Gaming
The Game Awards 2020 Rundown
The winner rundown!
This year, despite all the hell, we’ve witnessed game developers, gamers, and esports develop, support, and play stunning artistry. For this year, more than ever, people turned to games to connect with friends and loved ones. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to find good games, creators, and pros make it to The Game Awards 2020. Here’s the quick rundown:
Game of the Year (and more): The Last of Us Part 2
The Last of Us Part 2 won big this year with 6 wins and the main award: Game of the Year, Best Game Direction, Best Narrative, Best Audio Design, Innovation in Accessibility, and Best Action/Adventure Game. Also, Laura Baily who played Abby in the game won Best Performance. The stunning action-adventure survival game set in post-apocalyptic America dabbles into haunting loss and ruthless realities. If you haven’t played it, it’s something you’ll need to get into during the holidays to catch up with the hype.
Best Art Direction: Ghost of Tsushima
With everyone hoping this title would win this year, considering nominations for most categories alongside The Last of Us Part 2, Ghost of Tsushima is a jaw-dropping action-adventure set during the first Mongol invasion in Japan. You play as a samurai whose quest is to protect the island of Tsushima. This was a strong competitor for Game of the Year with its eye-gasmic open world and incomparably gorgeous gameplay.
Best RPG and Score/Music: Final Fantasy VII Remake
Are we really surprised with this one? Final Fantasy VII Remake brought the nostalgia, gameplay, and tear-jerking music into our systems and made us feel safe and okay amid the world burning down around us. No? just us? Okay. Winning both best RPG and Musical Score, Final Fantasy VII Remake outdid themselves on their release.
Best Indie Game and Best Action Game: Hades
Hades is a rogue action role-playing game developed and published by Supergiant Games. The rogue-like dungeon crawler lets you defy the god of the dead and hack and slash your way out of the Underworld. This game is fun and addictive, perfect as a holiday gift for casual players and gamers alike.
Best Multiplayer Game and Best Mobile Game: Among Us
If you’ve managed to never see 1000+ IQ games on this game from multiple top content creators across different platforms, you’re missing out. Among Us is an online multiplayer social deduction game developed and published by American game studio Innersloth. The game makes and breaks friendships but, it’s playing and catching imposters that’s got everyone hooked.
Games for Impact: Tell Me Why
Tell Me Why is an episodic narrative adventure game where you piece together memories between twins and decide whose story to believe, acting on what you think is the truth and impacting the people around you. The game dabbles into Tlingit culture and features Tlingit characters.
Best Ongoing Game: No Man’s Sky
Following last year’s winner, Fornite, No Man’s Sky’s open universe exploration-survival gameplay managed to encapsulate the curiosity and adventurous side of every gamer who came across it. With the game letting you recklessly roam planets and universes outside our homes, it let us explore without risking lives.
Best Debut Game: Phasmophobia
If you haven’t played Phasmophobia with your friends while screaming ghost names or dying, then you missed out on a lot. This indie co-op psychological horror game developed by Kinetic Games lets you explore haunted homes and investigate each spot with ghost hunting tools and ghost hunting (terrified) friends.
Best Community Support: Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout
Of course, we would find this adorable platformer battle royale game in the awards. How could we not? Released in early August, Fall Guys developed by Devolver Digital took the internet by storm. The game lets you rush through obstacles and team games all while decked out in cute skins and outfits.
Best VR/AR Game: Half-Life: Alyx
And, the Half-Life 3 jokes continue. Half-Life: Alyx is a first-person shooter survival game where you get to play Alyx Vance. She and her father fight an alien empire that has conquered earth. The game takes place before the return of Gordon Freeman in Half-Life 2
Best Fighting Game: Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate
Do not play this game with minors. I say that with good reason. Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate doesn’t come from the same adorable collation of characters as last year’s winner. This instalment of Mortal Kombat ups the morbid graphics and mechanics giving players the best fighting game when needing catharsis rom a tough day.
Best Family Game: Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons could have very well won the Game of the Year in all our hearts as it helped millions hang out and play with their friends and loved ones earlier in lockdowns across the globe. The social simulation game kept us all sane in more ways than Nintendo could have imagined, making this one of the most memorable games of 2020
Best Sim/Strategy Game: Microsoft Flight Simulator
The Microsoft Flight Simulator is an amateur flight simulator program with the longest-running, best-known, and most comprehensive home flight simulator ever. The game lets you take off, fly, and land just like you would in real life. You’ll need to learn to navigate your way through flight controls, and across the globe to leave and arrive safely.
Best Sports/Racing Game: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 is a brilliantly immersive skateboarding game that lets players do aerials, flips, and tricks. The game features trick points to let players get creative along the way. It also helps to bring the nostalgia of being able to freely skateboard outdoors without scraping your knees.
Content Creator of the Year: Valkyrae
Valkyrae is an American Youtuber and Streamer who used to work at GameStop and transitioned into streaming. She is the first female gamer and content creator of 100 Thieves and is a strong advocate for women in online gaming, esports, and gaming as a whole.
