Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom named best game at Japan Game Awards

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom took the top prize at the Japan Game Awards held on Thursday.

Nintendo received the  Grand Award during the ceremony, which is run annually by Japan’s Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA) and partially voted for by the public.

Tears of the Kingdom also received the Best Sales Award and an Award for Excellence.

Games released in Japan between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024 are eligible for consideration. The winners were determined through a combination of public voting and a review by the Japan Game Awards Selection Committee.

Capcom picked up the Special Award and the Award for Excellence for Street Fighter 6.

“This latest installment in the highly popular Street Fighter series comes packed with cutting-edge features in the fighting genre,” the CESA said in a statement.

“The game includes Sound Accessibility options that provide audio cues for distance from opponents and remaining gauge levels, allowing for a comfortable gaming experience even without visual information.

“This innovation allows visually impaired players to compete on an equal footing with sighted players, expanding the potential of gaming and broadening the reach of the esports genre, earning the game high acclaim and the Special Award.”

JAPAN GAME AWARDS 2024 WINNERS

Grand Award

• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Nintendo)

Award for Excellence

Breakthrough Award

• The Exit 8 (Kotake Create)

Movement Award

• Suika Game (Aladdin X Inc)

Special Award

• Street Fighter 6 (Capcom)

Best Sales Award

• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Nintendo)