The nominees for the public-voted Steam Awards have finally been revealed, and to say that the selection is bewildering would be an understatement. As I peruse the list, I can’t help but feel perplexed. The lineup seems to be dominated by games with large multiplayer communities, raising suspicions that the nominations may have been swayed by an orchestrated campaign. However, let’s not jump to conclusions just yet. Perhaps there is more to this curious assortment than meets the eye.
At the top of the list is the coveted Game Of The Year award. The nominees include Resident Evil 4, Hogwarts Legacy, Lethal Company, Baldur’s Gate 3, and the perplexing entry, EA Sports FC 24. While some of these titles undoubtedly deserve recognition for their accomplishments, there is a nagging doubt about the fairness of the selection process. Could it be that these games, backed by extensive multiplayer communities, have gained an unfair advantage?
The VR Game Of The Year award category presents an equally puzzling array of choices. Gorilla Tag, I Expect You To Die 3, Labyrinthine, F1 23, and Ghosts Of Tabor are vying for the top spot. Once again, it leaves one wondering if the judges have considered the true essence of virtual reality gaming or simply succumbed to popular opinion.
The Labor Of Love award recognizes ongoing games that have continued to evolve and grow. Red Dead Redemption 2, Dota 2, Deep Rock Galactic, Rust, and Apex Legends make up this revered category. While these titles have undeniably cultivated dedicated communities, one cannot help but question whether there are other deserving contenders who have been overlooked.
The Best Game On Steam Deck award pits The Outlast Trials, Dredge, Diablo 4, Brotato, and Hogwarts Legacy against each other. With the emergence of the Steam Deck, it is essential to assess whether these battery-drainers truly outshine other, less demanding games such as Dave The Diver. Are we focusing too much on graphics and performance and neglecting the core essence of gaming?
The Better With Friends award acknowledges games that shine when played with companions. Warhammer 40K: Darktide, Lethal Company, Party Animals, Sunkenland, and Sons Of The Forest vie for this esteemed title. However, one cannot ignore the myriad of other cooperative games that may have gone unnoticed amidst the hype of these popular choices.
The Outstanding Visual Style award celebrates games that push the boundaries of aesthetics and design. Atomic Heart, High On Life, Cocoon, Darkest Dungeon 2, and Inward grace the nominee list. While these titles showcase visual brilliance, it is crucial to remember that gameplay and mechanics play an equally significant role in crafting an unforgettable gaming experience.
The Most Innovative Gameplay award category spotlights games that break new ground and offer fresh experiences. Your Only Move Is Hustle, Remnant 2, Shadows Of Doubt, Contraband Police, and the eyebrow-raising inclusion, Starfield, compete for this highly sought-after accolade. It is worth pondering whether these titles have truly revolutionized the gaming landscape or if they are merely fleeting novelties.
The Best Game You Suck At award category recognizes games that present a steep learning curve, challenging even the most skilled players. Sifu, Lords Of The Fallen, Overwatch, EA Sports FC 24, and Street Fighter 6 are the contenders. While it is undoubtedly difficult to master these games, it is crucial to ask whether they truly outshine other challenging genres, such as platformers or roguelikes.
The Best Soundtrack award celebrates the auditory delights in gaming. Pizza Tower, The Last Of Us: Part One, Hi-Fi Rush, Persona 5 Tactica, and Chants Of Sennaar compete for this melodic honor. However, one must consider whether these choices truly represent the pinnacle of musical composition within the gaming industry.
Finally, the Outstanding Story-Rich Game award highlights narrative-driven experiences that captivate players. Resident Evil 4, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Love Is All Around, Baldur’s Gate 3, and Lies Of P. contend for this prestigious title. While these games undoubtedly offer engaging stories, it is crucial to explore whether lesser-known gems have been overshadowed in the process.
While the nominees certainly offer a diverse range of gaming experiences, one cannot help but question the impartiality of the selection process. Are these choices truly reflective of the wider gaming community’s preferences, or have the nominations been influenced by external factors? As voting commences on December 21st and the Steam winter sale begins, one can only hope that the final results truly honor the best in gaming as opposed to following a predetermined agenda.
The nominees for the Steam Awards 2022 present an intriguing lineup that leaves much room for skepticism. While each category features notable games, it is essential to question if the selection process has been influenced by the size of a game’s community or other external factors. As gamers, let us critically analyze these nominations, exercise our agency through voting, and ensure that the final results truly represent the best that gaming has to offer.
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