The Game Awards crowned the game of the year last night amid huge controversies

Last night was the Game Awards, a gala that aspires to be the Oscars of video games. And among all the announcements made, of which we have highlighted the most important of the night, they also gave out a few awards. Giving them different weight and importance, it still isn’t the Oscars, but it has become the big gala of video games. And it is also an awards show where it is easy to attend to discover what is being cooked up in the industry at all levels. Before diving into the big winners and losers of each category, it is important […]

Last night was the Game Awards, a gala that aims to be the Oscars of video games. Among all the announcements made, of which we have highlighted the most important of the night, several awards were also given. Giving them different weight and importance, it still isn’t the Oscars, but it has become the major gala of video games. And it is also an awards ceremony where it is easy to attend to discover what is being cooked in the industry at all levels.

Before diving into the big winners and losers of each category, it’s important to provide a brief summary. Knowing how many nominations each of the involved parties had is essential.

The big favorite of the night was Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. With 13 nominations, the French game had a hard time not leaving as the big winner of the gala, especially when no one had received so many nominations in the history of the Games Awards. Following closely were Death Stranding 2: On The Beach and Ghost of Yotei, with 7 nominations, and Hades II and Hollow Knight: Silksong, with 6 respectively. Among the surprises were Split Fiction, which only had 4 nominations, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II and Silent Hill f, which only managed 3.

How did it turn out for everyone? With few surprises, to be honest. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was the biggest winner with 9 statuettes out of the 13 that could be won, leaving no room for anyone else. In that sense, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach and Ghost of Yotei are the big losers of the night, as they went home empty-handed despite all their nominations. A big disappointment for Sony.

Creators, players, and online

Among the most unique categories are those of esports and creators. Here, Counter-Strike 2 stood out particularly. Winning both the award for best esports and having a Counter-Strike 2 team, Team Vitality, win the award for best esports team, Valve has been the big winner in this category. Although there were no surprises, Jung “Chovy” Ji-hoon took home the title of best esports athlete for League of Legends after an excellent Worlds.

For his part, MoistCr1TiKaL has won the award for best content creator of the year. With tough competition from Kai Cenat, it is quite likely that being a much more likable figure in public outside of the streaming fandom itself has had an impact.

Among the awards separated from the rest of the categories, Wuthering Waves won the Players’ Voices largely due to the rewards offered by Kuro Games for players to vote for their game. In the most anticipated game category, GTAVI won, much to absolutely no one’s surprise, and for best adaptation, the second season of The Last of Us took home the big prize. Similarly, Doom: The Dark Ages achieved its only award by winning innovation in accessibility for its numerous difficulty options.

A game that has eclipsed all others

Entering the major categories, it is evident that there is a clear winner above all others. That does not take away from the fact that there have been some quite interesting awards. Mario Kart World won best sports game, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles won best strategy game, and Donkey Kong Bananza won best family game.

In the field of action-focused games, Hades 2 won best action game and Hollow Knight: Silksong won best action-adventure game. The highly questionable Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves won best fighting game, not without controversy.

As no surprise to anyone, ARC Raiders won the award for best multiplayer game. And its main competitor, Battlefield 6, won best sound design, rightly taking the award from Expedition 33. In the impact games category, the interesting South of Midnight won, and No Man’s Sky won for best support. Additionally, The Midnight Walk won best VR game and Umamusume: Pretty Derby won best mobile game, resulting in a well-distributed set of secondary awards.

But at the end of the day, there was only one big winner. A game that took it all. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 won the awards for best role-playing game, best indie game, best indie debut, best soundtrack and music, best art direction, best narrative, best direction, and game of the year. Accumulating all the technical awards, except one, and all the big awards, becoming the grand prize of the year according to the Game Awards. Even if there has been some controversy over whether it should be considered an indie game or not.

With this, the Game Awards concluded, much less distributed than usual, although with great announcements and a clear winner. Something that gives us a clear perspective on the situation of the mainstream video game industry.

