The Game Awards 2024 will take place next Monday announces its nomination listselected from ballots submitted by video game publications, including a ballot from us here at Polygon. Today, Geoff Keighley and his company released a clarification regarding nominees’ eligibility. Although the rules did not previously specifically prohibit video game DLCs and expansions from being nominated, some may have incorrectly assumed that DLCs would not compete for these awards.
In the update released today the FAQ on The Game Awards websiteThere is a new question: “Are DLCs, expansion packs and remakes/remasters eligible?” Here is the answer:
The aim of the Game Awards is to recognize the best creative and technical work each year, regardless of the format of publication of that content. Expansion packs, new game seasons, DLCs, remakes and remasters are eligible to compete in all categories if the jury deems the new creative and technical work worthy of nomination. Factors such as the novelty of the content and its value for money should be taken into account.
We’re not sure whether or not Shadow of the Earth Tree will not receive a GOTY nomination or any other nominations – previously we might have predicted that there would be Elden Ring in Best Current Game (the place where the mainline games are nominated for outstanding DLC and expansions, thereby recognizing those additions). Now it could end up anywhere. We really liked the DLC itself.
correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly suggested that The Game Awards voters may not have been aware of this rule. According to a source at The Game Awards, voters were informed before casting their ballots.
