In a surprising outcome, the highly acclaimed Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree failed to secure any awards this year, despite receiving overwhelming praise from both critics and fans. This DLC’s nomination for Game of the Year (GOTY) raised eyebrows given its status as an expansion rather than a standalone title. Nevertheless, Shadow of the Erdtree featured ample content to compete favorably against other nominees. Although the beloved Elden Ring didn’t manage to win any accolades in its second appearance, many hope that its third installment with FromSoftware will prove to be more fruitful.
Anticipation surrounding Elden Ring was high, with many fans worried that the title might sweep all categories. However, it seems that The Game Awards continue to favor independent games over established franchises. While it’s disappointing that Shadow of the Erdtree did not win, it has set an important precedent, demonstrating that a well-crafted DLC can still earn recognition in the gaming world. This development opens up exciting possibilities for future DLC nominations, enhancing the prospects for the upcoming spinoff, Elden Ring Nightreign, which could compete for awards next year.
Elden Ring Nightreign: A New Contender for 2025 GOTY
The Third Time Might Be the Charm
Elden Ring Nightreign emerged as one of the most thrilling announcements at The Game Awards. This multiplayer-focused spin-off promises a unique experience set in a twisted version of the iconic lands between, allowing players to engage in an arcade-style gameplay featuring new abilities and bosses, while also welcoming back several fan-favorite elements. Although Nightreign may prioritize chaotic combat encounters over in-depth storytelling typical of soulslike titles, players might still uncover an engaging narrative that delves into the current state of the Elden Ring universe.
While The Game Awards have historically leaned towards single-player, narrative-rich experiences for GOTY nominations, the substantial content of Nightreign may justify its classification as a standalone game rather than mere DLC. The uncertain public reception to this departure from the classic FromSoftware formula might pleasantly surprise fans when the game debuts. Notably, Nightreign will introduce fully compatible cooperative gameplay throughout the entire run and an overhauled class and progression system, positioning it as a strong contender for success upon its 2025 release.
Nightreign: Strong Prospects Against Competitors
A Standalone Spin-Off Likely to Succeed
Despite The Game Awards extending recognition to Shadow of the Erdtree as a nominee, the industry still carries a significant stigma towards DLCs. The announcement itself faced backlash on social media, with users on X, such as mrppyo1, expressing valid concerns regarding the implications of this nomination. Ultimately, the debates surrounding the eligibility of DLCs did not impact the current awards.
Let’s make something clear, no one is saying Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is not amazing quality But the decision to have a DLC Nominated is, just think about this. To play this you have to play a game from 2022, it feels like the rules changed so this can win goty again 💀 — Pyo 5ï¸\u008f⃣ (@mrpyo1) November 18, 2024
Although Nightreign retains the Elden Ring branding, it is designed as a more independent experience, unbound from the original game’s narrative. Fans will have to be patient as they wait to see if Nightreign can meet the high expectations synonymous with the franchise. Nonetheless, its potential adds an intriguing layer of excitement as its release date approaches.
Source: X/mrpyo1