Summary
While it may not be quite on the same level as last year, 2024 has still been a solid year for video game releases, with at least one or two critically acclaimed titles releasing every month so far. What really sets 2024 apart from its predecessor, however, is just how many of these critically acclaimed titles have been pleasant surprises, andHades 2andManor Lordsare two great examples of that.
Though it was confirmed thatHades 2would be entering early access in 2024, its shadow drop at the beginning of the month took the industry totally by surprise, and whileManor Lordshas been gradually growing a fanbase for a while now, nobody ever expected the game to reach the heights that it did, becoming the number one wishlisted game on Steam just before its release.Hades 2andManor Lordsare undeniably some of the most surprising and beloved games of the year, but their early access status might put them in an uncertain position when it comes time for December’s Game Awards.
Hades 2 and Manor Lords Are in the Same Boat for The Game Awards 2024
Early Access Games Are Rare to See at The Game Awards
According to The Game Awards' FAQ page on its official website, “Any game available for public consumption by the deadline is eligible for potential nomination,” and that includes games in early access. But over the last decade, it’s been somewhat of a rarity to see an early access game benominated for a Game Award, with there being only a handful of examples of it occurring since 2014.
In 2015, Radiant’s canceledRising Thundergame was technically in Alpha when it was nominated forThe Game Awards' Best Fighting Game category. 2017, however, marked the biggest turning point for The Game Awards, withPlayerUnknown’s Battlegroundsbeing nominated for the Best Ongoing Game award, as well as the all-mighty Game of the Year award, and it ultimately winning the award for Best Multiplayer Game.
Another early access nomination wouldn’t come until2020’s Game Awards, wherePhasmophobiawon the Best Debut Indie category, and Obsidian’sGroundedwas nominated for Innovation in Accessibility. Just a year later,Valheimwas nominated for Best Debut Indie and Best Multiplayer,MultiVersus(which was in Beta) won Best Fighting Game in 2022 and was nominated for Best Multiplayer, andDune: Spice Warswas nominated for Best Sim/Strategy.
Generally speaking, it’s a very rare occurrence for an early access game to be nominated for The Game Awards, and it’s even rarer for that game to actually win the award. In the last decade, just one early access game has ever been nominated for Game of the Year, and none have ever won it. While more early access games have started to appear in the last few Game Awards ceremonies, they’re still very much in the minority, and that poses a few questions about this year’s TGAs.
Hades 2 and Manor Lords Could be an Exception
While fans had high hopes forHades 2, few thought it would feel quite as complete during its early access period. In its current state,Hades 2offers more content than the first gamedid upon its full release, and while it’s missing a weapon, a region, and a proper ending, there are still well over 30 hours of content for fans to enjoy already. Though it isn’t nearly as complete,Manor Lordshas also proven itself to be quite a critical and commercial success.
The firstHadeshit early access in December 2018, but it didn’t receive Game Awards nominations until its full release in 2020.
A jury of over 100 outlets decides nominees for The Game Awards. Now, it’s going to be interesting to see if enough of those outlets deemHades 2andManor Lordsto be complete enough to earn a nomination atthis year’s Game Awards, or if they decide to hold off until they’re fully released to give them both the flowers they deserve.
Hades 2
WHERE TO PLAY
The first-ever sequel from Supergiant Games builds on the best aspects of the original god-like rogue-like dungeon crawler in an all-new, action-packed, endlessly replayable experience rooted in the Underworld of Greek myth and its deep connections to the dawn of witchcraft. BATTLE BEYOND THE UNDERWORLDAs the immortal Princess of the Underworld, you’ll explore a bigger, deeper mythic world, vanquishing the forces of the Titan of Time with the full might of Olympus behind you, in a sweeping story that continually unfolds through your every setback and accomplishment.MASTER WITCHCRAFT AND DARK SORCERYInfuse your legendary weapons of Night with ancient magick, so that none may stand in your way. Become stronger still with powerful Boons from more than a dozen Olympian gods, from Apollo to Zeus. There are nearly limitless ways to build your abilities.MINGLE WITH (MORE) GODS, GHOSTS, AND MONSTERSMeet a cast of dozens of fully-voiced, larger-than-life characters, including plenty of new faces and some old friends. Grow closer to them through a variety of new interactions, and experience countless unique story events based on how your journey unfolds.EVERY RUN IS ITS OWN ADVENTURENew locations, challenges, upgrade systems, and surprises await as you delve into the ever-shifting Underworld again and again. Reveal the mysteries of the Arcana Altar, tame witchy familiars, and gather reagents using Tools of the Unseen to get closer to your goal.THE PERKS OF IMMORTALITYThanks to a variety of permanent upgrades and the return of God Mode, you don’t have to be a god yourself to experience whatHades IIhas to offer. But if you happen to be one, you can brave escalating challenges for greater rewards, and prove just how divine you really are.
