The nomination of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree for the 2024 Game of the Year (GOTY) award at The Game Awards has ignited a powerful discussion among gamers, critics, and developers alike. This nomination follows a recent update to the award show’s rules, which now allows expansions, remakes, remasters, and downloadable content (DLC) to compete in all categories, including GOTY, provided they exhibit substantial creative and technical merit.
Shadow of the Erdtree, as an expansion to the critically acclaimed Elden Ring—winner of the GOTY in 2022—has garnered significant praise for its impressive depth, boasting over 50 new bosses, expansive areas to explore, and a captivating narrative. Advocates assert that its monumental scale rivals many complete games, positioning it as a deserving contender for the award. Meanwhile, critics voice concerns that including expansions in the GOTY category could overshadow entirely new games, which risks undermining the spirit of the competition.
This lively debate brings to the forefront questions about fairness and the precedent set by such nominations. Popular streamer Lirik has voiced his strong opinion, stating that "DLC/remakes should be separated from categories like GOTY— isn’t this obvious?" Many in the gaming community echo this sentiment, arguing that such an approach diminishes the recognition opportunities for new titles that are equally deserving.
The conversation also extends to broader issues within the evolving gaming industry and the frameworks surrounding awards. Critics advocate for categories specifically recognizing expansions, such as Best Expansion or Best DLC, instead of pitting them directly against standalone releases. This would allow deserving games like Hell Divers 2, Silent Hill 2, and Animal Well, which did not receive nominations, to gain the recognition they have earned.
Supporters of Shadow of the Erdtree’s nomination contend that restricting eligibility to solely new releases overlooks extraordinary content that pushes the boundaries of gaming, irrespective of format. They highlight how this expansion not only enhances the original game’s legacy but also offers an experience that rivals many standalone titles. Given FromSoftware's commitment to delivering high-caliber content, the nomination is rightly seen as a well-deserved acknowledgment of the team's outstanding work.
The implications of this decision reach far into future award seasons. With the formal inclusion of DLCs and remakes, the distinction between standalone games and additional content is poised to blur even further. This precedent opens avenues for other major expansions, like Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty or remakes such as Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, to vie for top honors, which could inadvertently sideline smaller, innovative titles.
Overall, the nomination of Shadow of the Erdtree for GOTY 2024 sheds light on the complexities of adapting awards to an industry that is constantly evolving. While the expansion's quality is indisputable, this discussion underscores the challenge of balancing innovation with maintaining a level playing field. As The Game Awards draws near, it’s clear that this controversy will remain a focal point, prompting vital discussions about how to best celebrate the creative achievements within gaming while ensuring that emerging voices continue to receive the recognition they deserve.
Shreshtha is a sub-editor at The Daily Esports.
