Introduction

As we approach The Game Awards this December, a significant yet controversial rule change has arisen, allowing downloadable content (DLC) and expansions to be nominated for Game of the Year (GOTY). This decision coincides with the release of Elden Ring's much-anticipated expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, which has garnered rave reviews and is considered one of the highest-rated releases of the year. But the question looms: should expansions like this truly be classified as 'games'?

The Game Awards' Stance

In an official FAQ, The Game Awards unveiled their stance on this issue: 'The Game Awards aims to recognize the best creative and technical work each year, irrespective of the format of that content’s release. Expansion packs, new game seasons, DLCs, remakes, and remasters are eligible in all categories if the jury deems the new creative and technical work worthy of a nomination. Factors such as the newness of the content and its price/value should be taken into consideration.'

Debate Among Gamers and Industry Professionals

This rule has sparked debate among gamers and industry professionals alike. Many argue that honoring expansions alongside full-fledged games feels inappropriate. For instance, while Shadow of the Erdtree is expansive and significantly enriches the Elden Ring experience, players must already own the base game and have progressed through it to fully appreciate its content. Similarly, Cyberpunk 2077’s Phantom Liberty blurs the lines, raising the same questions of eligibility.

A Personal Reflection

On a personal note, both Shadow of the Erdtree and Phantom Liberty rank as my top picks for their respective years. Yet, they raise the persistent dilemma: should they qualify as games in their own right? A good comparison is Spider-Man: Miles Morales, which functions as a standalone title despite reusing assets from its predecessor. Expansions and DLC might merit a separate category altogether.

Challenges of Recognition

Even though this new rule permits expansions like Shadow of the Erdtree to be recognized, it doesn’t guarantee they will actually receive nominations. With the perception that these offerings may not fit the traditional definition of a game, many voters may lean towards excluding them. It's plausible that Shadow of the Erdtree could struggle to secure a nomination despite its acclaim, much less win.

Criticism of The Game Awards' Structure

Furthermore, The Game Awards have often faced criticism regarding their category structure. For example, if a title nominated for GOTY also competes in a sub-category, it must win that sub-category for the process to make sense, raising questions about fairness for other nominees. This inconsistency adds yet another layer of complexity as we await the upcoming awards.

Conclusion

The landscape of gaming is ever-evolving, and as we near The Game Awards, the spotlight will be on how these changes are accepted by the community and the jury alike. Will Shadow of the Erdtree make a mark, or will industry perceptions hold it back? Only time will tell.

Stay Tuned!

Stay tuned for more updates on this topic and others in the gaming world!