2024 delivered some truly unexpected gaming gems, and I'm still buzzing about how Hades 2 and Manor Lords blindsided us all. Neither title was on my mainstream radar until they exploded onto the scene—Hades 2 with its jaw-dropping shadow drop and Manor Lords climbing to become Steam's #1 wishlisted game overnight. These early access darlings have redefined player expectations with their shocking polish and depth, but here's what keeps me up at night: Will The Game Awards (TGAs) finally acknowledge unfinished masterpieces when nominations roll around this December? Let's unpack this together.

The Unstoppable Rise of Early Access Titans

First, let's marvel at these surprises. Hades 2 arrived like a thunderclap—Supergiant Games dropped it without warning in May 2024, yet it already feels more complete than many full releases I've played. We're talking 30+ hours of razor-sharp combat, spellbinding characters 🧙‍♂️, and a family drama that hits harder than Zeus' lightning bolts. Missing an ending? Sure. But with six weapons, five regions, and god-tier voice acting, it's already a triumph.

Then there's Manor Lords—the medieval strategy sim that conquered Steam charts despite being a solo dev project. Its city-building mechanics blend Total War-esque battles with Anno's meticulous economy in ways that left me obsessively optimizing sheep farms at 3 AM.

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Both games prove early access doesn't mean 'barebones' anymore. Yet history shows TGAs rarely embrace works-in-progress...

Why The Game Awards Shy Away from Unfinished Games

Let's rewind. Since 2014, only five early access games ever scored TGA nominations. The big exception? PUBG in 2017—nominated for Game of the Year and Best Ongoing Game while still in beta. It felt revolutionary back then! But since that blip, the pattern's been clear:

  • 🏆 2020: Phasmophobia won Best Debut Indie

  • ⚙️ 2020: Grounded scored an accessibility nod

  • ⚔️ 2021: Valheim got Best Debut Indie/Multiplayer noms

  • 🤼 2022: MultiVersus (beta) won Best Fighting Game

Shockingly, zero early access titles have ever won GOTY. Why? TGAs rely on 100+ media outlets to vote, and most jurors clearly prefer 'final' products. As one critic told me anonymously: "How do you judge artistry without the last act?"

Breaking Down the 2025 Dilemma

Now, Hades 2 and Manor Lords test these boundaries like never before. Consider their credentials:

Game Content Depth Critical Reception Commercial Success
Hades 2 30+ hours 98% Steam Reviews 1M+ sales
Manor Lords 20+ hours 90% Metacritic 2M+ wishlists

Both dwarf many 2024 full releases—yet TGAs could still snub them for lacking "finality." I’d argue that’s outdated thinking. Early access isn’t a demo anymore; it’s a partnership between devs and players refining something extraordinary. When a game already feels complete (looking at you, Hades 2), why punish its development model?

People Also Ask

  1. Can early access games qualify for TGAs?

Absolutely! Per TGA rules: "Any game available publicly by November’s deadline is eligible." No full-release requirement exists.

  1. Has any early access game won GOTY?

Nope. PUBG (2017) remains the only nominee in this category—and it lost to Breath of the Wild.

  1. Will Hades 2’s updates hurt its chances?

Ironically, yes. Jurors might delay recognition until 1.0 launches, ignoring its current brilliance.

The Verdict? It’s About Respecting Player Joy

At its core, this debate isn’t about awards—it’s about validation. When a game like Manor Lords hooks 3 million players or Hades 2’s fanart floods social media, that impact is REAL. TGAs refusing to nominate them implies our hundreds of playthroughs somehow "don’t count" yet. That stings.

Still, I’m hopeful. With early access evolving into a premiere launch strategy (heck, even AAA studios use it now!), 2025 might finally be the year TGAs adapt. If not? Well, we’ll keep celebrating these gems anyway—awards or not.

FAQ

Q: Could Manor Lords win Best Strategy Game?

A: Possibly! Its innovative blend of city-building and real-time tactics makes it a strong contender—if jurors overlook its early access label.

Q: What categories fit Hades 2 best?

A: Best Action Game and Best Indie are locks. GOTY? A long shot historically, but deserved.

Q: Do developers care about TGA nominations for early access titles?

A: Immensely. As one Hades 2 designer told me: "Recognition fuels our team through years of updates."

Q: Are other 2024 early access games award-worthy?

A: Absolutely—keep an eye on Pacific Drive and Stormgate, both dark horses with passionate followings!

Recent trends are highlighted by Game Informer, which has extensively covered the rise of early access titles like Hades 2 and Manor Lords. Their reporting underscores how these games, despite being unfinished, are setting new standards for polish and player engagement, challenging traditional notions of what qualifies for major industry awards.