Analysis

The Persistent Issue with The Game Awards Nominations: The Need for Exclusivity in Game of the Year Contenders

Published November 14, 2023

Each year, The Game Awards nominations spark debates and discussions within the gaming community, highlighting a recurrent problem that many believe undermines the event's credibility. The crux of the issue lies in the nomination process, particularly concerning the prestigious 'Game of the Year' (GOTY) category. The current rules allow a single game to be nominated across multiple genre-specific categories, in addition to the GOTY nomination. This overlap of nominations has led to dissent, as stakeholders from gamers to industry insiders voice their concerns annually.

Proposing a Solution to The Game Awards Conundrum

The limelight recently focused on a solution proposed by journalist Ethan Gach, suggesting a change in the rules governing The Game Awards nominations. The proposed solution is straightforward: if a game secures a nomination for the GOTY category, it should be excluded from contention in other genre-specific categories. This restriction is rooted in the desire to promote diversity and recognize a broader spectrum of games.

Rationale Behind the Exclusivity Proposal

The rationale behind this proposition stems from the belief that allowing a GOTY nominee to compete in other categories creates a concentration of recognition that detracts from the visibility and acknowledgement of other deserving titles. This change could foster a more equitable and varied representation of the year's best games across the industry. The approach echoes similar methodologies found in other awards ceremonies and could rejuvenate the nomination process for The Game Awards.

GameAwards, Nominations, Exclusivity