Yes, another Game Award article. I just can’t help it; something’s been bothering me since it premiered a couple of weeks ago. While I’m mostly positive on Keighley’s annual Game Awards, there have been a few years where the awards segments seemed both anticlimactic and uninspiring. Then, it hit me when I was reading some commentary after Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 swiped nine awards, including Game of the Year. For reasons listed below, I firmly believe that titles that win Game of the Year should not be eligible to win other categories, or have at least some level of limitation.
Firstly, I think Claire Obscure: Expedition 33 is very deserving of its Game of the Year award. It is not my personal choice, but I fully understand why it is won. I have no issues with that. I technically also have no issues with their quality of work in storytelling, music, gameplay, and art (which are reflected in the other eight awards):
- Best Game Direction
- Best Narrative
- Best Art Direction
- Best Score & Music
- Best Performance
- Best Independent Game
- Best Debut Indie Game
- Best Role Playing Game
The issue I had churning deep in my gut was how other incredible games were robbed of recognition, and this isn’t the first time this has happened:
At the 2020 Game Awards, The Last of Us Part II won seven awards:
- Best Narrative
- Best Audio Design
- Best Action-Adventure Game
- Best Performance
- Innovation in Accessibility
- Game of the Year
At the 2023 Game Awards, Baldur’s Gate 3 won six awards:
- Player’s Voice
- Best Community Support
- Best Role Playing Game
- Best Multiplayer Game
- Best Peformance
- Game of the Year
During these years, it can feel pretty anti-climactic, and more importantly, it edges out recognition for other amazing video games. Another argument I have is that winning Game of the Year indirectly means it is overall the “best” game; therefore, one can assume it is already superior in many avenues such as art, music, gameplay, and story. For a Game of the Year game to win other categories like Best Narrative and Best Audio Design can seem repetitive to a certain extent.
I understand how this take can draw some criticism, but there are several titles that deserved recognition. Expedition 33 can keep its Game of the Year award, but, for example, let Kingdom Come Deliverance II, Silent Hill f, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and Ghost of Yotei get well-deserved recognition.
Credit: Sucker Punch Productions
Each of these nominees excelled in each of their respective categories they were nominated for, and the show got to a point where I felt robbed knowing they didn’t stand a chance just because Expedition 33 was in it.
Credit: PlayStation
In the end, it’s just the Game Awards. Whether a title was nominated, won, or even mentioned at the show or not, none of it reflects its quality, worth, and success. However, I think it’s worth a discussion, so we are able to celebrate a more diverse collection of video games!
How do you think we can better diversify accolades and acknowledgements of quality video games? Please share your thoughts with us on our Boss Rush Facebook Group or our Boss Rush Discord.
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Featured Image Source: Expedition 33
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