As the gaming community eagerly awaits the announcement of The Game Awards 2024 nominees on November 18, a recently introduced rule has sparked debate over the eligibility of certain games. This rule may potentially allow previously ineligible games to become front-runners in major categories.
A Shift in Eligibility Criteria
When The Game Awards first emerged as a standalone event, it established itself as the Oscars of the gaming industry. The annual ceremony recognizes the best of the best, from acclaimed indie titles to breathtaking AAA games. However, a question lingered regarding the eligibility of DLCs (downloadable content) for major awards. The official Game Awards website provides clarity on this issue in its FAQ section.
Expansion Packs and DLCs Now Eligible
According to the rules, "The Game Awards aims to recognize the best creative and technical work each year, irrespective of the format of that content's release." This means that expansion packs, new game seasons, DLCs, remakes, and remasters are eligible in all categories, provided the jury deems the new content worthy of a nomination. Factors such as the newness of the content and its price/value will be taken into consideration.
Remakes and Remasters Now in the Running
This rule confirms that remakes like Silent Hill 2, Persona 3 Reload, and Paper Mario and the Thousand-Year Door are eligible for major awards. The same applies to remasters like Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, Luigi's Mansion 2, and Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster. While not surprising, this clarification is welcome news for fans of these games.
Controversy Surrounds Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree's Eligibility
The introduction of this new rule has sparked controversy, as it potentially allows Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree to compete for Game of the Year. Although the expansion received positive reviews, the base game was released in 2022 and has already won several Game Awards, including Game of the Year. This has led some to question whether DLCs should be eligible for major awards, especially when the base game has already been recognized.
Impact on the Competition
The implications of this new rule are significant, as it may affect the chances of other games winning major awards. Metaphor: ReFantazio, Astro Bot, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, previously considered front-runners, may now face stiff competition from Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree in categories like Best Game Direction, Best RPG, and Best Narrative.
The Game Awards 2024: Key Dates and Details
- Nominees will be announced on November 18 at 9am PT/12pm ET/5pm GMT.
- Voting will be open to the public on the official Game Awards website after the nomination announcement.
- The Game Awards 2024 ceremony will livestream on YouTube and Twitch on December 12 at 4:30pm PT/7:30pm ET/12:30am GMT.
