The excitement is palpable as the 11th annual Game Awards approaches, ready to honor the year’s best in gaming. Co-host A Martínez and NPR’s gaming editor, James Mastromarino, delved into the nominees and what they signify for gaming culture during a recent segment.
The Game Awards: A Global Celebration
Hosted by video game journalist Geoff Keighley, the Game Awards has become one of the most-watched events in the gaming industry, drawing over 100 million livestream viewers last year alone. This growing popularity, however, doesn’t come without its share of criticism and controversy. NPR is among more than 130 media organizations that contributed to this year’s shortlist, raising questions about the selection process.
How the Nomination Process Works
According to Mastromarino, the Game Awards employs a two-round voting system. Initially, international media organizations nominate games for the shortlist. In the second round, they select their favorites across various categories. While the jury is predominantly English-speaking, there is significant representation from countries in Asia and Brazil. Notably, 10% of the final votes come from the public, allowing fans to participate in the process. This blend of professional and public input gives the awards a unique, carnival-like atmosphere compared to more traditional awards like the Oscars.
Top Contenders for This Year
This year has seen a mix of commercial success and critical acclaim for PlayStation titles. Two PS5 exclusives are leading the nominations, including the highly anticipated “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth,” which serves as both a remake and a sequel to the beloved RPG from 1997. Another standout is the delightful 3D platformer “Astro Bot,” which some are comparing to the premier Mario games.
- Game of the Year Nominees:
- “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth”
- “Astro Bot”
- “ReFantazio” – a politically charged narrative
- “Black Myth: Wukong” – inspired by Chinese mythology
- “Shadow of the Erdtree” – an expansion of the award-winning “Elden Ring”
- “Balatro” – a unique single-player poker experience
While “Balatro” may have a modest budget compared to its competitors, it has gained significant traction and could surprise everyone by clinching the top prize.
Controversies and Industry Criticisms
This year, some critics have raised concerns over the number of games eligible for awards, particularly the inclusion of expansions like “Shadow of the Erdtree” in the Game of the Year category. Many believe that expansions should not compete against standalone titles, arguing that “Elden Ring” has already had its moment in the spotlight.
There have long been criticisms about the Game Awards being too intertwined with the gaming industry, with some suggesting that the show resembles a lengthy advertisement more than an actual awards ceremony. Mastromarino notes that while all awards shows promote their respective industries, the Game Awards is particularly transparent about it, showcasing exclusive trailers and featuring Hollywood celebrities. The fast-paced format often leads to winners having just a minute to deliver their acceptance speeches, with many heartfelt moments cut short.
What to Expect This Year
Despite the criticisms, anticipation remains high for this year’s event, with promises of significant announcements and surprises. Host Geoff Keighley has hinted at exclusive trailers, including one for the much-anticipated “Grand Theft Auto VI,” set to release next year. Additionally, fans can look forward to a reveal from the creators of the 2021 Game of the Year winner, “It Takes Two.”
With the stage set for a night filled with excitement and surprises, the gaming community is eager to see which titles will take home the coveted awards.
