God of War Ragnarök wins Best Game on Steam Deck 2024 Award

Published by Hellenic Moon on January 2, 2025January 2, 2025

Just the other day God of War Ragnarök added one more award to its long list of wins. It won the Best Game on Steam Deck 2024 Award at the annual Steam Awards. Released on November 9, 2022, God of War Ragnarök quickly cemented itself as one of the most critically acclaimed video games of its generation.

Developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, the game serves as a sequel to the 2018 God of War reboot, which reimagined the franchise with Norse mythology as its backdrop. Building on the narrative, gameplay, and emotional depth of its predecessor, Ragnarök was celebrated for its storytelling, graphics, and combat mechanics. The game’s impact extended beyond just its entertainment value; it explored themes of parenthood, redemption, and destiny, resonating with players worldwide.

Awards and Accolades before getting the Best Game on Steam Deck 2024 Award

God of War Ragnarök garnered widespread recognition, earning numerous awards and nominations over the years. Some of the most notable awards include:

1. The Game Awards 2022
   • Best Narrative
   • Best Action/Adventure Game
   • Best Audio Design
   • Innovation in Accessibility
   • Best Performance (Christopher Judge as Kratos)
2. BAFTA Games Awards 2023
   • Performer in a Leading Role (Christopher Judge)
   • Performer in a Supporting Role (Laya DeLeon Hayes as Angrboða)
3. DICE Awards 2023
   • Outstanding Achievement in Animation
   • Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction
   • Outstanding Achievement in Character (Kratos)
   • Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition
   • Outstanding Achievement in Story

These accolades reflect the game’s exceptional quality across multiple facets, from narrative depth to technical artistry. Go to this site if you want to see a full list of all the awards that God of War Ragnarök was nominated for and won.

The History of the God of War Series

The God of War series began in 2005 with the release of the original game for the PlayStation 2. Created by David Jaffe and developed by Santa Monica Studio, the series initially centered around Greek mythology. Players assumed the role of Kratos, a Spartan warrior seeking vengeance against the gods who betrayed him. The early games in the series were marked by their visceral combat, epic scale, and tragic storytelling.

1. The Greek Era (2005–2013)
   • God of War (2005): Introduced players to Kratos’ tragic backstory, where he inadvertently killed his own family due to a trick by Ares, the God of War.
   • God of War II (2007): Expanded the story with Kratos’ rebellion against Zeus, culminating in a cliffhanger that set the stage for the next installment.
   • God of War III (2010): Concluded the Greek saga with Kratos’ destruction of the Olympian gods, ending with his apparent death and a note of redemption.
2. Transition to Norse Mythology
   • After the release of God of War: Ascension in 2013, the series underwent a significant transformation. Cory Barlog, the creative director, envisioned a more mature and introspective take on Kratos’ journey, shifting the setting to the Norse pantheon. This reboot began with the 2018 God of War, which introduced players to Kratos’ new life as a father and his son Atreus.

Roots in Mythology

The God of War series draws heavily from classical mythology to craft its narratives and characters. The original trilogy rooted itself in Greek mythology, reimagining figures like Zeus, Athena, and Hades through the lens of Kratos’ vengeful quest. These interpretations were not strictly faithful to myth but rather adapted to serve the story’s themes of betrayal, revenge, and redemption.

When the series transitioned to Norse mythology, it retained this approach, blending authentic mythological elements with creative liberties. God of War (2018) introduced players to Midgard, Jörmungandr (the World Serpent), and the Aesir gods. Ragnarök expanded this world, featuring iconic figures like Thor, Odin, and Angrboða while exploring the apocalyptic event foretold in Norse lore.

Key Themes and Story of Ragnarök

The story of God of War Ragnarök picks up three years after the events of the 2018 game. Fimbulwinter, the great winter preceding Ragnarök, has engulfed the Nine Realms. Kratos and Atreus find themselves drawn into the prophecy of Ragnarök, grappling with questions of fate and free will.

1. Parenthood and Legacy
   • A central theme of Ragnarök is the evolving relationship between Kratos and Atreus. As Atreus matures, he seeks to understand his identity as Loki and his role in the impending apocalypse. Kratos, haunted by his violent past, struggles to guide his son while avoiding repeating his own mistakes.
2. Fate and Free Will
   • The game challenges the concept of destiny, exploring whether characters are bound by prophecy or capable of forging their own paths. Atreus’ search for answers about his role as Loki and Kratos’ desire to protect his son highlight this tension.
3. Redemption and Sacrifice
   • Kratos’ journey in Ragnarök is one of redemption. Having been defined by violence and vengeance in his past, he strives to be a better father and a force for good, even as war looms.

What Makes God of War Ragnarök Great?

1. Exceptional Storytelling
   • The narrative of Ragnarök is both grand and intimate, seamlessly weaving mythological epic with deeply personal character arcs. The dialogue, voice acting, and motion capture performances bring the characters to life, making their struggles and triumphs resonate on a human level.
2. Richly Detailed Worldbuilding
   • Each of the Nine Realms is meticulously designed, offering a unique blend of visual beauty, mythological depth, and gameplay variety. From the icy plains of Midgard to the fiery landscapes of Muspelheim, every realm feels alive and interconnected.
3. Complex Characters
   • Ragnarök boasts a cast of multifaceted characters, including the enigmatic Odin, the tragic Thor, and the determined Angrboða. Their interactions with Kratos and Atreus drive much of the game’s emotional weight.
4. Innovative Combat and Gameplay
   • The game builds upon the combat mechanics of its predecessor, introducing new weapons, abilities, and enemy types. The combination of visceral melee combat, strategic use of Atreus’ skills, and puzzle-solving ensures a constantly engaging experience.
5. Outstanding Technical Craftsmanship
   • From the breathtaking graphics and animation to the stirring musical score by Bear McCreary, Ragnarök exemplifies technical excellence. The seamless transitions between cutscenes and gameplay enhance immersion, while the accessibility options make the game inclusive for a broader audience.

Gameplay and Design in God of War Ragnarök

God of War Ragnarök builds on the gameplay foundations of its predecessor while introducing several enhancements:

1. Combat Mechanics
   • The game retains the Leviathan Axe and Blades of Chaos, each offering distinct playstyles. The addition of new shields and abilities deepens combat strategy.
2. Exploration and Puzzles
   • Players can traverse the Nine Realms, each with unique environments and challenges. Puzzles often require creative use of Atreus’ abilities and Kratos’ weapons.
3. Accessibility Features
   • Santa Monica Studio introduced extensive accessibility options, ensuring the game could be enjoyed by a diverse audience. These features earned the game the “Innovation in Accessibility” award at The Game Awards 2022.

Cultural and Emotional Impact of 2024’s Best Game on Steam Deck

God of War Ragnarök resonated with players not just for its gameplay but for its emotional depth. Kratos’ evolution from a vengeful warrior to a compassionate father is a poignant reflection of human growth and the power of love and forgiveness. The game’s exploration of complex themes like destiny, grief, and identity elevates it beyond mere entertainment, making it a work of art.

God of War Ragnarök is more than a video game; it is a cultural phenomenon that pushes the boundaries of interactive storytelling. When it first came out it broke the God of War franchise sales record in just one day! By blending rich mythology with profound human themes, it continues the legacy of the God of War series while carving out its own identity. Its numerous awards and critical acclaim underscore its place as a masterpiece in modern gaming, ensuring its legacy will endure for years to come.