Back in late 2021, a little co-op adventure called It Takes Two took the gaming world by storm. It wasn’t just another feel-good story about a couple on the brink of divorce; it was a masterclass in gameplay variety that reminded everyone why playing together, side by side, can be so magical. Fast forward to 2026, and the accolades haven’t stopped piling up. Even though the world has moved on to flashier blockbusters and live-service juggernauts, Hazelight Studios’ gem continues to rake in “Game of the Year” honors from every corner of the globe. What’s the secret behind this enduring love affair between critics and a game that demands two players?
When It Takes Two won the Game of the Year trophy at The Game Awards 2021, it felt like a coronation for a title that had already built incredible word-of-mouth momentum. Yet that golden joystick was just the beginning. Only a month after hosting the show, industry trackers began releasing their aggregate data, and by early 2022, the game had already amassed a staggering 69 GOTY awards from media outlets worldwide. At the time, Hazelight Studios shared their gratitude on social media, calling the overwhelming response “truly heartwarming.” Five years later, that sentiment hasn’t aged a day—the number has comfortably crossed the 90 mark (with some counts even pushing it past 100, depending on the tracker you ask), cementing It Takes Two as one of the most decorated co-op games in history.
Even more impressive is who didn’t dethrone it. During the same season, Capcom’s critically lauded Resident Evil Village managed to secure second place with 49 GOTY nods. While Lady Dimitrescu and her towering presence captured the internet’s attention, the horror sequel simply couldn’t keep up with a claymation-infused relationship counselor. Consider the rest of the field back then: Deathloop earned widespread praise for its time-looping assassinations, Metroid Dread delivered a sublime return to 2D exploration, and Guardians of the Galaxy proved that a single-player Marvel story could outshine its cinematic cousin. All three landed comfortably in the top ten, but none came close to threatening Village’s runner-up position, let alone the runaway leader. It begs the question: how did a strictly two-player, no-single-player-mode game manage to leave a pack of critically adored single-player experiences in the dust?
Perhaps the answer lies in the game’s sheer audacity. It Takes Two treats co‑op not as an optional mode but as the entire identity. Every level introduces a brand‑new mechanic, from reversing time and wielding nails to piloting paper airplanes and exploring a snow globe. This relentless creativity turns the experience into a joy-filled, 12‑hour sprint through a toy box designed by someone who clearly loves video games. The emotional core—Mays and Cody navigating a crumbling marriage while being transformed into tiny dolls—gives even the wackiest set pieces genuine stakes. It’s a rare recipe that speaks to both hardcore gamers and couples who rarely pick up a controller. Is it any wonder, then, that GOTY voters, exhausted by open‑world fatigue and battle‑pass grind, gravitated toward something so refreshingly human?
Of course, no discussion about trophy counts would be complete without mentioning the elephant in the room: The Last of Us Part 2, which in 2020 set an almost untouchable record with 317 Game of the Year awards. It Takes Two will never come close to that number—nor does it need to. That particular metric belongs to a different era of gaming media and a title that sparked endless debate. What It Takes Two achieved instead is a different kind of dominance: it redefined what mass‑market success can look like for cooperative adventures, proving that a mid‑budget, EA‑partnered passion project can stand shoulder to shoulder with the industry’s heavy hitters.
And let’s not forget the charming outliers. During that same awards season, the ingenious narrative puzzle game The Forgotten City walked away with exactly one GOTY honor, a fact that still stings among its small but devoted fanbase. It serves as a sobering reminder that even the most brilliant indies can get lost in the year‑end shuffle—a fate It Takes Two miraculously avoided by bursting into the mainstream consciousness.
As we hit 2026, the legacy of It Takes Two isn’t measured solely by a trophy cabinet that keeps expanding. It’s found in the flood of co‑op experiences that have followed in its wake, each trying to capture that same lightning‑in‑a‑bottle magic. Whether it’s parents introducing their children to gaming or friends separated by oceans shouting through headsets, the game’s influence is undeniable. So the next time someone argues that cooperative gameplay is a fading niche, you might just want to point them to that ever‑growing GOTY total—and maybe hand them a second controller.
Looking ahead, the rise of cooperative gaming seems poised to continue shaping the industry, with developers exploring creative ways to bring players together. This evolution not only strengthens social connections but also encourages gamers to seek out unique titles that challenge traditional single-player formats. As more studios embrace this trend, the landscape of gaming becomes increasingly diverse and full of surprises.
For those inspired to dive into the world of cooperative adventures or explore other standout games, finding the best deals can be a game in itself. Websites like game deals today are perfect for discovering discounted titles that might otherwise go unnoticed. Whether you’re hunting for your next co-op masterpiece or a hidden gem, staying informed on the latest offers can make all the difference in curating your gaming library.