"The Game Awards 2024: Horror Games' Disappointment & Hope"

12/13/2024
Last night at The Game Awards 2024, horror fans were left with a sense of disappointment. Despite Silent Hill 2's five nominations, it went home empty-handed, much like many other horror and genre video games. Team Asobi and Sony emerged as the big winners with ASTRO BOT, claiming four awards, including the highly coveted Game of the Year.

Silent Hill 2's Missed Opportunities

Alongside Silent Hill 2, a host of other notable titles such as Diablo IV, Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, Arizona Sunshine Remake, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, and Pacific Drive also failed to secure victories in their respective categories. This shows the tough competition within the gaming industry. Silent Hill 2, with its rich history and dedicated fanbase, was expected to shine, but fate had other plans.The absence of these horror titles from the winning list is a significant setback for the genre. It highlights the challenges faced by horror games in competing with other popular genres. However, this doesn't mean that horror games are without merit. In fact, there are several upcoming horror titles that are generating a lot of buzz.

Horror's Future at The Horror Game Awards

Horror fans need not be overly upset, as there is hope on the horizon. The Horror Game Awards, set to stream tomorrow at 4pm ET, will provide horror gaming with the proper spotlight it deserves. Bloober Team's Silent Hill 2 remake alone has eight nominations, indicating the high expectations for this highly anticipated game. Additionally, Wrong Organ's Mouthwashing and Stormind Games' A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead each have seven nominations, further fueling the excitement for horror gaming.These nominations showcase the diversity and talent within the horror gaming community. It's a sign that horror games are continuing to evolve and push boundaries. With the upcoming Horror Game Awards, horror fans will have the opportunity to celebrate their favorite games and recognize the hard work of the developers.

Genre Winners and Their Impact

Among the genre winners, Helldivers 2 took home the awards for Best Multiplayer Game and Best Ongoing Game, highlighting its success in creating a vibrant multiplayer experience. Frostpunk 2 won Best Sim/Strategy Game, demonstrating its ability to immerse players in a challenging and strategic world. Baldur's Gate 3 won Best Community Support, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in the gaming industry. Batman: Arkham Shadow won Best VR/AR Game, showcasing the potential of virtual reality in the horror genre. And Prime's adaptation of Bethesda's Fallout won Best Adaptation, proving that horror can be successfully adapted from other mediums.These genre wins not only celebrate the achievements of specific games but also inspire other developers to strive for excellence in their respective genres. They show that horror and other genres can coexist and thrive in the gaming world.