How has the list been calculated?
The main list is an aggregate of more than 700 critic lists from more than 100 publications. These lists are weighted by a complex algorithm that accounts for factors such as the reputation of the publication, how current the list is, and a weighting that punishes publications for repeating themselves across multiple lists, preventing the most prolific publications from dominating the rankings. A program then tracks how often each game appears ahead of every other game in the database. These game vs game matchups are then rigorously cross referenced to determine an overall ranking. The highest ranked games are the ones that have frequently appeared ahead of other strong games, while rarely being ranked below weaker games.
How are the reputation scores determined?
The following factors are considered when assigning reputation scores:
- The number staff involved in lists, their qualifications, and their experience covering video games
- The amount of editorial oversight
- How clear the lists are about their methodology, criteria, and purpose
- How much effort is put into explaining the choices
Does Acclaimed Video Games use AI at all?
No. All of the data entry is done manually, and the ranking algorithm does not use any machine learning tools.
What lists are eligible/ineligible?
Any list from a reputable publication or other reliable source is eligible. Exceptions include the following:
- Genre exclusive lists
- Collections of individual staff lists
- Lists based on other lists
- Lists based on reader polls
- Lists with a single entry (“Game of the year” articles, for example)
Platform exclusive lists are now eligible, but the process of adding them will not be complete until well into 2025.
What games are eligible/ineligible?
This is determined on a case-by-case basis. As a general guide:
- Base games are almost always eligible
- Remakes and standalone expansions are usually eligible
- Mods are sometimes eligible
- Expansion packs, DLC, and remasters are almost always ineligible
- Games without a full release are eligible, but usually won't appear on the main list until they have a full release
Are there any other websites that are similar to Acclaimed Video Games?
There are! Here are some others that also aggregate best of lists, both for video games, and for other media:
