Grand Theft Auto IV | Publisher: Rockstar | Developer: Rockstar North

Like every year the Game of the Year award keeps getting harder and harder to pick through. This year each publisher and a number of respected developers put their name into the gaming hat for considering. In 2008 we have seen a more steady gaming calendar filled with releases every month. At the end of the year it can be hard to put the entire year into perspective, but is has to be done. This year's 2008 Game of Year goes to a mid-year release in Grand Theft Auto IV. We didn't forget about you, and rightfully, how could we? Rockstar's highly anticipated next-gen debut of Grand Theft Auto IV was a huge multi-media accomplishment that garnered attention from all media giving gaming a leg up on the international stance as "real" entertainment.

Rockstar Games put everything they had into Grand Theft Auto IV and gave us a superior adventure in the shoes of Nico Bellic and his exploits in America. The formula is 100% Grand Theft Auto, however in this outing Rockstar has given a more realistic twist to the series. Sure the action is still way over-the-top at times, but it is rooted more firmly around the real-world. Grand Theft Auto IV has set an outstanding president of what you can accomplish in sandbox gaming and how far you can push character development, overall quality and gameplay into one nice sandbox of fun. Cashing in more than $400 Million in its first week of sales, it is easy to say gaming has arrived! Shipping 4.7 units in North America alone, Grand Theft Auto IV is more than a success, its a multi-media phenomenon. Grand Theft Auto IV defines 2008 and is a deserving of its Game of the Year title.

GOTY 2007: MASS EFFECT (Microsoft/Bioware Corporation)
GOTY 2006: THE ELDER SCROLLS IV: OBLIVION (2K Games/Bethesda Softworks)
GOTY 2005: BROTHERS IN ARMS: ROAD TO HILL 30 (Ubisoft/Gear Box)
GOTY 2004: HALO 2 (Microsoft/Bungie)
GOTY 2003: STAR WARS: KNIGHTS OF THE OLD REPUBLIC (LucasArts/Bioware)