The Game Awards 2024, one of the most prestigious events in the gaming industry, was not free from controversy. This year, the main debate revolved around nominations and the organizers’ policies, which sparked mixed reactions from gamers, developers, and the media.

DLC Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Nominated

One of the biggest sources of controversy was the inclusion of the DLC Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree as a nominee in the Game of the Year (GOTY) category. Many questioned whether additional content like a DLC should compete with entirely new games released in the same year. Critics argued that GOTY should be reserved for standalone titles, not expansions or remasters.

Game of the Year (GOTY) Nominees at The Game Awards 2024:

• Astro Bot
• Balatro
• Black Myth: Wukong
• Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
• Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
• Metaphor: ReFantazio

The organizers of The Game Awards defended their decision, stating that the awards aim to recognize the best creative and technical achievements regardless of format. In their official FAQ, they mentioned that DLCs, remasters, and expansions can be considered as long as they are innovative and of high quality.

Criticism and Community Reactions

This decision drew criticism from various groups. Some argued that nominating Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree disadvantaged other fully new games that deserved recognition. Titles such as Helldivers 2 and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown were seen by some as more deserving of a spot on the nominee list.

On the other hand, supporters of the decision argued that Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree deserved recognition due to its exceptional quality. The DLC offers substantial content, with an average gameplay length of over 25 hours—longer than some standalone games. Combined with positive reviews from critics and the community, many believe it delivers an experience comparable to a full game.

In the end, The Game Awards remains an important platform for celebrating achievements in the gaming industry. However, this year’s debate highlights the need to re-evaluate the award structure to better accommodate the ever-evolving landscape of gaming.

Don’t forget to top up your Steam Wallet at the cheapest, fastest, and most reliable service, and stay updated on the latest promotions and game events from Steam only at Tokogame.com.