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The gaming community was left stunned and divided after The Game Awards 2024 crowned Astro Bot as Game of the Year, overlooking Black Myth: Wukong. What should have been a celebration of the year’s finest gaming achievements instead became a focal point for heated debates about fairness, relevance, and the criteria for determining excellence in gaming.

Black Myth: Wukong: A Revolutionary Milestone

Black Myth: Wukong, developed by Chinese studio Game Science, was much more than just another action RPG. Released in August 2024, it captivated players worldwide with its stunning visuals, tight gameplay mechanics, and a fresh take on the legendary Journey to the West tale. The game managed to combine technical brilliance with a deeply immersive story, winning widespread acclaim from critics and players alike.

From the moment it was revealed, Black Myth: Wukong promised to be a game-changer for the industry, especially for Chinese gaming. It was hailed as China’s first AAA game to make waves on a global scale. And make waves it did: within four days of release, it sold over 10 million copies, and by the end of its first month, it had surpassed 20 million units in global sales. Such numbers are a testament to its universal appeal and ability to resonate with audiences across cultural boundaries.

The Underdog Victory of Astro Bot

On the other hand, Astro Bot, a charming platformer exclusive to PlayStation 5, took home the Game of the Year award. While it is undoubtedly a well-crafted game, many in the gaming community felt that it lacked the impact, scope, and innovation of Black Myth: Wukong. As of November 2024, Astro Bot had sold only 1.5 million copies—a figure dwarfed by Wukong’s commercial success.

Even more frustrating for many is the fact that Astro Bot offers little in terms of originality. Its formula of platforming gameplay has been done countless times before, with titles like Super Mario setting the gold standard decades ago. While Astro Bot may be polished and endearing, it’s hard to argue that it brings anything groundbreaking to the table. By contrast, Black Myth: Wukong was a bold, spectacularly unique title that redefined action RPGs with its unprecedented technical achievements and cultural resonance.

For many fans, the decision to award Astro Bot seemed baffling. It raised questions about how The Game Awards evaluates its nominees and whether its selection process truly reflects the achievements and contributions of games that push the industry forward. To some, it feels like a cowardly decision—playing it safe by awarding a familiar platformer rather than celebrating a daring, innovative masterpiece.

The Public Backlash

The decision was particularly upsetting for Chinese gamers, who saw Black Myth: Wukong as a cultural triumph and a beacon of national pride. Social media platforms like Weibo were flooded with comments expressing outrage, disbelief, and disappointment. “I can accept it losing to all other nominees excluding Astro Bot,” wrote one user, echoing the sentiments of many who felt the choice was unjustifiable.

This sentiment wasn’t confined to China. Gamers around the world took to platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and gaming forums to voice their concerns. Many argued that Black Myth: Wukong had raised the bar for what action RPGs could achieve, while Astro Bot, though delightful, did not break new ground in the same way.

A Tale of Two Awards

Adding fuel to the controversy is the fact that Black Myth: Wukong won the Ultimate Game of the Year at the 2024 Golden Joystick Awards. Unlike The Game Awards, which relies heavily on a jury of industry professionals (90% of the decision) with only 10% of votes coming from fans, the Golden Joystick Awards are determined entirely by public vote. This stark contrast highlights a divide between what the gaming public values and what industry insiders prioritize.

The Bigger Picture: Gaming’s Cultural Shift

The snubbing of Black Myth: Wukong also brings to light a broader issue: the Western-centric lens through which the global gaming industry often operates. As China continues to grow as a major player in the gaming world, the decision to overlook its most successful and groundbreaking game for a relatively niche title like Astro Bot feels like a missed opportunity to recognize a new wave of creativity and innovation.

This cultural dimension cannot be ignored. For decades, the global gaming industry has been dominated by Western and Japanese studios. Black Myth: Wukong represented a shift in that dynamic, proving that Chinese developers could not only compete on the global stage but excel. By failing to honor such a monumental achievement, The Game Awards may have inadvertently undermined the importance of diversifying the industry’s cultural representation.

What Defines Game of the Year?

Ultimately, the controversy boils down to one question: What criteria should define Game of the Year? Is it innovation? Commercial success? Cultural impact? Gameplay mechanics? While Astro Bot may excel as a platformer, it’s hard to argue that it had the same cultural and technical impact as Black Myth: Wukong. The latter redefined expectations for action RPGs, demonstrated unprecedented technical prowess, and resonated deeply with players worldwide.

The reluctance to reward something as daring as Black Myth: Wukong speaks to a broader issue of risk aversion in gaming awards. By choosing the safe, familiar formula of Astro Bot over the bold innovation of Wukong, The Game Awards missed an opportunity to champion creativity and ambition.

A Call for Greater Transparency

The backlash against The Game Awards 2024 underscores the need for greater transparency in how winners are chosen. While the current system of blending jury and fan votes aims to strike a balance, it clearly has its flaws. When a game like Black Myth: Wukong wins a fan-voted award yet loses out on a jury-decided honor, it raises questions about whether the voices of gamers are truly being heard.

Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity

The decision to award Game of the Year to Astro Bot over Black Myth: Wukong will undoubtedly be debated for years to come. It was a missed opportunity to celebrate a groundbreaking achievement in gaming history. While Astro Bot is a fine game, it’s clear that Black Myth: Wukong was the game that truly captured the imagination and admiration of the gaming community in 2024.

The controversy surrounding this year’s awards should serve as a wake-up call to the industry. It’s time to reevaluate how we define and celebrate excellence in gaming, ensuring that the process reflects not only critical acclaim but also the voices of the players who make gaming what it is today.