The 2023 Game Awards, now in their tenth year, have announced their nominees, and the list includes some expected hits as well as a few surprises. Among the Game of the Year nominees are titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Baldur’s Gate 3, as well as Capcom’s remake of Resident Evil 4. However, Bethesda’s much-anticipated sci-fi RPG, Starfield, was notably absent from the Game of the Year category, securing only one nomination across all categories.
Starfield was only nominated in the best RPG category, a surprising outcome given the game’s high expectations and buzz in the gaming community. This underrepresentation is particularly striking considering the presence of other games like Alan Wake II, Spider-Man 2, and Super Mario Bros. Wonder in various categories. The awards also recognized games like Pizza Tower for best debut indie game and Lies of P for best art direction.
The Game Awards, created and hosted by Geoff Keighley, are selected by a global jury of over 120 media outlets. Keighley has emphasized his non-involvement in the voting process, focusing instead on announcing the nominees. The awards have been a platform for more than just celebrating gaming achievements; they’ve also been a stage for addressing industry issues, such as working conditions and political statements, though it’s unclear if this year’s event will continue in that vein.
The Game Awards are not just about accolades; they’re also a major event for new gaming announcements, trailers, and world premieres. With the Grand Theft Auto 6 official trailer reveal expected in early December, there’s speculation about potential surprises at the show. The event is set to take place on December 7, promising a night of celebration, recognition, and perhaps a few unexpected turns.