The Game Awards have confirmed that DLCs, expansions, remakes, and seasonal content are eligible for awards in all categories, including Game of The Year, at the annual event set to be held on December 12. The confirmation, on The Game Awards website’s FAQ, comes at a time when the landscape of video game development is shifting towards titles that routinely release new content for players of existing games, and remakes of older titles provide improved storytelling devices, technological advances, and updated mechanics.
Regarding this recent change, The Game Awards official website FAQ states,
“The Game Awards recognizes that many games are ongoing services that evolve over time with new content, features, and improvements. Games released in previous years are eligible in all award categories, so long as the jury feels their inclusion is merited due to new content, improvements or service updates. Expansion packs, new game seasons, DLCs, remakes and remasters are eligible in all categories, if the jury deems the new creative and technical work to be worthy of a nomination. Factors such as the newness of the content and its price/value should be taken into consideration.”
Games With Seasonal Content Are Eligible For The Game Awards This Year
Seasons and Live Services Continually Refresh Games & Deserve Recognition
Games like Fortnite, Destiny 2, and Genshin Impact have been pioneers in this space, with frequent updates and seasonal content that redefine the player experience. Expansions such as Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree can compete in major categories, including Game of the Year. In a recent X post by GeminiJack11, they state their opinion on this matter, asking whether DLCs should be eligible or the title should be the main focus, not just the extra content.
Some fans argue that expansions and remakes build on existing work, potentially overshadowing wholly original games. Others see this as an overdue acknowledgment of the immense effort and innovation that goes into post-launch content. This change also raises questions about balancing fairness. For example, Elden Ring, which was awarded Game of the Year in 2022, could potentially dominate the 2024 awards with its DLC. This might feel repetitive to some and could lead to concerns about an uneven playing field.
Our Take: Is This Change To The Game Awards A Positive Move?
The Eligibility of DLCs, Expansions, and Remakes Will Divide Gamers
On the surface, confirming the eligibility of DLCs, expansions, and remakes is a positive development. It highlights the ongoing efforts of developers who invest heavily in post-launch content, often delivering experiences that rival or even surpass the original games. This shift emphasizes the importance of innovation and ensures that standout creative and technical work doesn’t go unnoticed.
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A major contender won’t actually be in the running, and it could make the awards feel disconnected from reality in a way they usually try to avoid.
Overall, this change represents an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of gaming experiences. By recognizing expansions, seasonal content, and remakes, The Game Awards reflects the industry’s dynamism and creativity. While it may divide fans, it also sets a precedent for a more inclusive and nuanced celebration of gaming’s best offerings each year. More information on what to expect from The Game Awards will be revealed later today, November 18, at 12PM EST.
Source: The Game Awards
