Introduction

In a surprising turn of events, the upcoming Game Awards this December will allow downloadable content (DLC) and expansions to be nominated for the coveted Game of the Year (GOTY) award. This rule change has sparked a debate within the gaming community, especially as Elden Ring's much-anticipated expansion, *Shadow of the Erdtree*, is among the year's top-rated releases.

Clarification on Nominations

The Game Awards recently clarified this rule in their FAQ section. They stated, '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 to be worthy of a nomination. Factors such as the newness of the content and its price/value should be taken into consideration.'

Community Concerns

Despite this clarification, many voices—both players and journalists—are echoing a sense of discomfort with the notion that DLCs might be on par with full games. Critics argue that expansions like *Shadow of the Erdtree* require players to own and experience the base game, *Elden Ring*, before diving into the added content. This thought brings to mind other noteworthy expansions such as *Cyberpunk 2077’s Phantom Liberty*, which face similar scrutiny.

The Standalone Game Debate

The central question remains: Can these expansions truly be considered standalone games? While titles such as *Spider-Man: Miles Morales*—a standalone spin-off—seem justified for nomination, traditional DLCs and expansions feel misaligned with the definition of what a game is.

Uncertainty in Nominations

Yet, just because *Shadow of the Erdtree* qualifies under the new rules, it doesn't ensure a nomination. Many voters could hold similar views and decide that expansions should exist in their own category. This uncertainty raises doubts about whether *Erdtree* will be nominated at all, and even less likelihood for it to clinch the top prize.

Controversies in Award Categorization

Looking closer at the Game Awards, the categorization of nominees has long been contentious. One significant issue is that if a game is recognized in a sub-category, it is often expected to win there, detracting from the impact of other nominees. This remains a challenge yet to be addressed in the latest iteration of the awards.

Conclusion

As we approach the announcement of nominations, eyes will be on *Shadow of the Erdtree* and whether it can overcome the skepticism of its status as a DLC to compete among the elite titles of 2023. Will it set a precedent for how expansions are viewed in future awards, or will the reliance on baseline titles persist? December is fast approaching, and the gaming community is abuzz with anticipation!

Stay Tuned

Stay tuned for more updates and insights as the Game Awards draw near.