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ARC Raiders is finally nominated for GOTY, although it is not the most talked-about game on the list

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has revealed its list of nominees for the 2026 BAFTA Games Awards, highlighting ARC Raiders in the ‘Game of the Year’ category. This announcement is significant, especially after the controversy generated by the game’s absence at The Game Awards, which led to a boycott by prominent streamers. The exclusion of ARC Raiders from Geoff Keighley’s event sparked criticism and questions about the transparency in the selection of nominees. Tough competition 2025 has been a remarkable year for the gaming industry, filled with releases that have redefined the medium. Among […]

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has revealed its list of nominees for the BAFTA Games Awards 2026, highlighting ARC Raiders in the ‘Game of the Year’ category. This announcement is significant, especially following the controversy generated by the game’s absence at The Game Awards, which led to a boycott by prominent streamers. The exclusion of ARC Raiders from Geoff Keighley’s event sparked criticism and questions about the transparency in the selection of nominees.

Tough competition

2025 has been a remarkable year for the gaming industry, filled with releases that have redefined the medium. Among the most talked-about titles are the action-adventure Hollow Knight: Silksong and the innovative RPG Expedition 33, the latter leading the nomination list with a total of 17 nominations. Hideo Kojima also stands out with his work Death Stranding 2, which has received 10 nominations, solidifying his status as one of the giants of the industry.

The BAFTAs, which have been celebrating video games for two decades across up to 17 categories, have evolved to recognize diversity in talent, introducing separate categories for lead and supporting performances. In this context, the games nominated this year reflect a high level of competition. Attention will focus on April 2026, when the winners will be revealed, although expectations are high regarding Kojima’s titles and the acclaimed Expedition 33.

In addition to the main categories, which include Best Debut, Best Narrative, and Technical Achievement, the gaming community remains attentive to possible surprises, as any game has the opportunity to shine in this highly anticipated ceremony. The relevance of ARC Raiders in this context underscores the recognition of innovative work within the industry, something that is always appreciated.

Arc Raiders has a release date for its first major event

The anticipated winter event Cold Snap for Arc Raiders will be launched on December 16, as announced by Embark Studio on their blog. This update not only introduces a new map condition called “snowy,” but it will also include a special event titled Flickering Flames, a new raider deck, and new missions for players. A new map condition will make us suffer even more in the game. The “snowy” condition promises to transform the game’s dynamics, as players will have to manage their exposure to extreme temperatures. There has been speculation about how this new mechanic will affect gameplay, […]

The highly anticipated winter event Cold Snap for Arc Raiders will launch on December 16, as announced by Embark Studio on their blog. This update not only introduces a new map condition called “snowfall,” but it will also include a special event titled Flickering Flames, a new raider deck, and new missions for players.

A new map condition will make us suffer even more in the game

The “snowy” condition promises to transform the dynamics of the game, as players will have to manage their exposure to extreme temperatures. There has been speculation about how this new mechanic will affect gameplay, suggesting that prolonged exposure to the elements could result in fatal consequences, such as freezing. The use of tools like incendiary grenades could be a vital strategy to warm up in critical moments.

In addition, Cold Snap will mark the end of the current roadmap for Arc Raiders, raising expectations for future game updates in 2026. Although there are rumors that wearing appropriate clothing could affect the characters’ cold resistance, which could imply a system of microtransactions for cosmetics, it is considered unlikely that this option will be implemented due to criticisms related to “pay-to-win” gameplay.

This winter event can be seen as the closest to a Christmas celebration that the game has had, and although the tone of Arc Raiders is dark in a post-apocalyptic world, the introduction of these new mechanics could attract both new players and veterans looking for a renewed challenge. As enthusiasts eagerly await the arrival of the event, there remains uncertainty about how the game will evolve in the future.

