Rarely doThe Game Awardspass without some controversy, and this year is no exception. While there’s already outrage brewing over some surprising nominee picks, it’s the omission of a title byThe Game Awardsthat is causing a good deal of indignation.
The reveal of2024’s Game Awards nomineescame as a surprise to many, particularly in regard toElden Ring:Shadow of the Erdtree. While DLC expansions have always been in the running for Game Awards accolades, one has never been nominated for Game of the Year—a fact that becomes more egregious when it’s considered thatElden Ringalready won GOTY. In addition, the event continues to come under fire from critics for its emphasis on advertising content and some high-profile snubs.
Why Fans Are Upset About Nine Sols Missing Out On The Game Awards
Though it’s not captured as much attention as other Game Awards snubs, some indie fans are surprised that cult Metroidvania hitNine Solsdidn’t make the cut for any category. The title, inspired bySekiroand sharing some visual andgameplay roots withHollow Knight,Nine Solsis an indie darling with glowing reviews. Indeed, 2024 has had some fantastic indie games, but some can’t help but findNine Sols' omission as a mark against The Game Awards.
Nine Sols Has More Than Enough Acclaim
Nine Solsis a highly acclaimed title, with universally pristine reviews across the board. It even has some of the biggest voices online, like Penguinz0, championing its quality. This is precisely why many fans are surprised it’s not up for consideration, with some pointing out that games likeLorelei and the Laser Eyesgot through despite a similar reputation yet less notoriety. Others have suggested thatNine Solswas skipped over for its lack of a console port, though a quick analysis reveals that the nominatedUFO 50also bucked that trend.
It could be argued that, unlike what has been suggested forother Game Awards snubs, the competition was simply too fierce in 2024. Every indie game nominated for the award saw its own set of near-perfect reviews, and it’s unlikely thatNine Solswas the only title that got the short end of the stick. Nonetheless, it’s clear that there’s a good deal of disappointment, something that’s inevitable with every Game Awards. However, considering that space has been made for DLC in the year’s most prestigious category, the upset of many fans may have been accelerated by this discrepancy; some gamers would prefer that more space be made for more indie nominations rather than expansions.
The Game Awards Seems Unaligned With Indie Fans
Interestingly, last year also saw some controversy around the indie category—a situation that also involvedThe Game Awards' definition rules. The controversy centered on howDave the Divermanaged to slip into the 2023 nominations, despite its developer being a subsidiary of a larger entity. This was the same year thatBaldur’s Gate 3, technically an independent game, made a massive splash; many argued that it would make more sense for Larian’s hit to win an indie award thanDave the Diver.
Of course,Baldur’s Gate 3had a large budget and major IP backing, making it less in line with indie spirit—something brought up in Geoff Keighley’s defense oftheDave the Diverdecision. The idea of ‘indie spirit’ is incredibly pervasive, with a game’s ‘indie’ status often being attributed to being small-scope and having experimental elements, as opposed to concrete facts about development. Though this attitude is prolific, The Game Awards nonetheless came under heavy fire for its choice in 2023. The same is happening this year, both withShadow of the Erdtreein GOTY and, albeit to a lesser extent, withNine Solsin Best Independent Game.
Nine Sols
WHERE TO PLAY
Nine Sols is a lore rich, hand-drawn 2D action-platformer featuring Sekiro-inspired deflection focused combat. Embark on a journey of Asian fantasy, explore the land once home to an ancient alien race, and follow a vengeful hero’s quest to slay the 9 Sols, formidable rulers of this forsaken realm.StoryIn New Kunlun, hero Yi has awakened the 9 rulers of this forsaken realm. To defeat the 9 Sols in the deserted city.“Becomes one with the way of Tao…”New Kunlun, the Solarian’s last sanctuary, has remained quiet for centuries. Inside this vast realm, the ancient gods left mortals with a promised land that is forever protected by the sacred rituals, yet the truth of this world remains unknown to most. Everything changes when Yi, a long forgotten hero from the past, is awoken by a human child.Follow Yi on his vengeful quest against the 9 Sols, formidable rulers of this forsaken realm, and obliterate any obstacles blocking your way in Sekiro-lite style combat. Explore in unique “Taopunk” setting that blends cyberpunk elements with Taoism and far eastern mythology. Unravel the mysteries of an ancient alien race and learn about the fate of mankind.
