Once a year, the gaming world slows down and news is scarce. In the traditional news world, this is known as a “dead week,” a time when usually active businesses are – for the most part – closed for the holidays. In the world of video games, this is a time to reflect, noting some of the big announcements of the past year and, perhaps more importantly, name our favorite titles.

I will honor that tradition during this month’s dead week with a list of my own personal favorite games, though I have included games that are undeniably worthy of recognition.