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ARC Raiders was almost a free-to-play game, but that would have been worse for you

Embark Studios has made the controversial decision to change the model of its game ARC Raiders, which will go from being free to a paid title, initially causing an uproar among the gaming community. However, after this transition, the team has observed significant improvements in the gaming experience, according to Virgil Watkins, the project’s design director. A worse game due to microtransactions Watkins mentioned in a recent development video that this decision has allowed the team to eliminate barriers and artificial timers that were inherent to the free-to-play model. In that system, developers […]

A worse game due to microtransactions

Watkins mentioned in a recent development video that this decision has allowed the team to remove barriers and artificial timers that were inherent to the free-to-play model. In that system, developers are forced to create mechanics aimed at keeping players engaged, which can lead to friction and frustrations. “It was difficult to respect the player’s time,” Watkins noted, adding that trivial aspects like crafting items were tied to timers that forced users to wait.

The transition to a payment model has allowed Embark to adjust the game mechanics without previous commercial limitations, enhancing the feeling of effort and reward. For example, activities like crafting items are now processed without artificial waits, which has facilitated a smoother and more rewarding experience. “Now things take the time they should take,” summarized the designer, which has impacted the perception of the game as a whole.

Despite being a paid title, with a set price of 39.99 euros, Watkins clarified that the studio will continue to explore monetization models that are not predatory. “The priority is to find sustainable methods that are fair to players,” he concluded, emphasizing that the balance between monetization and user experience remains a central challenge for the industry.

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The CEO of Epic Games claims that he does not see the need to clarify that the video games they sell are made with AI

In a recent discussion, Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, and Junghun Lee, CEO of Nexon, addressed the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in video game development. Sweeney argued that most companies in the sector are using AI in some way, and proposed the removal of the label “Made with AI” in stores like Steam and Epic Games Store, arguing that this technology will be an integral part of almost all future developments in gaming. A tremendously reactionary stance Sweeney’s position has sparked mixed reactions. While he defends that the […]

In a recent discussion, Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, and Junghun Lee, CEO of Nexon, addressed the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in video game development. Sweeney argued that most companies in the sector are using AI in some way, and proposed the removal of the label “Made with AI” in stores like Steam and Epic Games Store, arguing that this technology will be an integral part of almost all future developments in gaming.

A tremendously reactionary stance

Sweeney’s stance has sparked mixed reactions. While he argues that the use of AI is becoming a standard, many developers and players express their discontent. There is a strong preference among these groups for art and content created by humans, highlighting a notable disparity in the perception of the use of AI within the community. This situation is further complicated by concerns about transparency and copyright, as AI can reuse art and text without clear permissions, leading companies to better protect their intellectual properties (IPs).

On the other hand, Steam, the most well-known PC gaming platform, has made information about AI-generated content more visible, which contrasts with Epic’s position. In a recent example, the game “Arc Raiders” has been at the center of this discussion, using AI-generated voices, which has led developers to clarify that the final content reflects their own creativity and expression.

Despite a Microsoft study suggesting that 79% of gamers might be open to the help of AI, it is crucial to consider the sample size and the context of these claims. A significant number of consumers and video game creators demand clarity on the use of AI in the products they consume or develop, indicating that the debate over technology and its implementation is far from resolved.

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Bungie announces a new beta for Marathon, although analysts are not very sure about the game's future

This December, Bungie has opened registrations for the community playtest of its upcoming title, Marathon. Interested players will be able to participate in this testing phase, which will take place from the 12th to the 16th of the month, under a confidentiality agreement. This means that those who participate will not be able to publicly discuss the details of the game, unless there are early leaks. Is there room for another extraction shooter? The announcement of the playtest comes at a crucial time, as Marathon prepares for its launch, which is expected before March 2026. The competition in the […]

This December, Bungie has opened registrations for the community playtest of its upcoming title, Marathon. Interested players will be able to participate in this testing phase, which will take place from the 12th to the 16th of the month, under a confidentiality agreement. This means that those who participate will not be able to publicly discuss the details of the game, unless there are early leaks.

Is there room for another extraction shooter?

The announcement of the playtest comes at a crucial time, as Marathon prepares for its launch, which is expected before March 2026. The competition in the extraction shooter genre has increased, especially with the recent explosive success of Arc Raiders, a game that has captured the community’s attention. This context could influence players’ expectations towards Marathon, as many are being drawn to titles like Arc Raiders and Escape from Tarkov.

