Elden Ring Expansion Nomination Sparks Debate Among Gamers

The gaming community is buzzing with excitement and debate following the announcement of the nominees for the Game Awards 2024. Among the contenders is "Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree," which has ignited discussions across social media platforms. Fans are questioning whether this expansion pack truly deserves a spot alongside other notable titles such as "Metaphor: ReFantazio," "Black Myth Wukong," "Balatro," and "Final Fantasy VII Rebirth." The primary concern stems from the fact that "Shadow of the Erdtree" can only be accessed after completing the main game, leading some to argue that it does not stand alone as a complete gaming experience.

One fan expressed their thoughts on Reddit, stating, "As amazing as Shadow of the Erdtree was, it getting a GOTY nom just kind of rubs me the wrong way. Yes, it was expansive, but it wasn't the first DLC for a game to be giant. Witcher, Xenoblade, Cyberpunk, etc. Would've rather seen an actual game." This sentiment has resonated with many, while others have taken a more humorous approach, creating memes to express their opinions on the nomination.

The Game Awards has clarified that "Shadow of the Erdtree" meets its selection criteria. A statement on their website reads, "The Game Awards aims to recognize the best creative and technical work each year, irrespective of the format of that content’s release. Expansion packs, new game seasons, DLCs, remakes, and remasters are eligible in all categories, if the jury deems the new creative and technical work to be worthy of a nomination." This means that factors such as the novelty of the content and its value are considered when determining eligibility.

Despite the controversy, there is no denying that "Shadow of the Erdtree" is one of the most significant releases of 2024. It received a perfect score of 10 in a review, highlighting its rich content filled with secrets, treasures, and challenging boss battles. The review praised the expansion for its engaging lore, stunning visuals, and exceptional music, making it a memorable experience for players. Additionally, it offers a substantial amount of gameplay, with a completionist run estimated to take around 51 hours.

While some fans are hesitant about DLCs being nominated for Game of the Year, others have expressed their support for "Shadow of the Erdtree." One fan noted, "I'm a bit 'eh' about DLCs being nominated, but SOTE is my favourite release of the year and is a very substantial gaming experience so I'm fine with it." This highlights the divide among gamers regarding the recognition of expansion packs in major award categories.

Calls for a separate "Best Expansion" category have emerged, with some arguing that highly rated releases like "Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty" deserve their own recognition. Others feel that titles such as "Animal Well" have been overlooked in favor of "Shadow of the Erdtree." Regardless of the ongoing debate, it is clear that "Shadow of the Erdtree" is poised to take home several awards when the Game Awards stream on December 12, including nominations for Best Game Direction, Best Art Direction, and Best RPG.

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the discussions surrounding the inclusion of expansion packs in prestigious awards will likely persist. The outcome of this year's Game Awards may set a precedent for how future expansions are viewed within the gaming community. Ultimately, whether one agrees with the nomination or not, it is evident that "Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree" has made a significant impact in the gaming world, sparking conversations that will shape the future of gaming awards.