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The gaming world is abuzz as The Game Awards 2024 approaches, bringing with it
debates, excitement, and controversies. Among this year’s Game of the Year
(GOTY) nominees, the inclusion of the upcoming Elden Ring DLC: Shadow of the
Erdtree has sparked heated discussions among fans and industry professionals.
While some hail the nomination as a recognition of FromSoftware’s artistic
achievements, others criticize it as premature and unfair to fully released titles like
Black Myth: Wukong, Astro Bot: Rescue Mission, and Metaphor: ReFantazio.
This controversy highlights growing concerns about award criteria, eligibility, and
fan expectations in an industry where competition is fiercer than ever. Let’s
explore the details of this debate and its implications for The Game Awards and
gaming culture.
The Game Awards 2024: An Overview of the Controversy
The Game Awards are one of the most prestigious events in the gaming industry,
celebrating achievements across categories like storytelling, design, innovation,
and overall game quality. This year’s nominees for GOTY include major releases:
Black Myth: Wukong
Astro Bot: Rescue Mission
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Baldur’s Gate 3
Spider-Man 2
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
The controversy stems from the nomination of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, a
DLC (downloadable content) rather than a standalone game. Fans argue that
nominating a DLC sets a concerning precedent, particularly when many 2024 titles
are full-length releases that required years of development.
Why Elden Ring’s DLC Nomination Faces Backlash
1. Concerns Over Eligibility and Timing
Critics argue that a DLC nomination undermines the spirit of the Game of the Year
category, traditionally reserved for full games that make a significant impact on
the industry. With Shadow of the Erdtree yet to be released, some question
whether it can even be assessed fairly alongside complete titles like Spider-Man 2
or Baldur’s Gate 3.
Key Questions Raised:
Can unreleased content be accurately judged?
Should DLCs compete directly with full games for GOTY?
For many, these questions reflect broader concerns about fairness in the
nomination process.
2. Perception of Favoritism Toward FromSoftware
FromSoftware, the developer of Elden Ring, has built a reputation for delivering
critically acclaimed games. The 2022 release of Elden Ring swept awards, including
GOTY at The Game Awards 2022. Critics of the 2024 nomination claim that
FromSoftware benefits from an established fanbase and media bias, which may
overshadow the contributions of newer studios.
While FromSoftware’s technical and artistic prowess is widely respected, detractors
argue that Shadow of the Erdtree may not deserve to compete against
groundbreaking original titles.
3. Impact on Other GOTY Nominees
Nominating a DLC risks overshadowing other contenders, many of which have
pushed the boundaries of innovation in gaming.
Black Myth: Wukong, a stunning action RPG inspired by Chinese mythology, has
earned praise for its visual fidelity and unique gameplay.
Astro Bot: Rescue Mission, a charming VR platformer, redefines the immersive
potential of virtual reality.
Metaphor: ReFantazio, from the creators of Persona, promises to revolutionize the
JRPG genre with its artistic vision.
Fans of these games worry that the focus on Elden Ring’s DLC could diminish the
recognition they deserve.
Supporters Defend Shadow of the Erdtree’s Nomination
Despite the backlash, many defend Shadow of the Erdtree’s inclusion, arguing that
the DLC’s potential impact on gaming should not be overlooked. DLCs are
increasingly seen as extensions of a game’s core experience, and many believe
that exceptional expansions warrant equal recognition.
Proponents Highlight:
FromSoftware’s track record: Their DLCs, such as The Old Hunters for Bloodborne,
are often transformative.
Precedents: Games with significant expansions have occasionally received
accolades in major award shows.
To its supporters, the nomination acknowledges the evolving nature of game
content and celebrates the ongoing influence of Elden Ring on the gaming
landscape.
Implications for The Game Awards and the Gaming Industry
This controversy raises broader questions about the direction of The Game Awards
and its role in shaping industry standards.
1. Award Criteria Need Greater Clarity
Calls for clearer nomination rules are growing. Should DLCs compete separately?
Should unreleased titles qualify at all? Establishing transparent guidelines could
help avoid future controversies.
2. Balancing Fan Expectations with Industry Trends
The backlash reflects a disconnect between fans’ expectations and industry
practices. As gaming evolves, events like The Game Awards must adapt to reflect
new forms of storytelling, such as episodic releases and live-service updates.
3. Spotlighting Underrepresented Studios
Some critics view the controversy as a missed opportunity to highlight smaller or
emerging studios, which often struggle to gain visibility against established giants
like FromSoftware.
Conclusion
As voting for The Game Awards 2024 continues, the debate over Elden Ring:
Shadow of the Erdtree’s nomination underscores the complexities of recognizing
excellence in an ever-changing industry. While FromSoftware’s legacy is
undeniable, fans and critics alike hope for greater transparency and fairness in
future award seasons.
Whether Shadow of the Erdtree claims the coveted Game of the Year title or not,
the controversy serves as a reminder of the passion and high stakes that define
the gaming community. As players, developers, and industry leaders prepare for
the awards, one thing is clear: gaming’s future is as vibrant and contentious as
ever.
FAQs About The Game Awards 2024 and GOTY Nominees
Q: When will The Game Awards 2024 take place?
A: The event is scheduled for December 7, 2024, and will feature awards in multiple
categories.
Q: How can fans vote for their favorite nominees?
A: Fans can vote through the official Game Awards website, where all categories
and nominees are listed.
Q: What other major titles are competing for GOTY?
A: Nominees include Spider-Man 2, Black Myth: Wukong, Metaphor: ReFantazio,
Astro Bot: Rescue Mission, and Baldur’s Gate 3.
