The Gamescom 2024 Awards saw Monster Hunter Wilds and Little Nightmares 3 take home multiple prizes, with Monster Hunter Wilds being the overall winner of the show. However, upon closer inspection, some of the categories and respective winners leave room for questioning. The official criteria for adjudicating these matters were not explicitly outlined, leaving uncertainty regarding what qualifies a game as “epic” or “entertaining”. Additionally, the platform-specific awards, such as Best PlayStation Game, were given to games that are not platform exclusive. For example, Monster Hunter Wilds, winner of Best PlayStation Game, is set to release on multiple platforms, including Xbox and PC, while Little Nightmares 3, winner of Best Xbox Game, is also coming to various other platforms.
Monster Hunter Wilds, a direct follow-up to the successful Monster Hunter Worlds, captured the attention of many attendees at Gamescom. The game’s hands-on preview left a positive impression on Catherine, who expressed excitement about exploring the world and testing out different weapons. While the demo showcased promising elements, such as engaging gameplay mechanics and immersive world-building, there are concerns about whether the final product will meet the expectations of long-time series fans. As a sequel to a well-received title, Monster Hunter Wilds has the challenge of living up to its predecessor’s legacy while also introducing new features to attract a broader audience.
Little Nightmares 3 marks a significant transition in the horror series, as it is the first entry developed by Supermassive, known for their work on Until Dawn. The shift in development studios introduces fresh perspectives and potentially new gameplay mechanics to the franchise. With wins for Best Visuals, Best Audio, and Best Xbox Game at Gamescom, Little Nightmares 3 has generated excitement among fans eagerly anticipating the next installment. The decision to entrust the series to a new studio raises questions about the direction of the narrative and the overall experience that players can expect from the upcoming game.
The discrepancies in the Gamescom 2024 Awards raise the issue of transparency and consistency in evaluating video games across different categories. Moving forward, it is crucial for award ceremonies to define clear and specific criteria for each award to ensure a fair and unbiased selection process. Considerations such as platform exclusivity, innovation, and overall impact on the gaming industry should be taken into account when determining the winners of prestigious awards. By establishing comprehensive guidelines, award organizers can enhance the credibility and relevance of their events, ultimately benefiting both developers and players in the gaming community.
While the Gamescom 2024 Awards celebrated the achievements of Monster Hunter Wilds and Little Nightmares 3, there are notable gaps in the criteria and selection process that warrant further scrutiny. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it is essential for award ceremonies to adapt their practices to reflect the changing landscape of interactive entertainment. By addressing these concerns and fostering a culture of transparency and integrity, future gaming awards can uphold the highest standards of excellence and recognition within the industry.
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