Esports rundown
Under the esports categories, The Game Awards skimped on new talents and new esports games and communities this year but that’s doesn’t mean these talents are any less deserving of the awards they won. Here are The Game Award’s two-time winners:
Best Esports Event: League of Legends World Championship 2020
Best Esports Game: League of Legends
Best Esports Coach: Danny “Zonic” Sorensen (Counter-Strike: Global Offensive)
Best Esports Host: Eefje “Sjokz” Depoortere
Best Esports Team: G2 Esports (League of Legends)
With one new addition to the category:
Best Esports Athlete: Heo “Showmaker” Su (League of Legends)
Riot Games is celebrating the return of virtual K-pop group K/DA with new music, exclusive skins, and major gameplay updates in League of Legends: Wild Rift Patch 7.3.
After a six-year hiatus, K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER, the group’s newest track and the title track of an EP featuring three additional songs. The release marks a new chapter for the virtual group, which brings its latest musical era to the mobile MOBA through the new HEATBRINGER skinline.
To celebrate the comeback, Riot Games hosted FIRE IT UP: The K/DA Comeback Party in the Philippines. The event brought fans together for a listening party featuring music from across Riot Games’ virtual acts, live Wild Rift gameplay, community activities, and exclusive photo opportunities.
Attendees also experienced live AAA ARAM matches featuring gameplay disruptions and augments inspired by Riot Games’ musical universe, including HEARTSTEEL, Pentakill, and TRUE DAMAGE.
K/DA returns with new HEATBRINGER skins
The K/DA comeback introduces the HEATBRINGER skinline, featuring new looks for the group’s four original members: Ahri, Akali, Evelynn, and Kai’Sa.
The skins give the champions a new visual identity inspired by K/DA’s latest musical era, with fiery red and white elements that bring their stage presence to the Rift.
The collection also includes Prestige K/DA HEATBRINGER Evelynn.
The new skins are exclusive to Wild Rift and are scheduled to launch on November 4, 2026.
The comeback extends beyond the cosmetics. With FIRESTARTER and its accompanying EP now available on major music streaming platforms, K/DA’s return brings together Riot Games’ music and gaming communities.
Wild Rift Patch 7.3 overhauls marksmen and item builds
Beyond the K/DA celebration, Patch 7.3 introduces significant gameplay changes that reshape champion builds, jungle strategies, and objective control.
One of the biggest changes targets marksmen, giving critical-strike builds more room to scale. Base critical-strike damage increases from 175% to 200%, while the attack-speed cap rises from 2.5 to 3 attacks per second.
Several marksmen also receive individual adjustments, including Ezreal, Kai’Sa, Twitch, Lucian, Caitlyn, Draven, Miss Fortune, Samira, Zeri, Jinx, Vayne, and Ashe.
The item system gets an overhaul to support these changes. Players can explore new or redesigned options, including Hexoptics, Yun Tal Wildarrows, Fiendhuler Bolts, Stormrazor, Rapid Firecannon, and Immortal Shieldbow.
Lifesteal also receives changes intended to support basic attacks, on-hit damage, and abilities treated as basic attacks.
Support items are part of the update, too. Echoes of Helia is positioned toward offensive supports who want to convert damage into healing, while Ardent Censer, Staff of Flowing Water, and Harmonic Echo also receive changes.
Jungle changes reward efficient farming
Patch 7.3 also changes how junglers approach the early and mid-game.
The updated jungle system rewards consistent camp clearing with bonus gold and introduces a catch-up mechanic for junglers who fall behind. This reduces the pressure to constantly gank and encourages players to balance farming with opportunities to assist their teammates.
Clearing camps also progresses Ecosystem Protection stacks, allowing Smite to scale from 600 to 1,000 and eventually 1,400 true damage.
These changes make efficient farming more important when preparing to secure major objectives such as Baron Nashor, Rift Herald, and Dragons.
Epic monsters also adjust to the pace of each match, scaling according to the average player level rather than simply growing stronger as time passes.
Turrets receive substantial changes as well. Plating now extends to outer, inner, and inhibitor turrets and remains permanently. The new Crystalline Overgrowth mechanic lets turrets accumulate crystals that champions can detonate with their first basic attack.
Together, these changes place greater emphasis on lane pressure, defensive positioning, and coordinated pushes. Winning team fights remains important, but teams must also turn their advantages into meaningful objective damage.
Hwei, Sylas, and Rek’Sai join the roster
Patch 7.3 expands the champion roster with three additions: Hwei, Sylas, and Rek’Sai.
Hwei, the Visionary, brings a flexible set of abilities to the mid lane. His Subject: Disaster, Subject: Serenity, and Subject: Torment ability groups give him tools for dealing damage, supporting allies, and controlling opponents.
Sylas offers explosive damage and crowd control. His kit includes an ability that pulls enemies into a stun-to-knock-up combination, while Kingslayer restores health based on his missing health. His ultimate lets him steal an enemy champion’s ultimate ability.
