Why the Game Awards 2024 Nominees Are a Complete Joke!

The 2024 Game Awards nominees have been announced, and as expected, it’s yet another circus orchestrated by Jeff Keighley and his access media buddies. Let’s cut through the fluff: this show is an embarrassment, a slap in the face to gamers everywhere, and a glaring example of how out-of-touch and corrupt the gaming industry has become.

I’m done watching the Game Awards. Why waste time on a bloated, disrespectful spectacle where awards are rapid-fired like an afterthought while the main focus is on overpriced trailers and soulless corporate hype? Keighley doesn’t respect gamers, so why should we respect his sham of a show? This isn’t about celebrating gaming; it’s about pandering to sponsors and keeping access media comfortable in their little echo chamber.

Let’s talk about the categories. Content Creator of the Year? Who are these people? Half of them are just Twitch streamers no one cares about outside their bubble. Then there’s “Games for Impact,” a pretentious nod to artsy, niche titles no one plays. These filler categories are designed to pat certain developers on the back while the main event, Game of the Year, has become a complete joke.

This year, DLC is eligible for Game of the Year. DLC! Let that sink in. DLC isn’t even a standalone product—it’s an extension of a game that already exists! But of course, the rules were conveniently changed to shoehorn in a specific game. This is outright manipulation, plain and simple. If DLC is considered, why even have a "Best Ongoing Game" category? The contradiction is laughable, but we all know this is about money, not merit.

Look at the nominees: remakes, card games, overhyped blockbusters, and, of course, DLC. What a sad state for gaming. No mention of actual standout titles like Batman: Arkham Shadow VR. But let’s be real—VR games will never get a fair shake here because they don’t fit the mainstream narrative. Meanwhile, Best Family Game is just a thinly veiled “Nintendo Consolation Prize” category. It's insulting.

The problem goes deeper. The Game Awards are controlled by a hand-picked jury of access media outlets—the same corrupt circle jerk that dominates gaming discourse. LA Times? Newsweek? Who gave these dinosaurs the right to represent gamers? Where’s the transparency? In past years, the jury list was public, but now, conveniently, it’s hidden. What are they afraid of? The truth? That the same tired voices keep recycling through different websites, playing musical chairs to maintain their grip on the industry?

It’s painfully obvious this isn’t about what gamers love; it’s about what the media elite want us to love. This is a show for insiders, not the people who actually buy and play games. That’s why the Game Awards feel so disconnected from reality—because they are.

And let’s not forget the greed. Want your game’s trailer showcased? Pay up—six figures minimum. Want to be part of this sham? Get your wallet out. It’s no wonder random, barely-known companies from overseas are suddenly getting prime spots. It’s all about the money, and it stinks.

This show no longer represents gamers. It’s a soulless, corporate cash grab run by people who don’t care about gaming culture. They care about their wallets, their friends, and their control over the narrative. The Game Awards could be a true celebration of gaming, but instead, it’s a reminder of everything wrong with this industry.

The fact that DLC is in the Game of the Year category sums up just how low the bar has fallen. This isn’t about quality or innovation. It’s about who pays and who plays along. And until that changes, this show is nothing more than a joke.