News today came out that Shadow of the Erdtree, the highly anticipated DLC that came out this year for Elden Ring, was declared eligible for the game of the year category at the Game Awards. This has ignited a passionate debate within the gaming community because technically it’s not a game, but rather, an expansion. The debate centers around whether or not a DLC expansion be eligible for Game of the Year (GOTY) awards?
This question has sparked a clash of perspectives, with compelling arguments on both sides of the issue. Let’s delve into the heart of this debate and explore the implications for the future of gaming and GOTY recognition.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree and the GOTY Debate
Should Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, a DLC expansion, be eligible for Game of the Year (GOTY) awards? This debate has ignited passionate arguments on both sides, raising questions about the nature of gaming, the definition of a “game,” and the value of expansions.
The Case for GOTY Eligibility
Proponents of Shadow of the Erdtree’s GOTY eligibility highlight several key points:
- Massive Content: This isn’t just a minor add-on. Shadow of the Erdtree is a colossal expansion, potentially rivaling some standalone games in terms of sheer content. It introduces new areas to explore, bosses to conquer, storylines to unravel, and gameplay mechanics to master. This scope, some argue, justifies its consideration alongside full games.
- Transformative Impact: Shadow of the Erdtree has the potential to redefine the Elden Ring experience. It adds new layers of depth and replayability, potentially surpassing the impact of some new game releases. This transformative power, some believe, should be recognized in GOTY discussions.
- Historical Precedent: While not common, DLC expansions have been nominated for and even won GOTY awards in the past. Notable examples include The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine and Shivering Isles for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. This demonstrates that expansions can reach a level of quality and impact worthy of GOTY consideration.
The Case Against GOTY Eligibility
Opponents of Shadow of the Erdtree’s GOTY eligibility raise valid concerns:
- Not a Standalone Experience: At its core, Shadow of the Erdtree is an add-on. It requires the base Elden Ring game to function and cannot be played independently. Some argue that this inherently disqualifies it from GOTY contention, which should be reserved for complete games.
- The “Unfair Advantage” Argument: Elden Ring already swept numerous GOTY awards in 2022. Allowing its DLC to compete for the same award in 2025 could be seen as giving it an unfair advantage over new games that don’t have the benefit of building upon an already established and acclaimed foundation.
- Potential to Dilute the Award: Including DLC in GOTY discussions could potentially devalue the award and make it more challenging for new and innovative games to gain recognition. This could shift the focus away from fresh ideas and towards expansions of existing titles.
The Game Awards Weighs In
Interestingly, The Game Awards has officially declared Shadow of the Erdtree eligible for GOTY. Their FAQ states that “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.” This decision adds another layer to the debate, acknowledging the potential of expansions while leaving the final judgment to the jury.
The Future of GOTY and Expansions
| Perspective | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Expansions as GOTY Contenders | Recognizes the potential for expansions to be as substantial and impactful as full games. Encourages developers to create high-quality expansions that push creative boundaries. Reflects the evolving nature of gaming, where expansions can significantly reshape the gaming landscape. |
| Expansions Separate from GOTY | Maintains the integrity of the GOTY award by focusing on complete, standalone game experiences. Ensures that new and innovative games receive the spotlight and recognition they deserve. Preserves a clear distinction between full games and expansions, avoiding potential confusion and debate. |
Reddit Reacts: The Shadow of the Erdtree GOTY Controversy
The news of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree‘s GOTY eligibility sparked a lively debate on Reddit, with users expressing a range of opinions and concerns. Here’s a glimpse into the conversation:
Calls for a Dedicated DLC Category
Many Redditors voiced support for creating a separate “Best Expansion” or “Best DLC” category. This would allow expansions like Shadow of the Erdtree to be recognized for their quality and impact without competing directly with full games. User u/Secret_University120 commented, “They should just go ahead and make a category for Best Expansion.” This sentiment was echoed by numerous others who felt that a dedicated category would provide a fairer and more appropriate platform for recognizing DLC achievements.
Concerns About Fairness and ” sucking up”
Some users expressed concerns about the fairness of allowing a DLC to compete for GOTY, especially when the base game, Elden Ring, had already won the award in 2022. User u/AcxdBxmb stated, “Just have a category for best DLC, putting a DLC in GOTY is ridiculous.” Others, like u/vackodegamma, went further, suggesting that the decision might be influenced by Geoff Keighley’s relationships with certain developers, stating, “Can’t shake a feeling that Geoff is sucking up to Miyazaki and Japanese gamedev as a whole, after all he’s BFF with Kojima.”
