The Game Awards host and organiser Geoff Keighley is taking the criticism face-on via X, where he's asking people for their thoughts on the nominees and what the "biggest surprise" is. The replies are exactly what you'd expect, with some of the more popular posts garnering just as much engagement as Geoff's own conversation starter.
The overwhelming argument is that DLC simply shouldn't be up for an award like Game of the Year — with an emphasis on Game.
But it gets worse. Suspicions were raised over the weekend, when an update to The Game Awards' official website revealed that DLC can indeed be nominated for Game of the Year. The timing of this update immediately led to concerns regarding the whole process.
Lo and behold, just days after the update, Shadow of the Erdree is nominated for the ultimate prize — as if Geoff and the gang had anticipated the potential backlash.
Now, it should be noted that this particular Game of the Year award is decided by critics. And, according to The Game Awards' website, DLC has always been eligible for Game of the Year — if it garners enough support from said critics.
So, it's assumed that Shadow of the Erdtree is simply that well-regarded by gaming publications; its quality apparently warrants a place alongside the likes of Astro Bot, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Black Myth: Wukong, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and Balatro.
To be fair, the expansion commands a thoroughly impressive score of 94 on Metacritic — but many would argue that's not the point (ourselves included, for what it's worth).
But what do you make of all this? Do you take The Game Awards seriously to begin with? Should DLC ever be considered for Game of the Year? Feel free to rant in the comments section below.
The Game Awards Under Heavy Criticism for Elden Ring DLC's Game of the Year Nomination
Effin and Geoffin
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