The Game Awards have long been a spotlight for the gaming industry, celebrating the best in video game development across various genres. Every year, the nominees generate a lot of excitement, but with that excitement often comes confusion, surprise, and even frustration. This year’s list of nominees has certainly sparked its fair share of bafflement. From surprising omissions to unexpected inclusions, here are the three most baffling things about this year’s Game Awards nominees.
The Absence of Highly Anticipated Titles
One of the most shocking aspects of this year’s Game Awards nominations is the glaring absence of several highly anticipated titles. Fans were eagerly expecting games like Starfield, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and Resident Evil 4 to make a strong showing across multiple categories. However, for some inexplicable reason, a few of these big-name games barely appear or don’t make it into the most prestigious categories, such as Game of the Year.
Starfield, in particular, was one of the most discussed games in the lead-up to the awards, and despite its massive global attention and impressive world-building, it received only a few nominations in more niche categories. Similarly, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, a direct sequel to the critically acclaimed Breath of the Wild, was expected to be a front-runner but only appeared in a limited selection of categories. These omissions left fans scratching their heads, questioning how such monumental releases failed to secure widespread recognition.
The Surprising Inclusion of Controversial or Underwhelming Games
Another baffling aspect of this year’s Game Awards nominees is the inclusion of games that have received mixed reviews or, at times, considerable backlash. While it’s understandable that every year there are some outlier picks in terms of nominations, this year’s selection of certain titles felt odd given their less-than-stellar reception.
One notable example is Sonic Frontiers. While the game certainly had a loyal fan base, it was by no means universally praised, with many players and critics expressing disappointment in its execution, lack of polish, and issues with gameplay mechanics. Yet, Sonic Frontiers secured a spot in multiple categories, leading many to question how it managed to edge out other more polished and critically acclaimed games. It’s not that Sonic fans don’t have a valid argument, but the sheer contrast in critical reception has led to many head-scratching moments in terms of nominations.
Similarly, Hogwarts Legacy, despite its undeniable success, was a divisive title due to the controversy surrounding its association with the Harry Potter franchise creator, J.K. Rowling, and her statements on social issues. The game’s inclusion in multiple categories prompted strong reactions from players, some of whom felt that the recognition of the game overlooked the broader ethical considerations that many felt should be taken into account.
The “Snubs” – Games Left Off the List Completely
No Game Awards nomination list is without its share of “snubs,” but this year’s snubs seem particularly glaring. The most noticeable snub has to be Baldur’s Gate 3. Despite the overwhelming critical acclaim and fan admiration for the game’s intricate storytelling, character development, and tactical RPG mechanics, it was noticeably absent in many key categories. The game only received a limited number of nominations, which many considered a major oversight, especially given its position as one of the year’s top-rated games.
Additionally, Final Fantasy XVI, a game that drew praise for its combat system and stunning graphics, also found itself largely absent from the major nominations. The fact that one of the most anticipated and discussed titles of the year wasn’t more heavily recognized raised eyebrows across the gaming community. Many had expected Final Fantasy XVI to dominate the awards season, but its relative exclusion has sparked debates about what criteria the Game Awards committee is using to select nominees.
Conclusion
The 2023 Game Awards nominees may leave some of us perplexed, but that’s what makes the event so fascinating. In the end, the awards are as much about personal preference and community consensus as they are about critical acclaim. These baffling choices remind us that the gaming industry, much like any form of art, is subjective. What resonates with one person may not strike the same chord with another. While some may see these surprises as frustrating, others may find excitement in the unpredictability of the nominations. The Game Awards continue to showcase the diversity and passion in the world of gaming, and while the results may be baffling, they certainly keep us engaged in the conversation.
