Game of the Year is always one of the most hyped awards that many in the games industry look forward to. The Game Awards is where many look to see what wins. This year’s iteration of the award show has many games present as nominees. Titles from Stellar Blade to roguelike poker hit Balatro are nominated. However, one such entry that is a shock is Shadow of the Erdtree.
As Geoff Keighley announced all of the nominees, seeing the Elden Ring expansion by From Software was unexpected. In the days since the reveal, I have been confused and frustrated by the decision. While The Game Awards do not make or break a game to me, seeing this feels like a cheat and letdown. Especially in a ceremony where the accomplishments of games worldwide are celebrated. Furthermore, as much as an achievement as Shadow of the Erdtree is, it is not the Game of the Year.
Expansions and DLCs are Not Game of The Year
First of all, let me start by saying I am a big Elden Ring fan. Furthermore, I have been a fan of From Software titles since I first dived into Dark Souls 3 and Bloodborne. I platinumed Elden Ring and did multiple playthroughs. When it won back in 2022, I wholeheartedly agreed with the decision (sorry God of War). But, this recent announcement of Shadow of the Erdtree is something I cannot sit with. When you think of Game of the Year, you think of a title that you can pick up and play from start to finish.
However, you cannot do this with the Elden Ring expansion. While it has its own story, you cannot engage the DLC until you defeat a specific boss far into the game. This in turn brings me to my next point, you can’t just start up Shadow of the Erdtree. When you go to the DLC’s page on any game platform store, it says “Shadow of the Erdtree requires the base game product.” Because you can’t play the product on its own, it’s an expansion and not a game.
Moreover, this sets a dangerous precedent. Now, any DLC or expansion or even game season can be Game of the Year. Additionally, it robs other titles as well of the honor.
Other Games Miss Out On Game of the Year
Shadow of the Erdtree being in the GOTY category takes away from other possible options. Games already in the group are fantastic and provide amazing content for players. Team Asobi’s ASTRO BOT with its leaps in innovation. Another great title nominated was Game Science’s Black Myth: Wukong, China’s first big AAA game which turned out to be a massive success. However, placing the Elden Ring expansion in the category overshadows those titles and their accomplishments.
Additionally, there are plenty of great titles that were snubbed from the category. One big game noticeably missing was Stellar Blade, the action RPG from SHIFT UP. While I rarely like to say this, it feels like these games were robbed. While SOTE doesn’t need to win the award, it feels disingenuous. It takes away from the other nominees when they all were taking their turn up to the plate to win.
It makes you wonder which titles could have gone in there. Whether something like Senua’s Saga 2: Hellblade 2 or The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. When you look back at 2024, there were a good amount of games to celebrate for their prowess. But choosing to skip out on them to celebrate a DLC feels like a misstep.
The Rules Have Changed For The Category When New Categories Need to Be Made
Allowing Shadow of the Erdtree to be nominated opens the wrong door. Expansions and DLCs can be nominated and even possibly win. In an age where many games have Seasons or Chapters (i.e. Call of Duty and Fortnite), what’s to stop them from winning? While I’m not saying this will happen, it possibly could now. Games are about an idea from start to finish, a new project. Showcasing the journey of Wukong to a simple roguelike title designed around Poker. But, changing this to include DLCs and expansions or even remakes of games just isn’t right.
Rather, The Game Awards should aim to include new categories of titles. Adding topics like “Best DLC & Expansion” and “Best Remake” are perfect remedies. It allows those projects to be celebrated while not taking away from new productions. For example, I was a big fan of the Resident Evil 4 Remake. However, it should not have been a GOTY nominee.
Instead of changing the rules, submitting new categories can aim to celebrate across the board. The gaming industry continues to evolve and we need to see The Game Awards do the same, in the right way.
Games Are Beautiful and Need to Be Celebrated In The Right Way
The Game Awards celebrates gaming all around the world, and it’s great to see. It’s one of the biggest awards shows in the industry with many eyes on it. Seeing these big titles from the year getting their chance to shine helps to show the title to many new players. But, adding Shadow of the Erdtree has allowed for DLCs to shine. It’s important to remember that the category is Game of the Year, and it needs to continue that way.
Simply put, games can be purchased and started right away (unless it needs to download of course). But, requiring the product to have the base game to start and nominating it for Game of the Year feels off. Many may want to try and pick up expansion after seeing it at The Game Awards, only to find they need to additionally purchase Elden Ring.
I love games and always will. They are works of art that deserve their celebration and notoriety, whether good or bad. While I greatly enjoy From Software titles, seeing Shadow of the Erdtree in the running feels unfair. Whether win or lose, there is a new threshold that is set in The Game Awards. It is one that unfortunately may take away from other titles in the future and just doesn’t feel right to do.