Summary:
- Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is nominated for Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024, sparking heated debates.
- Critics argue it is an expansion reliant on the base game, unlike other nominees like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
- Fans suggest creating a “Best Expansion” category to differentiate DLCs from standalone games.
- Shadow of the Erdtree also received nominations for Best Game Direction, Best Art Direction, and Best RPG.
The Game Awards 2024 has stirred debate with the nomination of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree for Game of the Year. While praised for its content and creativity, some fans and critics question whether an expansion should compete alongside full-fledged games.
Why Shadow of the Erdtree’s Nomination is Controversial
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is a critically acclaimed expansion to the 2022 hit Elden Ring. While its inclusion in the Game of the Year category signifies its impact, it raises questions about award eligibility.
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Reliance on the Base Game:
Unlike other nominees like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth or Black Myth: Wukong, Shadow of the Erdtree requires players to have completed the base game to access its content. This dependency contrasts with expansions like The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine, which offered more independence.
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Scope and Development Time:
Supporters argue that Shadow of the Erdtree, developed over 2.5 years, provides an expansive experience. It features new weapons, spells, boss battles, and lore revelations that many believe could have been marketed as a sequel.
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Community Opinions:
While some fans appreciate its inclusion as a sign of recognition for quality, others feel it displaces deserving standalone games. Social media platforms like Reddit have been abuzz with mixed reactions, ranging from supportive discussions to memes criticizing the decision.
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The Call for a “Best Expansion” Category
A growing number of gamers and critics advocate for The Game Awards to introduce a dedicated category for expansions and DLCs.
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Balancing Recognition:
By creating a “Best Expansion” category, releases like Shadow of the Erdtree and Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty could be acknowledged without competing directly against full games. This approach would maintain clarity while celebrating diverse gaming formats.
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Precedents:
Expansions such as The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine have previously won major awards in RPG categories. However, the lack of a standalone recognition framework for DLCs remains a contentious issue.
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Impact on Future Awards:
If a separate category is introduced, it could redefine how expansions are viewed, encouraging developers to invest more in post-launch content.
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The Legacy of Gaming Expansions
While the debate over Shadow of the Erdtree’s nomination continues, it is essential to recognize the growing influence of expansions in the gaming industry.
Notable DLCs in Gaming History:
- The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine won Best RPG at The Game Awards 2016 and was celebrated as a near-standalone experience.
- Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty earned five nominations at The Game Awards 2024, including Best Ongoing Game, showcasing its significant impact.
- Early expansions like Starcraft: Brood War set the foundation for recognizing DLCs as valuable additions to core games.
Expansions vs. Standalone Games:
These examples highlight the thin line between an expansion’s role in enhancing a base game and serving as a standalone experience. The inclusion of Shadow of the Erdtree in a category like Game of the Year reflects this evolving dynamic.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree’s nomination for Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024 underscores the complexities of evaluating expansions against standalone games. While its groundbreaking content deserves recognition, the debate has amplified the need for clearer award categories. As gaming continues to evolve, the industry must adapt to ensure fair recognition of all formats.
Game Awards is Scheduled to take place on Thursday, December 12, 2024, starting at 7:30 PM ET (4:30 PM PT).
READ MORE: The Game Awards 2024: Nominees, Anticipated Reveals & How to Watch
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