Rek’Sai brings another approach to initiating team fights. Her Unburrow ability knocks up nearby champions, while her ultimate helps her track nearby enemies before striking.
These additions give players more options for adapting their team compositions and strategies.
Ranked play and game modes get updates
Competitive players also get changes to Ranked and Legendary Ranked.
The S/A and MVP scoring systems now evaluate performance according to a player’s lane and champion role instead of relying on a single universal metric. Strong performances can also yield more Ranked energy.
Legendary Ranked receives adjustments to its seasonal entry requirements for former Grand Masters, alongside a new trial format designed to help top performers advance from Legendary Commander Rank.
Players looking for something different can also try Rift Rumble, a new 3v3 mode played on a symmetrical map. Teams battle for kills and compete to capture ultimate stones that can change how their champions secure eliminations.
Meanwhile, AAA Realm continues to evolve with a music-themed season and new augment cards. These include Sonic Waves, which draws inspiration from Riot Games’ musical acts, including HEARTSTEEL, Pentakill, and TRUE DAMAGE.
A new era for K/DA and Wild Rift
With FIRESTARTER, the HEATBRINGER skins, and a sweeping gameplay update, Patch 7.3 connects Riot Games’ music and gaming communities through a shared celebration.
K/DA’s return gives fans a new soundtrack and fresh looks for their favorite champions, while the gameplay changes introduce new ways to approach champion builds, jungle farming, and map control.
Players can follow Wild Rift Philippines’ official social media channels for updates on the latest patch, champion releases, and in-game content.
K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER.
HoYoverse will launch Petit Planet, its first cozy galactic life simulation game, on December 4, 2026. The game will be available on PC, iOS, and Android, with a Nintendo Switch 2 release planned for 2027.
The announcement was made during the Petit Planet Pre-Launch Special Program on November 1. HoYoverse also revealed more details about the game’s characters, gameplay features, and launch events.
Build a planet and meet new Neighbors
In Petit Planet, players take on the role of Planet Tenders who travel across the Starsea with Oumuamua, a Starsea Spirit said to listen to people’s wishes.
Each player starts with their own planet, where they plant a Luca Seed that grows into a Luca Arbor. This tree gradually shapes the planet’s landscape, seasons, and ecosystem.
Players will also meet various Neighbors, including Planet Coordinator Mobai and Starsea Racer Elsasani. Getting to know these characters allows players to develop friendships and discover their individual stories.
Beyond their home planets, players can explore scattered Islets across the Starsea. They can also visit the Galactic Bazaar to play games, participate in auctions, and share their creations with others.
Launch events offer free rewards
HoYoverse has prepared several events to celebrate the game’s launch.
Players can enter a pre-registration lucky draw through the official website for a chance to win prizes. Regular gameplay will also offer more than 1,000 clothing and furniture items for free.
The Besties, Made to Match! event rewards players who invite two friends to pre-register. Each participant will receive an exclusive clothing item.
Starting November 1, the Launch a Planet event will let players design their own planets through the official event website. Participants will also have a chance to win surprise grand prizes.
The first Petit Planet Seasonal Creation Event will begin alongside the game’s launch. Selected fan creations can win cash prizes, in-game rewards, and official merchandise.
Players can also visit the game’s official X account after the special program to receive a Moving Guide and join a giveaway featuring a suitcase, gift cards, and an exclusive luggage tag.
Pre-register for Petit Planet
Petit Planet is now available for pre-registration on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Epic Games Store. Players can search for the game on these platforms to pre-register and receive a notification when it launches.
The game arrives globally on December 4, 2026, for PC, iOS, and Android. A Nintendo Switch 2 version is scheduled for 2027.
It’s been a while since the last time we got a FromSoftware game. Elden Ring Nightreign felt like an age ago, even if it was launched just last year. Plus, the title isn’t even a new one, technically, since it’s just building off of Elden Ring. Unfortunately, our wait for a new FromSoftware game has to go on for a little bit longer. FromSoftware has delayed the launch of The Duskbloods to 2027.
The Duskbloods is an interesting addition to the FromSoftware oeuvre. Compared to the usual fare, the Switch-exclusive title is a multiplayer extraction game with a distinctly Bloodborne-like feel. If you’re used to FromSoftware’s usual formula, The Duskbloods represents a huge change.
But it’s a welcome one, nonetheless. If the recently released Elden Ring port of the Switch 2 is any indication, FromSoftware does have a handle of what performance looks like on the console.
Sadly, the new title needs a bit more time in the oven. Citing “final adjustments to game rules and balancing,” FromSoftware is delaying the launch of the game to 2027. According to the studio, this is in response to the successful network test a while back.
The delay shouldn’t come off as a surprise. Though the studio promised a 2026 launch for the title, most of the year has passed without a definite launch date. That was already a telltale sign that a delay was coming.
At the very least, the delay comes with the benefit of launching the game farther away from Grand Theft Auto VI and the Ocarina of Time remake, which will surely dominate holiday gaming this year.
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