The Game Awards has clarified its eligibility criteria for this year’s show in December.
My biggest disappointment on Monday will be if _____ doesn't get nominated at #TheGameAwards
— The Game Awards (@thegameawards) November 16, 2024
Expansion packs, new game seasons, DLCs, remakes, and remasters are now eligible in all categories if the jury deems the new creative and technical work worthy of a nomination. This change is drawing attention because Elden Ring’s expansive “Shadow of the Erdtree” is among the year’s most acclaimed releases.
However, opinions are divided on whether DLCs and expansions should be considered for Game of the Year.
Ok prediction time.
List the six games you think will be nominated for Game of the Year on Monday.#TheGameAwards
— The Game Awards (@thegameawards) November 16, 2024
Despite the substantial size of “Shadow of the Erdtree,” it requires ownership of Elden Ring and significant progress within the base game to access. A similar case can be made for Cyberpunk 2077’s “Phantom Liberty.”
Some argue that traditional DLCs and expansions might need their own category, as they don’t feel like standalone games.
Busy weekend for #TheGameAwards team as we prepare for Monday’s nomination announcement.?
— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) November 16, 2024
On Monday, nominees for #TheGameAwards will be revealed live at Noon ET / 9a PT / 5p GMT.
Here's the livestream link: https://t.co/XISJOTkFXa
— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) November 16, 2024
The new rule doesn’t guarantee nominations, and it would be surprising if “Shadow of the Erdtree” received a nomination or won under these circumstances. The Game Awards has faced criticism for category inconsistencies in the past.
nominee guidelines stir industry debate
The impact of the new expansion rule will become evident in December when the nominees are announced. The nominees for The Game Awards will be revealed on Monday, November 18, at 09:00 PT or 17:00 GMT. The announcement will be hosted by Geoff Keighley and will take place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California.
The nominations are expected to be streamed through multiple channels, including YouTube, Twitch, Facebook Live, Steam, IGN, Gamespot, TikTok Live, Instagram Live, and Google Play. YouTube and Twitch are expected to be the primary platforms for the broadcast. The choice of nominees is made by a specialized jury of more than 100 media outlets and influencers from around the world, selected for their track record of critically evaluating video games.
There are also specialist juries for categories such as eSports, accessibility, and best adaptation. Fans and developers alike can look forward to a broader consideration of their creative endeavors at this year’s Game Awards. Stay tuned for more updates as we draw closer to the event.
