 nominations have ignited heated debates among gaming communities. The inclusion of Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree as a GOTY contender has angered fans of Cyberpunk 2077){kind=link}
The Game Awards 2024 sparked heated discussions after nominating Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree for Game of the Year (GOTY). Fans of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty expressed frustration, questioning why their favourite DLC was excluded from GOTY nominations in 2023 despite its critical acclaim.
The Debate Over GOTY Eligibility
The controversy began with The Game Awards’ clarification that DLC, remakes, and remasters qualify for GOTY. Fans argue this retroactively snubs Phantom Liberty, a massive expansion hailed for its gripping storytelling, deep character development, and polished gameplay. Some believe it deserved recognition over titles like Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Although Phantom Liberty competed in the “Best Ongoing Game” category last year, fans feel this relegation undermined its impact.
This year’s nomination of Shadow of the Erdtree further exacerbates the issue, as many feel that The Game Awards’ inconsistent criteria diminished the achievements of DLCs like The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine (2016) and Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers.
Why Fans Praise Phantom Liberty
Phantom Liberty breathed new life into Cyberpunk 2077, reshaping the game with its 2.0 update and delivering a compelling espionage story. With standout performances from Idris Elba and Minji Chang, the DLC explored themes of betrayal, loyalty, and redemption, while enhancing gameplay with new features like vehicular combat and advanced cybernetic upgrades. Its bittersweet ending offered players a satisfying conclusion to V’s journey, further solidifying its legacy as a standout expansion.
Broader Implications for the Industry
The backlash highlights ongoing tensions in gaming awards regarding how expansions are valued. While standalone games dominate GOTY nominations, the growing complexity and creativity in DLCs make a strong case for revisiting the selection process. Fans argue that expansions like Phantom Liberty exemplify how DLCs can redefine a game’s narrative and gameplay, warranting equal footing in the awards.
As Shadow of the Erdtree prepares to compete for gaming’s top honour, the controversy surrounding Phantom Liberty underscores the need for greater transparency and fairness in awards criteria. Whether this will lead to changes in future nominations remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: passionate fan discourse will continue to shape the conversation around gaming excellence.
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