The spectacle of The Game Awards is undeniable, a glittering ceremony that simultaneously excites and frustrates. It’s a celebration of an industry we love, a much-needed spotlight on the incredible talent behind the games that captivate us, yet it feels…off. A nagging sense that popularity often overshadows true innovation.
This isn’t a new complaint. It echoes the criticisms leveled at the Oscars and Golden Globes – the inherent bias towards the mainstream. Brilliant, groundbreaking games can be lost in the shuffle, relegated to niche corners while familiar franchises bask in the glow of recognition. Consider 2020’s *Huntdown*, a stylish cyberpunk blaster; a gem that vanished without a trace.
This year, *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*’s victory felt almost predetermined. It wasn’t a surprise; it was an inevitability, having already steamrolled the competition in the indie categories. While the achievement is certainly commendable, it’s hard to ignore the context – a unique title standing against established sequels and a new *Donkey Kong* installment.
A truly compelling battle would have been against *Astro Bot*. That game radiates pure joy, a nostalgic charm that *Clair Obscur*, with its earnest attempts at emotional resonance, simply lacks. It’s a subjective feeling, perhaps, but *Astro Bot* feels universally inviting, while *Clair Obscur* feels…calculated.
Many dismiss The Game Awards as frivolous, but its scale lends it an undeniable weight. It’s the video game industry’s WrestleMania, a dazzling, overwhelming event that captures the attention of millions. It’s easy to get caught up in the hype, to treat the awards as definitive statements of quality.
But they aren’t. They’re simply reflections of our collective perception, shiny statues that developers proudly display like prized possessions. To invest too much emotional energy in the outcome is to miss the point. The true reward is the experience of playing the games themselves.
Last year, the desire for *Astro Bot* to win was strong, a yearning for a game that rekindled the simple pleasures of the PlayStation 2 era. *Black Myth: Wukong* was impressive, certainly, but ultimately another entry in the crowded Soulslike genre. *Astro Bot* offered something different: unadulterated fun.
So, enjoy the awards show for what it is – entertainment. Embrace the games *you* love, regardless of whether they receive accolades. And perhaps, spare a thought for the countless hidden gems languishing in the digital storefronts, waiting to be discovered.
Finally, a curious observation: the protagonist of *Pragmata* bears a striking resemblance to Sam Gideon from *Vanquish*. Capcom seems to have a fondness for heroes clad in skintight exosuits. Is this a stylistic preference, or a missed opportunity for truly original character design?
