The Game Awards 2024: Key Changes and Exciting Announcements Ahead

The Game Awards, an esteemed annual event orchestrated by Geoff Keighley, is gearing up for its much-anticipated 10th anniversary celebration. Scheduled for next month, the event promises a dynamic presentation filled with thrilling announcements and, as the name implies, a prestigious award ceremony recognizing the finest in gaming.

Changes to Award Criteria

In an exciting development, the awards organization has announced modifications to its eligibility criteria, broadening the scope beyond just new game releases. This inclusion now encompasses downloadable content (DLC), remastered versions, and remakes, reflecting a more comprehensive appreciation of gaming’s evolving landscape.

New Eligibility for DLC and Remakes

The FAQ section on The Game Awards website has been expanded to offer clarity regarding these new inclusions. Notably, it mentions that:

• Are DLCs, expansion packs, and remakes/remasters eligible?

The Game Awards strives to honor the most exceptional creative and technical work each year, regardless of how that content is delivered. Expansion packs, game seasons, DLCs, remakes, and remasters can contend in all categories, provided the jury recognizes their innovation and quality. Factors like content novelty and perceived value will play a crucial role in the evaluation process.

Implications of the New Criteria

This significant change could allow games like Elden Ring, which won Game of the Year in 2022, to potentially claim the title again, thanks to its critically acclaimed expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, released this year. Moreover, renowned remakes such as Silent Hill 2 and remastered versions like Horizon Zero Dawn could also find themselves in the running for awards, possibly overshadowing new game releases.

Upcoming Nominee Announcement and Show Details

These updates come just in time for the official nominee announcement for The Game Awards 2024, which is set to take place during a special reveal stream on Monday, November 18, at 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET / 5 PM GMT.

Looking ahead, the principal event will be broadcast live on Thursday, December 12, 2024, from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Viewers worldwide can tune in via popular streaming platforms including YouTube, Twitch, X, and Facebook Live.

For additional insights and ongoing updates, you can check the original announcement here.