The Gamescom 2024 Awards recently took place, with Monster Hunter Wilds and Little Nightmares 3 emerging as the big winners. However, upon closer inspection of the categories and respective winners, some aspects of the award selection process seem dubious. For instance, the criteria for what defines a game as “epic” or “entertaining” were not clearly outlined by Gamescom. This lack of transparency raises questions about how these judgments were made.
Platform-Specific Awards and Cross-Platform Releases
One glaring inconsistency in the awards is the platform-specific categories, such as Best PlayStation Game and Best Xbox Game, and their winners. It is puzzling to see Monster Hunter Wilds winning Best PlayStation Game when the game is set to release on multiple platforms, including Xbox and PC. Similarly, Little Nightmares 3, winner of the Best Xbox Game award, is also slated for release on various platforms. This lack of exclusivity raises concerns about the relevance of platform-specific awards in a gaming landscape characterized by cross-platform availability.
Game Highlights: Monster Hunter Wilds and Little Nightmares 3
Monster Hunter Wilds, the successor to the popular Monster Hunter Worlds, has generated significant excitement among gamers. The seamless transition from Monster Hunter Rise to Wilds showcases the franchise’s commitment to evolving and expanding its gameplay. Impressions from early gameplay demos suggest that Monster Hunter Wilds offers a promising experience, with diverse weapon options and a captivating world to explore. However, the true test lies in whether the final product can meet the expectations of both newcomers and veteran players.
On the other hand, Little Nightmares 3, developed by Supermassive, marks a new chapter in the eerie puzzle-platform horror series. With the shift in development studios from Tarsier to Supermassive, fans can anticipate fresh perspectives and gameplay elements in the upcoming installment. The prospect of two new Little Nightmares games, including one from Tarsier, adds an extra layer of excitement for fans of the franchise.
While the Gamescom 2024 Awards celebrated the achievements of Monster Hunter Wilds and Little Nightmares 3, some aspects of the award selection process and categories raise valid concerns. The lack of clarity on how games were judged in certain categories, as well as the ambiguity surrounding platform-specific awards for cross-platform titles, hint at the need for more transparent and inclusive criteria in future gaming awards. Despite these shortcomings, the recognition of standout titles like Monster Hunter Wilds and Little Nightmares 3 underscores the industry’s ongoing commitment to innovation and creativity in game development.
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