The recent Gamescom 2024 Awards saw Monster Hunter Wilds and Little Nightmares 3 taking home multiple prizes, with Monster Hunter Wilds being crowned the overall winner of the show. However, upon closer inspection, the criteria used to judge these games seems questionable. The categories of “Most Epic” and “Most Entertaining” lack clear definitions, leaving one to wonder how these were determined. It appears that the selection process may lack transparency and consistency in evaluating the entries.
Another puzzling aspect of the awards is the platform-specific categories. For instance, Monster Hunter Wilds won the Best PlayStation Game award, despite being available on multiple platforms including Xbox and PC. Similarly, Little Nightmares 3, the winner of the Best Xbox Game award, is also slated for release on several other platforms. This inconsistency calls into question the relevance of platform-specific awards when the games are not exclusive to a single platform.
Monster Hunter Wilds, a follow-up to Monster Hunter Worlds, has garnered attention for its gameplay mechanics and world exploration. The game has been praised for its intuitive combat system and diverse weapon options. Players have expressed excitement about the potential for extensive exploration and gameplay variety. However, it remains to be seen whether the final product will meet the expectations of long-time fans of the series, as hinted in Catherine’s hands-on preview.
Little Nightmares 3, the latest installment in the horror puzzle-platform series, has generated interest due to its development by Supermassive, known for their work on Until Dawn. The shift in development studios has raised expectations for fresh perspectives and innovative gameplay. With Tarsier working on a new project in a similar vein, fans can anticipate a continuation of the unique atmosphere and storytelling that defined the earlier games in the series.
While the Gamescom 2024 Awards celebrated the accomplishments of Monster Hunter Wilds and Little Nightmares 3, there are underlying concerns regarding the judging criteria and the relevancy of platform-specific awards. The gaming community awaits the release of these titles with cautious optimism, hoping that they will deliver on their promises of engaging gameplay and captivating experiences. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential for award shows to adapt their evaluation processes to reflect the changing landscape of video game development and consumption.