The growing interest in these games may make it difficult for Marathon to capture the desired attention at the time of its launch. Some analysts suggest that Bungie might be considering integrating well-received features from Arc Raiders, such as proximity chat, which could bring greater interactivity and emergent narrative moments that have resonated in the extraction shooter of its competition.

Although Marathon has been enjoyed in previous versions, some critics, including an author of this article, point out that it lacked essential elements, which could be an area for improvement. However, Bungie’s skill in game design has generated expectations, and their previous experience with Destiny offers a hint that the gameplay will remain superior, which could capture the attention of players currently experimenting with other titles.

With the release date still to be determined, the eyes of the community will be on how Marathon evolves and whether it can capitalize on the momentum generated by the success of Arc Raiders.

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A former business director of Square Enix claims that players do not care about the use of AI in video games

Jacob Navok, former business director of Square Enix, has defended the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in video game development, stating that the new generations of players do not seem to care significantly about this technology. In a recent statement, Navok argued that most players “do not care” about the use of AI and cited the commercial success of Arc Raiders, a title that prominently uses AI in its production. It knows users better than the users themselves The development of Arc Raiders by Embark Studios has been the subject of comments […]

Jacob Navok, former business director of Square Enix, has defended the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in video game development, stating that the new generations of players do not seem to care significantly about this technology. In a recent statement, Navok argued that most players “do not care” about the use of AI and cited the commercial success of Arc Raiders, a title that prominently uses AI in its production.

Get to know users better than the users themselves

The development of Arc Raiders by Embark Studios has been the subject of polarized comments, especially due to its use of AI-generated voices. Despite having the resources to hire real voice actors, Embark has opted for a combination of recordings and text-to-speech technology in various aspects of its production process. This does not imply, according to its co-founders, the intention to replace actors.

However, not everyone in the industry shares Navok’s enthusiasm. Critical voices, such as John Buckley from Pocketpair, have questioned the value of generative AI in terms of creating game mechanics, suggesting that it represents a flawed approach. Despite this, companies like EA and Take-Two have expressed their interest in AI, committing to adopt it cautiously and with a balanced approach.

The debate over AI remains divisive, with a large number of developers and organizations expressing concerns about the unauthorized use of their intellectual property. Groups representing major names in the video game and anime industry, such as Studio Ghibli and Square Enix, have urged AI companies to avoid the misuse of their intellectual property.

As technology advances, the question of whether generative AI will become a staple in video game development or generate more resistance will remain a hot topic in the gaming community.

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The CEO of Nexon defends the use of AI in ARC Raiders stating that "all companies are using AI right now"

The recent statement from Nexon CEO, Junghun Lee, about the widespread use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the video game industry has sparked intense debate. Lee stated that “all companies are using AI right now,” provoking strong reactions among independent developers who oppose this trend. His statement comes in a context where the industry is divided between those who support the use of AI and those who are reluctant to adopt it. A defense that is not working well for him An outstanding example is the case of the video game ARC Raiders, where the studio has […]

The recent statement by Nexon CEO, Junghun Lee, regarding the widespread use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the video game industry has sparked intense debate. Lee stated that “all companies are using AI right now,” provoking strong reactions among independent developers who oppose this trend. His statement comes in a context where the industry is divided between those who support the use of AI and those who remain reluctant to adopt it.

A defense that is not working well for them

A notable example is the case of the video game ARC Raiders, where the studio has decided not to rely on AI for the main narrative. However, text-to-speech technology has been implemented to generate procedural dialogues and initial 3D models created with AI have also been used, although all results are refined by the human team. Lee argued that, in an environment where everyone uses similar technologies, the true differentiation will depend on human creativity. “If everyone is working with the same technologies, the real question is: how do you survive?” he stated.

