive but undeniably unique approach).
My controller sits beside me now, slightly worn from the year's adventures. Each scuff mark tells a story—a boss defeated after the twentieth attempt, a puzzle finally solved at 3 AM, a multiplayer victory that had me jumping from my chair.
Sekiro's victory felt right because it represented what gaming can be at its best: challenging, fair, and utterly rewarding. Every death taught me something new, every victory felt genuinely earned. That's the magic FromSoftware captured, and that's why Steam's community crowned it king.
As I loaded up my game library that night, scrolling past all the incredible titles from 2019, I couldn't help but smile. We were gamers in a golden age, and The Steam Awards 2019 was our community standing up to say, "Yes, this is what we love. This is what gaming means to us."
And honestly? I couldn't have agreed more. 🎮
If you want to experience Sekiro's punishing yet rewarding combat yourself, you can buy Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice CD Key on DealNest.
