TGA 2024 Players Voice Nominees Unveiled: Genshin Impact and More Battle for Mobile Game Supremacy
The highly anticipated third round of nominations for the TGA 2024 Players Voice has revealed the top five contenders, which include the likes of Black Myth: Wukong, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Golden Tree, Genshin Impact, Ning Chao, and Zero Zone. Notably, three of these games are cross-platform mobile titles, igniting discussions within the gaming community.
At the TGA, a significant 90% weight in voting comes from a media jury, while only 10% is derived from player votes. However, the Players Voice award is unique, as it is entirely determined by player voting. This year marks a first for the inclusion of votes from the Chinese video platform Bilibili, raising concerns among Western players about potential voting disparities due to population differences.
Concerns Over Voting Dynamics
With the announcement of the top five contenders, it’s evident that Elden Ring: Shadow of the Golden Tree stands out as the sole representative from a Japanese studio, while the other nominees—Ning Chao, Genshin Impact, and Zero Zone—all hail from Chinese developer teams. This composition has sparked worries among players regarding the influence of Chinese voting blocs. Many have taken to social media to express their frustrations, questioning how titles like Wukong and multiple gacha games could dominate a list that is supposed to reflect player sentiment.
Comments on TGA's official posts reveal a mix of disbelief and humor, with users lamenting, “Is this a joke?” and “SHAME SHAME SHAME, it’s utterly embarrassing.” Some players pointed out that, typically, when gacha games win awards, they often reward their players with in-game currency, leading to speculation that players might be more motivated by these incentives than by genuine support for the games.
Incentives and Backlash
As seen in past events, when games like Genshin Impact have received nominations or awards, they've rewarded players with thousands of in-game currency. This trend raises questions about the integrity of the voting process, as many argue that players might prioritize the allure of rewards over authentic appreciation for the game. “Instead of hoping TGA hears their voices, players are more eager for those free pulls,” one user noted.
Moreover, a significant number of Ning Chao supporters have rallied online, sharing gameplay footage to entice newcomers to the game. While some fans of Wukong celebrate its progression to the finals, others are skeptical about the voting mechanisms, especially with Bilibili’s role in facilitating a smoother voting process for Chinese players.
Advertising and Promotion Concerns
Critics have pointed out that Black Myth: Wukong's path through the nominations isn’t just due to its quality but also the promotional backing from Bilibili, which has been advertising the game underneath all award categories. Users are incentivized to invite friends to vote, increasing the likelihood of biased outcomes. The promotional strategy includes chances to win exclusive merchandise and in-game codes, further complicating the fairness of the voting system.
Additionally, Chinese players can submit videos supporting their favorite titles across four categories: Best Game Direction, Best Action Game, Best Art Direction, and Game of the Year. This method allows for more engagement but could skew results heavily in favor of mobile titles.
Looking Ahead to the TGA Ceremony
The TGA 2024 awards ceremony is set to take place on December 13 at 08:30 AM Taiwan time, where all winners will be announced. This event is expected to showcase not only the final results but also to unveil exciting news from major game titles. Readers are encouraged to stay tuned for our ongoing coverage of this monumental event.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the implications of these voting dynamics could shape future award ceremonies and the recognition of diverse gaming experiences. The blend of player engagement and game quality will be crucial in determining what titles ultimately resonate with audiences worldwide.