By Dean Moses
Video games tell stories and offer gameplay moments that are meaningful to their players in different ways, creating a meaningful impact that transcends childhood and adulthood. Often, we want to share those special experiences with others, to show friends and family why they spoke to us. Right now, we can do just that and lift up our favorite titles from the year with the Game Awards.
Unlike the Academy Awards, the Game Awards put the power in the players’ hands, allowing the public to vote on the games from 2023 that left us with pumping adrenaline, holding our sides with laughter, and even weeping with sadness.
This year the most prestigious award, Game of the Year, has six contenders ranging from a wide array of genres from horror to fantasy to family friendly platformers. They are: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Resident Evil 4, Alan Wake 2, Marvel’s Spider-man 2, Baluster’s Gate 3, and Super Mario Wonder.
While all of those are excellent titles and are worthy to be called Game of the Year, the Spring Creek Sun predicts that Marvel’s Spider-man 2 may just edge out with the win. If you disagree you can visit the Game Awards website right now and cast your vote to help the chances of your preferred entry.
Other award categories include Best Game Direction—that includes most of the Game of the Year Contenders—Narrative, Art Direction, Score and Music, Audio Design, Adaption, Multiplayer, Fighting, Sporting, Innovation in Accessibility, Action Game, RPG, and more.
Gamers can not only vote for their favorite titles, but they can also vote for their favorite E-Sports Players—a competitive form of gaming that has been gaining popularity over the last few years in which people compete for money and prizes through televised events.
The Game Awards not only serves as bragging rights for players to feel validated when touting their favorite virtual experience from the year, but it also goes a long way for developers of the games. When a title receives accolades and recognition, it is more likely that the team will be able to release a sequel or experiment with a new franchise entirely.
Gamers can vote in the Video Game Awards right now be visiting thegameawards.com. The awards will air on December 7th and can be streamed live on YouTube.
