Whether or not Elden Ring deserved to win Game of the Year is a matter of opinion, but there is no doubt that it is a phenomenal game. It received widespread critical acclaim, and it has been praised for its open-world design, its challenging combat, and its rich lore.
Some people might argue that Elden Ring is not as innovative as other games that were nominated for Game of the Year, such as God of War Ragnarok or Horizon Forbidden West. However, Elden Ring's strengths lie in its refinement of existing gameplay mechanics and its ability to create a vast and immersive world that is full of secrets to discover.
Ultimately, whether or not Elden Ring deserved to win Game of the Year is up to the individual gamer. However, there is no doubt that it is a worthy recipient of the award.