In the world of gaming, additional content or downloadable content (DLC) have become an integral part of the experience for players and developers alike. However, in the pursuit of recognizing excellence within the industry, it's essential to maintain a fair and justified evaluation of what constitutes a standalone game versus supplementary content. A recent incident underscores the need for a change: in 2024, "Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree" nearly clinched the prestigious "Game of the Year" award at The Game Awards. Yet, this raises a significant concern - should DLC, an extension of the original game, compete against full-fledged, standalone titles?

DLCs, by nature, are meant to complement and expand existing games, offering additional storylines, characters, and experiences. They are not, however, developed or marketed as separate entities. Recognizing them as standalone contenders could be detrimental to the core principles of innovative game creation, potentially overshadowing genuinely original titles that deserve their moment in the spotlight.

The industry must reflect a platform that acknowledges and differentiates between the effort invested in creating original titles from scratch and enhancing existing ones. Many gamers echo this sentiment, believing that DLCs, while incredibly valuable, differ fundamentally from fully developed games and thus should not be directly competing for the same accolades.

We propose that The Game Awards establish a distinct category to celebrate exceptional DLCs. This would allow for the appropriate recognition of outstanding additional content while upholding the integrity of the awards for independent games. Such a change would foster creativity and ensure all creators receive fair acknowledgment for their contributions to the gaming industry.

Please join me in urging The Game Awards to reevaluate their criteria and establish a more equitable recognition system for downloadable content. Together, we can encourage a more just representation of what makes a game truly deserving of recognition. Sign this petition to help redefine how excellence is honored in gaming, ensuring the essence of original game design continues to flourish.