E3 2021 Awards: Microsoft Takes Top Honors as Nintendo Misses Out
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Published on: June 16, 2021
Description
As the curtains closed on E3 2021, the annual gaming expo celebrated its achievements with an official awards ceremony, highlighting the industry's most exciting announcements and standout presentations.
This year’s event, streamed globally and followed by millions of gaming enthusiasts, continued its tradition of honoring top games and companies with input from leading industry media.
Although Nintendo generated significant buzz with its anticipated releases for the Nintendo Switch, the company did not secure wins in the event’s highest-profile categories.
The E3 2021 awards were determined by a panel of editors from renowned outlets including IGN, GameSpot, PC Gamer, GamesRadar+, Game Bonfire, and IGN China.
Their selections were announced live during the event’s closing coverage.
The distinction for 'Most Anticipated Game' was awarded to Forza Horizon 5 by Microsoft Game Studios, recognizing the title's technical advancements and exciting open-world approach.
In addition, Microsoft earned the 'Best Presentation' accolade for its joint Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, which unveiled a compelling slate of upcoming titles across their platforms.
In the broader 'Most Anticipated' categories representing individual publishers and showcases, several notable games received nods from the panel.
Nintendo was highlighted for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2, demonstrating ongoing enthusiasm for one of its flagship franchises developed for the Nintendo Switch.
However, despite the anticipation and high expectations from the audience, the sequel to the acclaimed Breath of the Wild did not take top honors.
Other publishers receiving recognition included Capcom for The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles, Gearbox Entertainment for Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, and Ubisoft for Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope.
Here is the official list of E3 2021 awards results:
- Overall Most Anticipated: Forza Horizon 5 (Microsoft Game Studios)
- Best Presentation: Microsoft: Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase
Most Anticipated by Publisher/Showcase:
- Capcom: The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles
- Gearbox Entertainment: Tiny Tina's Wonderlands
- Indie Games: Falling Frontier
- Intellivision: Asteroids
- Nintendo: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2
- PC Gaming Show: Songs of Conquest
- Freedom Games: Airborne Kingdom
- Future Games Show: Immortality
- Square Enix: Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy
- Ubisoft: Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope
- Xbox/Bethesda: Halo: Infinite
- Yooreka Studio: Loopmancer
E3’s recognition process is a reflection of both industry trends and fan engagement.
Microsoft's dual award win underscores the publisher's recent momentum and strategic partnerships, while Nintendo's inclusion in multiple categories underlines its consistent presence as a major innovator in the gaming space.
All results are verified as announced during E3's official coverage and reported by the participating media partners.
As the industry looks forward to the next chapter, Nintendo fans remain eager for further updates on The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 and future Nintendo Switch releases, while Microsoft continues to ride the wave of success from its award-winning showcase.
For more on E3 2021 highlights and upcoming game launches, stay tuned to our site for in-depth coverage and analysis.
