The Steam Awards 2023 have rolled out their list of nominees and it's stirring quite the conversation in the gaming community. The assortment of nominated games has struck many as unusual this year, with some choices raising eyebrows and prompting a second glance. One could argue that the nominations have been heavily influenced by games boasting large, active player bases potentially skewing the results. However, setting aside any skepticism, this year's lineup certainly keeps things interesting, with categories like "most innovative gameplay" including nominations for games like Starfield.
Looking at the Game of the Year category, we see a diverse mix of titles. The survival horror remake Resident Evil 4 is nominated alongside the spellbinding Hogwarts Legacy, the intense Lethal Company, the fantasy RPG Baldur's Gate 3, and the sports title EA Sports FC 24. This category showcases a breadth of genres, offering a glimpse into the varied tastes of the gaming community.
For the VR Game of the Year award, virtual reality enthusiasts will be voting among the frantic Gorilla Tag, the puzzle-inspired I Expect You To Die 3, the exploratory Labyrinthine, Formula 1's agile racer F1 23, and the haunting Ghosts Of Tabor. This selection highlights the innovation and creativity developers are pouring into VR experiences.
The Labor of Love award acknowledges games that continue to receive ongoing developer support post-release. This year's nominees include the open-world odyssey Red Dead Redemption 2, the competitive Dota 2, the cooperative mining shooter Deep Rock Galactic, the survival game Rust, and the battle royale contender Apex Legends.
With the rise of the Steam Deck, the Best Game On Steam Deck award shines a spotlight on games that bring out the best in handheld PC gaming. The Outlast Trials, Dredge, Blizzard's upcoming Diablo 4, the indie 'potato rogue-like' Brotato, and Hogwarts Legacy again finds a nomination in this category.
The Better With Friends award recognizes games that are most enjoyable played with companions. Nominees include the intense multiplayer shooter Warhammer 40K: Darktide, Lethal Company making another appearance, the hilariously chaotic Party Animals, the mystical Sunkenland, and the cooperative survival horror Sons Of The Forest.
A game's visual style can leave a lasting impression, and the Outstanding Visual Style award nods to games that have pushed creative boundaries. Atomic Heart, High On Life, the puzzle adventure Cocoon, the gothic strategy of Darkest Dungeon 2, and the atmospheric Inward are all up for the accolade this year.
Among the most controversial could be the Most Innovative Gameplay award. It suggests games that have brought something new to the table. Your Only Move Is Hustle, Remnant 2, Shadows of Doubt, Contraband Police, and notably Starfield have all been nominated, though Starfield's inclusion pre-release has turned heads.
Then we have the Best Game You Suck At award, a category that calls out challenging games that are tough to master. This includes the martial arts action Sifu, the respawn-required Lords of The Fallen, the team-based shooter Overwatch, EA Sports FC 24 making another appearance, and the competitive Street Fighter 6.
Soundtracks can dramatically enhance the gaming experience, and for the Best Soundtrack award, nominees span a range of musical styles. Pizza Tower, The Last Of Us: Part One, Hi-Fi Rush, Persona 5, and Tactica: Chants Of Sennaar all offer distinctive aural experiences.
Storytelling in games can be just as captivating as any book or movie, and the Outstanding Story-Rich Game award features titles known for their narrative depth. Once again, Resident Evil 4 appears, alongside Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, the heartfelt Love Is All Around, Baldur's Gate 3, and the Penny Dreadful-inspired Lies Of P.
Lastly, for those who enjoy gaming at a more measured pace, the Sit Back And Relax award includes nominees like Train Sim World 4, Coral Island, Dave The Diver, Cities Skylines 2, and Portion Craft, all offering experiences in which players can unwind and play without pressure.
The Steam community's reactions are nothing short of mixed. Some defend their beloved titles, arguing for the merits of each nomination, while others question the credibility of certain inclusions. Nevertheless, the nomination list serves its purpose – it gets people talking, debating, and engaging with the gaming world in a passionate manner.
Votes for the awards open on December 21st, alongside the start of the Steam winter sale, and will close on January 2nd. The sale itself extends slightly beyond the voting period, ending on January 4th. As gamers deliberate their choices and cast their votes, they simultaneously weigh what games have truly defined the past year for them. It's a time of reflection over the virtual worlds that brought joy, frustration, teamwork, and solitary adventures into the lives of so many. Whether the nominations seem peculiar or perfectly fitting, they ensure the Steam Awards remain as much a talking point as the games themselves.
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