Game Awards Rule Change: Elden Ring Expansion Enters GOTY Race

The Digital Artisan -

Rule Change Shakes Up Game of the Year Competition

The 2024 nominations for The Game Awards have introduced a historic shift by making expansions eligible for the Game of the Year (GOTY) category. This rule change allows expansions like Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree a shot at the coveted title, marking a significant development in the world of gaming awards. Such a move aims to recognize the creative and technical accomplishments of developers, irrespective of how the content is delivered, be it expansions, new game seasons, or DLCs.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Among the Contenders

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree has joined the likes of Astro Bot, Balatro, Black Myth: Wukong, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and Metaphor: ReFantazio as nominees for the prestigious GOTY title. This could be the first time in The Game Awards' decade-long history that an expansion takes this top award, generating both excitement and controversy within the gaming community.

Other Nominations Highlight Gaming Excellence

While Elden Ring's expansion gets the spotlight, indie games like Balatro, with nominations in five categories, demonstrate the diversity and talent present in the industry. Additionally, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Astro Bot lead with the highest number of nominations, showcasing their significant contributions to gaming in 2024. The inclusion of various other categories such as Best Adaptation and Most Anticipated Game indicate a broad scope of appreciation for different gaming genres and formats.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard's Limited Recognition

Dragon Age: The Veilguard, despite facing significant controversies over its inclusivity approach and design aesthetics, managed to secure a nomination in the Innovation in Accessibility category. This highlights the industry's focus on improving accessibility and inclusion, making gaming more enjoyable and reachable for players with disabilities.

Voting and Event Details

The winners of the awards will be determined by a jury composed of international press and content creators, with 10% of the public's votes contributing to the final decision. The Game Awards will be streamed live on December 12, starting at 8:00 p.m. ET, allowing enthusiasts worldwide to engage with the proceedings and outcomes in real-time.