The game of the year award is one of the most prestigious honors in the gaming industry, recognizing the best games of the year. But what makes a game eligible for this top honor? Generally, games that are released during a specific release window are considered for the award. This window typically includes games released in the last year, although some awards may consider games from a longer or shorter period.
Understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial for game developers and publishers who want to increase their chances of winning. In most cases, the eligibility criteria include the game’s release dateplatform and genre. Games that are released on multiple platforms, such as console and PC, may be eligible for awards on each platform. Additionally, games that receive major patches or DLC may also be considered for awards, even if they were initially released outside of the eligibility window.
Release Windows and Eligibility
The release window for game of the year awards can vary depending on the awarding body. Typically, games released between January and December of a given year are eligible for awards. However, some awards may consider games released in the preceding or following year, depending on their release schedule. For example, a game released in November may be eligible for awards in the following year, even if it was initially released outside of the eligibility window.
Ports and Remasters
Games that are ported to new platforms or remastered for existing platforms may also be eligible for awards. In most cases, the eligibility of a port or remaster is determined by the awarding body and may depend on the extent of the changes made to the game. For example, a game that is ported to a new platform with significant graphical updates or new content may be eligible for awards, while a game that is simply re-released on a new platform with minimal changes may not be.
Marketing and Category Fit
In addition to understanding the eligibility criteria, game developers and publishers must also consider the marketing and category fit of their game. Games that are well-marketed and fit into a specific genre or category may be more likely to receive awards. For example, a game that is heavily marketed as a role-playing game may be more likely to receive awards in the RPG category. Similarly, a game that is marketed as a multiplayer game may be more likely to receive awards in the multiplayer category.
Strategic Checklist
To increase their chances of winning game of the year awards, game developers and publishers can follow a strategic checklist. This includes:
- Releasing the game during the eligibility window
- Ensuring the game is well-marketed and fits into a specific genre or category
- Considering ports and remasters to increase the game’s eligibility
- Staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and award criteria
By following this checklist and understanding the eligibility criteria, game developers and publishers can increase their chances of winning game of the year awards and taking their game to the next level.
