The Game Awards 2024 sparked significant debate within the gaming community, as several key decisions and outcomes drew both praise and criticism. Here are the major controversies from this year’s event:
Game of the Year: A Safe Choice?
The award for Game of the Year (GOTY) was given to Astro Bot, a widely acclaimed game noted for its exceptional design and universal appeal. While many agreed it was a polished and well-executed title, critics labeled the decision "safe" and lacking ambition. Other contenders, such as Black Myth: Wukong and Baldur’s Gate 3, were seen by some as more innovative and deserving of the top honor.
Black Myth: Wukong's CEO Reaction
Feng Ji, the CEO of Game Science, voiced his disappointment over Black Myth: Wukong not winning GOTY. Despite earning awards like Best Action Game and Players' Voice, Feng Ji took to social media to express frustration, stating that he had even prepared an acceptance speech. His remarks divided the audience—some appreciated his humor, while others felt his comments bordered on arrogance.
Players' Voice Award Under Fire
The Players' Voice award, a category entirely decided by public voting, caused controversy when three of the top five finalists were free-to-play gacha games: Genshin Impact, Wuthering Waves, and Zenless Zone Zero. Critics questioned whether these titles, known for their large player bases and in-game reward systems, had an unfair advantage. This debate reignited calls for a more balanced voting system in publicly decided categories.
DLC in Major Categories
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, a DLC expansion, was nominated for Game of the Year—a first for the awards. While some argued it was a testament to the quality of FromSoftware's work, others felt that expansions should not compete against full games. This raised broader questions about the criteria for major nominations.
Industry Critiques from Larian Studios
During his acceptance speech for Best RPG, Swen Vincke, CEO of Larian Studios (Baldur’s Gate 3), criticized industry practices, particularly publishers prioritizing sales targets over creative vision. His pointed remarks seemed aimed at unnamed competitors, fueling speculation about internal rivalries within the industry.
Community Reaction
The controversies surrounding the Game Awards highlight the growing pains of an event that has become a major platform for recognizing gaming excellence. Fans and industry leaders alike have called for greater transparency, clearer nomination criteria, and adjustments to public voting processes to ensure the awards remain fair and reflective of the industry's best.
The Game Awards 2024 once again showcased the diverse and evolving gaming landscape but left many debating how the event can balance its growing popularity with the need for inclusivity and fairness.