However, his words have found strong opposition. Studios like Necrosoft, developer of Demonschool, emphasized their rejection, stating that “I would rather cut off my arms than use AI.” Similarly, Huskrafts, known for Rogue Eclipse, also expressed their commitment to keeping their work free of AI, with internal agreements that prohibit its use. Other developers, such as Neil Jones from Aerial Knight and Xalavier Nelson Jr. from Strange Scaffold, agreed that AI has never been necessary to create good video games, calling for greater resistance to the normalization of its use in the industry.

The debate surrounding artificial intelligence in video game development seems far from resolved, with an increasingly vocal indie sector rejecting this technology.

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Arc Raiders is the most pacifist multiplayer game in the world: 57.7% of players do not shoot anyone

In recent weeks, the new extraction title, Arc Raiders, has made a significant impact on the Steam gaming community. A recent analysis of the achievements reached by players reveals an interesting phenomenon: more than 57.7% of the PC player base has opted for a mostly pacifist playstyle, avoiding significant conflicts with other raiders. The most peaceful players The statistics are surprising considering that only 42.3% of players have managed to obtain the achievement “Unbreakable,” which consists of knocking out 10 raiders. This indicates that the majority of […]

Most Relaxed Players

The statistics are surprising considering that only 42.3% of players have achieved the “Unbreakable” achievement, which consists of knocking out 10 raiders. This indicates that most players prefer to adopt a more friendly and collaborative approach in an environment that is normally associated with competition and aggression. Additionally, a notable 81.3% of players have engaged in social activities, such as sharing an elevator with other raiders, which further emphasizes the inclination towards cooperation.

The game has been available for almost two weeks, which puts into perspective the unusually low aggression of the players. In fact, 19% of the player base has not eliminated any enemies, which is extraordinary for an extraction shooter. This behavior highlights the creation of a non-hostile culture within the Arc Raiders community.

The achievements, which include everyone who purchased and launched the game, may influence these percentages, suggesting that some players may have acquired the title without engaging for long periods. However, it is evident that most players are looking for a more relaxed and perhaps more social experience compared to other video games in the same genre.

Arc Raiders seems to be setting a new standard in shooters, where collaboration and peace are gaining ground over typical aggression. With a trend pointing towards a culture of peace among players, it will be fascinating to see how the community evolves in the coming weeks.

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Arc Raiders has captivated players for many reasons, but also for this curious movement technique

The movement mechanics in Arc Raiders have captured players’ attention for their originality and ability to foster creativity in gameplay. By holding the spacebar while falling, raiders can grab onto the edges of structures, allowing them to descend from heights without taking fall damage. This feature has led players to explore its use in innovative ways, especially on platforms like Reddit, where they share techniques that enhance mobility in the game. A different way to interact with the environment The ledge grab mechanics […]

The movement mechanics in Arc Raiders have captured players’ attention for their originality and ability to foster creativity in gameplay. By holding the spacebar while falling, raiders can grab onto the edges of structures, allowing them to descend from heights without taking fall damage. This feature has led players to explore its use in innovative ways, especially on platforms like Reddit, where they share techniques that enhance mobility in the game.

A different way to interact with the environment

The ledge grab mechanic allows players to make daring jumps from considerable heights, which not only offers them a distinctive style of play but also redefines their interaction with the environment. Although this technique does not provide direct advantages in combat, players have found ways to employ it strategically to improve their positioning on the map. By combining multiple grabs, it is possible to descend quickly from tall buildings, creating a sense of agility and freedom.

Additionally, Arc Raiders includes other movement techniques that enrich the gaming experience, such as rolling after a fall, which can almost eliminate damage taken from falls from extreme heights. However, the jewel of movement is undoubtedly the Snap Hoo”, a legendary gadget that allows players to move quickly and cancel animations, providing a crucial advantage in mobility. Mastering its use will require practice, but it promises to open new possibilities in raids.

The depth of the movement system in Arc Raiders highlights developer Embark’s focus on fun and dynamic gameplay, setting a new standard in the shooter genre. With techniques like ledge grab and the use of the Snap Hook, players are challenged to perfect their mobility, thus promoting an exciting competitive environment.

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