Introduction

As the gaming community gears up for the 10th annual Game Awards airing on December 12, the excitement is palpable with nominees like Astro Bot and Metaphor: ReFantazio leading the pack with seven and six nominations, respectively. However, amidst the glitz and glam, a significant issue looms: the timing of the awards show inadvertently harms potential contenders that release close to the eligibility cut-off date.

The Problem with Timing

For reference, any game publicly available by November 22 is eligible for nomination this year, with ballots due on November 12. This tight schedule creates an environment where games like BioWare’s upcoming Dragon Age: The Veilguard, releasing just two weeks before voting ends, face considerable disadvantages. With an expansive gameplay duration of up to 60 hours, many voters simply won’t have had enough time to experience the game in its entirety compared to earlier releases such as Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, which launched with plenty of time for evaluation.

The Skewed Dynamics of Nominations

The overlapping deadlines create a situation where timing becomes a critical factor in nominations. The Game Awards often reflect not necessarily the industry's best offerings but rather the most popular and widely played titles that voters had time to engage with. Though games not yet released are technically eligible, the reality is that few jurors can dedicate enough time to consider them properly. This skewed dynamic frequently sidelines promising titles that might have otherwise shone bright.

Real-World Examples

Take, for example, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, which launched on November 20 and was technically eligible but faced the same uphill battle. With only a handful of jury members able to immerse themselves in the game before votes were cast, its chances for recognition were critically undercut. In contrast, popular franchises with shorter completion times, like Spider-Man 2, can break through the noise despite launching late, often resulting in a skewed representation of gaming excellence.

A Comparison with The Grammys

This challenge calls into question the structure of The Game Awards compared to other entertainment award shows, most notably The Grammys. Scheduled for February 2, The Grammys have an eligibility window that spans from September 16, 2023, to August 30, 2024, allowing ample time for nominations to be considered. This approach enables a more thoughtful and comprehensive evaluation process, providing an essential buffer that the Game Awards significantly lack.

The Marketing Influence

In addition, many prestigious video game award shows, including the BAFTA Games Awards, also provide generous gaps between eligibility and the ceremony date. Why then does The Game Awards adhere to this expedited timeline? One possible explanation lies in its role as a marketing vehicle for the industry. December, just before the holiday season, is prime for promoting games, aligning with publisher strategies to showcase their products while holiday shopping thrives.

The Risk of Undermining Achievement

Yet, this marketing focus risks undermining the very purpose of an awards ceremony: genuine recognition of artistic achievement in gaming. It raises the question of whether The Game Awards can adapt its structure without losing its embeddedness in the marketing cycle.

A Call for a Shift to a Post-Year Schedule

To create a more balanced environment that adequately honors diverse contenders, a post-year schedule akin to the approach taken by The Grammys and BAFTA may be the answer. By doing so, The Game Awards could provide a more equitable assessment of the gaming landscape, ensuring that each deserving title is given a fair chance to shine.

Conclusion

Will the Game Awards heed the call for change, or will it continue to favor the familiar faces of the gaming industry? Only time will tell!