Shroud, a popular gamer and streamer, recently voiced his frustration about The Game Awards, claiming the process is “rigged.” His main contention stems from the nominations, particularly that his favored game, Arc Raiders, received only one nomination, while Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 racked up an impressive twelve.
This year, Arc Raiders is nominated for Best Multiplayer along with big names like Battlefield 6 and Elden Ring: Nightreign. In contrast, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and other single-player titles, like Hades 2 and Donkey Kong Bananza, are in the running for Game of the Year.
Shroud encouraged his followers to vote for Arc Raiders, arguing that multiplayer gamers often feel overlooked. He pointed out on his Twitch stream that the AI-generated voice work in Arc Raiders may have affected its chances. “The world is just not ready for AI in video games, not yet,” he remarked. Despite this setback, he acknowledged that the game at least received a nomination.
His disappointment is evident, especially when comparing Arc Raiders to Donkey Kong Bananza. “Who is playing Donkey Kong Bananza? Nobody,” he exclaimed. He predicts that Clair Obscur will likely win Game of the Year but hopes that Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 might take it instead.
Shroud’s mistrust of award shows isn’t new. He has openly questioned their legitimacy, stating, “All the awards are rigged anyway, who cares?” This sentiment reflects a broader skepticism in the gaming community, with many players expressing similar doubts about the voting process.
The voting for The Game Awards combines public votes and selections from a jury of game media and influencers. Geoff Keighley, the founder of The Game Awards, has considered moving to more public voting but worries about potential manipulation.
As the ceremony approaches on December 11, 2025, the debates around fairness and recognition in gaming continue to gain traction. This discourse is vital as it shows how passionate the gaming community is about representation and fairness in celebrating the industry’s achievements.
