Evolving Gaming Experiences: Recognizing the Ongoing Masterpieces

The gaming industry has evolved beyond the confines of annual release cycles, with many of the most popular and influential titles transcending their initial launch years. As the landscape of video games continues to shift, the challenge of recognizing and celebrating these ever-evolving experiences has become a pressing concern for industry awards and accolades.

Honoring the Timeless Greats in a Changing Landscape

Expanding Eligibility: Embracing the Perpetual Masterpieces

The traditional model of handing out annual awards for games often fails to capture the true essence of the modern gaming experience. Many of the most played and beloved titles on the market today are designed to be perpetual "live services," constantly evolving and improving long after their initial release. This poses a unique challenge for awards shows like The Game Awards, which strictly define eligibility based on release dates, excluding expansion packs and substantial updates.To address this issue, some organizations, such as Polygon, have opted to expand the eligibility criteria for their game of the year rankings, allowing for the inclusion of expansion packs and significant updates. This approach recognizes that the quality and impact of a game can continue to grow and evolve well beyond its initial launch, often reaching new heights of popularity and critical acclaim years later.

The Best Ongoing Game: Rewarding Sustained Excellence

In response to the growing prominence of live-service games, The Game Awards introduced the Best Ongoing Game category in 2017. This award aims to recognize "outstanding development of ongoing content that evolves the player experience over time." However, the category has remained relatively stable, with a small pool of perennial nominees and only five games winning the award in the seven years since its inception.The dominance of a few titles in this category, such as Fortnite and Final Fantasy 14, highlights the challenge of capturing the full breadth of the gaming landscape. As the industry continues to evolve, the criteria and selection process for the Best Ongoing Game award may need to be reevaluated to ensure it remains a meaningful and representative recognition of the most impactful and continuously improved gaming experiences.

Predicting the 2024 Nominees: A Changing of the Guard?

Looking ahead to 2024, the Best Ongoing Game category at The Game Awards may be in for a shakeup. While the usual suspects, such as Apex Legends, Final Fantasy 14, Fortnite, and Genshin Impact, are likely to be in the running, there are a few wildcards that could disrupt the status quo.One potential contender is Elden Ring, the critically acclaimed action-RPG from FromSoftware. Despite not being a traditional live-service game, the release of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion in 2024 could propel it into this category, given its universal acclaim and the voting jury's desire to recognize its continued excellence.Another intriguing possibility is Diablo 4, which may benefit from the launch of its Vessel of Hatred expansion and the well-received Loot Reborn overhaul, granting it the "most improved" sentiment that has helped other games in the past.Stardew Valley, the beloved life simulation game, could also make a surprise appearance in the nominations, thanks to the substantial 1.6 update that has reinvigorated the game's dedicated community.Destiny 2 and World of Warcraft, two long-standing titans of the live-service genre, remain strong contenders, with the former's well-received The Final Shape expansion and the latter's 20th anniversary celebrations potentially giving them an edge.

Wildcards and Unexpected Contenders

While the usual suspects are likely to dominate the Best Ongoing Game category, there are a few other games that could potentially disrupt the predictions and shake up the nominations.Fortnite, the perennial nominee and two-time winner, would be a surprising omission, given its consistent updates and massive player base. However, the game's relative quietness in the past year compared to its 2023 sensation may leave the door open for other contenders.Genshin Impact, another three-time nominee, could face increased competition from newer releases like Wuthering Waves and Zenless Zone Zero, both from the same developer, HoYoverse. This could potentially split the vote and open up opportunities for other games to shine.Final Fantasy 14, the two-time winner, may face a tougher challenge this year, as the reception for its latest expansion, Dawntrail, was a bit softer than previous releases. This could open the door for World of Warcraft, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary and has seen a resurgence of interest and positive feedback for its recent updates.Apex Legends, a five-time nominee, has had a more turbulent year, with the community backlash over unpopular battle pass changes and the ongoing struggle with cheating. This could potentially work against it, paving the way for other games to claim the spotlight.Finally, Starfield, Bethesda's highly anticipated sci-fi RPG, could be an outside contender if its first expansion, Shattered Space, manages to turn around the game's underwhelming initial reception and propel it into the Best Ongoing Game conversation.The 2024 Best Ongoing Game category promises to be a dynamic and unpredictable affair, with a mix of familiar faces and potential newcomers vying for the prestigious award. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the industry's ability to recognize and celebrate the most impactful and continuously improved experiences will be crucial in honoring the true masterpieces of the medium.