The Game Awards has made an important announcement regarding the eligibility criteria for its awards categories. According to the latest information, DLC, remakes, and remasters are now considered for all awards categories, including the prestigious Game of the Year award.
In a recent update on The Game Awards website FAQ page, it was revealed that judges will now take into account expansion packs, new game seasons, DLCs, remakes, and remasters when selecting nominees. The focus is on recognizing the best creative and technical work each year, regardless of how the content was released.
This new development opens up the possibility for games like Silent Hill 2 Remake and DLCs such as Elden Ring’s The Shadow of the Erdtree to be nominated for awards. Elden Ring, which won the Game of the Year award in 2022, serves as an example of the type of content that could now be considered.
Additionally, games with seasonal content like Apex Legends and Destiny, as well as other live-service games, are now eligible for nomination. This means that even if the base game was released several years ago, as long as there is new creative and technical work deemed worthy by the jury, it can be considered for an award.
Looking back at the previous year, Baldur’s Gate 3 took home the top award at The Game Awards, while Alan Wake 2 also received recognition with multiple awards. The 2023 edition of The Game Awards set a new viewership record, with approximately 118 million livestreams, surpassing the 103 million global livestreams from the previous year.
The inclusion of DLC, remakes, and remasters in the awards categories reflects the evolving landscape of the gaming industry. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing outstanding creative and technical achievements, regardless of the form in which they are presented to players.
This decision by The Game Awards opens up exciting possibilities for developers and players alike, showcasing the diverse and innovative content that continues to shape the gaming world. As we await the announcement of the shortlists, anticipation is high to see which titles will be recognized for their exceptional contributions to the gaming industry.