Steam's 2023 GOTY Nominations: Unveiling the Unexpected Gems

The unveiling of Steam's annual Game of the Year nominations for 2023 has set the gaming community abuzz. While the winners are eagerly anticipated, the nominations themselves have sparked discussions surrounding the selection process, surprising entries, and their alignment with industry standards. This comprehensive analysis aims to delve into the intricacies of Steam's choices, exploring whether the nominations authentically mirror the diverse gaming landscape or signal a need for a more refined selection process.

Understanding Steam's Unique Awards Categories:

Steam's awards categories boast a distinctive touch, encompassing various aspects beyond the traditional Game of the Year. The "Labor of Love" award, for instance, applauds games that receive ongoing support and updates long after their initial release. Red Dead Redemption 2, despite not seeing an update since 2020, finds itself nominated, prompting questions about the criteria for this particular accolade.

The Unconventional Nominees:

Several nominations have caught the eye due to their unexpected nature. Titles like "Atomic Heart" and "High on Life" contend for "Outstanding Visual Style," while "Overwatch 2" is positioned as one of the "Best Games You Suck At." "Love is All Around," an FMV dating sim, finds itself in the running for "Outstanding Story-Rich Game." These choices beckon scrutiny and reflection on the diverse gaming preferences represented in the nominations.

Analyzing Game Categories:

Game of the Year:

   - "FC24"

   - "Lethal Company"

   - "Resident Evil 4"

   - "Baldur's Gate 3"

   - "Hogwarts Legacy"

VR Game of the Year:

   - "Ghosts of Tabor"

   - "F1 23"

   - "Gorilla Tag"

   - "I Expect You To Die 3: Cog in the Machine"

   - "Labyrinthine"

Labor of Love:

   - "Rust"

   - "Deep Rock Galactic"

   - "Dota 2"

   - "Red Dead Redemption 2"

   - "Apex Legends"

Best Game on Steam Deck:

   - "Diablo 4"

   - "Dredge"

   - "Brotato"

   - "Hogwarts Legacy"

   - "The Outlast Trials"

Better With Friends:

   - "Sons of the Forest"

   - "Sunkenland"

   - "Warhammer 40,000: Darktide"

   - "Lethal Company"

   - "Party Animals"

Outstanding Visual Style:

   - "Cocoon"

   - "Darkest Dungeon 2"

   - "Inward"

   - "Atomic Heart"

   - "High on Life"

Most Innovative Gameplay:

   - "Your Only Move is Hustle"

   - "Starfield"

   - "Shadows of Doubt"

   - "Contraband Police"

   - "Remnant 2"

Best Game You Suck At:

   - "Lords of the Fallen"

   - "FC 24"

   - "Sifu"

   - "Street Fighter 6"

   - "Overwatch 2"

Best Soundtrack:

   - "Hi-Fi Rush"

   - "The Last of Us Part 1"

   - "Chants of Senaar"

   - "Pizza Tower"

   - "Persona 5 Tactica"

Outstanding Story-Rich Game:

    - "Love is All Around"

    - "Resident Evil 4"

    - "Baldur's Gate 3"

    - "Lies of P"

    - "Star Wars Jedi: Survivor"

Sit Back and Relax:

    - "Cities Skylines 2"

    - "Coral Island"

    - "Dave the Diver"

    - "Train Sim World 4"

    - "Potion Craft"

As the gaming community eagerly awaits the announcement of winners for Steam's 2023 Game of the Year awards, the diverse nominations have sparked crucial discussions. The unconventional choices in categories like "Labor of Love" and the unexpected contenders across various genres underline the dynamic nature of the gaming industry. Whether these nominations genuinely capture the will of the people or prompt a reconsideration of the selection process remains a fascinating question. As the winners are revealed, the gaming community anticipates how these awards will shape perceptions of excellence in the ever-evolving realm of video games.