Discussions About Content and Quality
Redditors also engaged in discussions about the content and quality of Shadow of the Erdtree. Some users, like u/GarlVinland4Astrea, argued that the expansion is substantial enough to be considered a standalone game, stating, “Shadow of the Erdtree could have easily been a sequel.” Others, like u/Boo-galoo19, expressed disappointment with the DLC’s lore and new mechanics, arguing that it wasn’t even FromSoftware’s best DLC. These discussions highlight the subjective nature of game evaluation and the diverse perspectives within the gaming community.
A Range of Perspectives
The Reddit comments reflect the diverse opinions surrounding Shadow of the Erdtree‘s GOTY eligibility. Some users celebrated the decision, while others expressed concerns about fairness, the definition of a “game,” and the potential impact on the GOTY award’s prestige. This ongoing conversation underscores the evolving nature of gaming and the need for ongoing discussions about how we categorize and recognize different types of content.
Game Awards Eligibility Update
The debate surrounding Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree and its GOTY eligibility highlights the evolving landscape of gaming and the challenges of categorizing and recognizing different types of content. It’s a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. As the gaming world continues to evolve, this discussion will likely shape future conversations about how we define “games” and how we celebrate the best of the best.
The Game Awards 2024 has clarified its eligibility rules for nominees. DLCs, expansion packs, and remakes are now explicitly eligible for all award categories. This change affects potential nominees like Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansion.
The updated FAQ on The Game Awards website states that new content will be judged based on its creative and technical merits. Factors such as content novelty and value will be considered. This clarification opens up possibilities for expansions to compete alongside full game releases.
Shadow of the Erdtree, the highly anticipated Elden Ring DLC, could now be in contention for Game of the Year. Previously, such content might have been recognized indirectly through the “Best Ongoing Game” category. The expansion has received positive reviews, with critics praising its depth and quality.
The Game Awards aims to recognize excellence in the gaming industry regardless of release format. This inclusive approach allows for a broader range of nominees across categories. Voters were informed of this rule before submitting their ballots.
Key points about the eligibility update:
- DLCs and expansions can compete in all categories
- Remakes and remasters are also eligible
- Judging criteria include creative and technical work
- Content novelty and value are considered
This change could impact the nomination landscape significantly. It allows for recognition of high-quality additional content that might otherwise be overlooked. The upcoming nominee list, set to be announced soon, may reflect this expanded eligibility.
The Game Awards 2024 is scheduled for Monday. Gaming publications, including Polygon, have submitted their ballots. The industry awaits the results with increased interest due to these clarified rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
DLC Award Eligibility Criteria
DLC must meet specific requirements to be considered for Game of the Year awards. It needs substantial new content, including original gameplay elements, story additions, and technical enhancements. The DLC’s quality and impact on the gaming industry are key factors. Its release date must fall within the award period. The expansion should offer a significant experience comparable to standalone games.
Standalone Expansion Nomination Rules
Standalone expansions can compete for GOTY nominations alongside full games. They must offer a complete gaming experience without requiring the base game. The content should be substantial enough to justify consideration as a separate entity. Pricing and marketing as an independent product also influence eligibility. Judges evaluate these expansions based on their individual merits and innovation.
Past DLC Award Winners
Few downloadable content packages have won major game awards. Most award ceremonies focus on full game releases. Some industry events have created separate categories for DLC and expansions. Notable examples of highly acclaimed DLC include “Blood and Wine” for The Witcher 3, though it did not win the main GOTY award. The gaming industry continues to debate the place of DLC in major award considerations.
DLC Impact on Base Game Eligibility
The release of major DLC can affect the GOTY eligibility of the base game. Most award bodies consider the original release date of the base game for eligibility. Significant expansions may extend the relevance of an older title but rarely change its award eligibility year. Some organizations might make exceptions for games that have been substantially transformed by DLC, but this is uncommon.
DLC and GOTY Recognition History
DLC and expansion packs have a limited history of GOTY recognition. They are often celebrated in specialized categories rather than the main GOTY awards. Gaming publications and websites sometimes create “Best DLC” lists or awards. The industry has seen a trend towards more substantial DLC releases, blurring the lines between expansions and full games. This evolution has prompted discussions about their place in award considerations.
GOTY Nomination Rules Announcement
Official rules for GOTY nominations and eligibility are typically announced several months before the awards ceremony. Major gaming events and publications usually reveal their criteria in the late summer or early fall. The exact timing can vary between different award-giving bodies. Some organizations maintain consistent rules year to year, while others may adjust criteria based on industry trends and feedback.
