2023 Steam Award Nominations are in..

The nominations for the 2023 Steam Awards have been revealed, prompting gamers to cast their votes for their favorite titles across a spectrum of categories ranging from Game of the Year to Best Game You Suck At.

Diverging from typical award programs, the Steam Awards imposes a maximum of two categories per nominee. Consequently, formidable contenders like Baldur’s Gate 3, which has been a standout at various 2023 award shows, won’t monopolize the nominations. Other two-category contenders include EA Sports FC24, Lethal Company, Hogwarts Legacy, and Resident Evil 4. Even Starfield, overlooked at The Game Awards, gets a nod in the Most Innovative Gameplay category.

The inclusion of Starfield in this category may raise eyebrows, considering its lineage as a typical Bethesda RPG, a formula the studio has adhered to for over two decades. Despite being an evolution within The Elder Scrolls and Fallout series, Starfield received mixed reviews. In a 75% review, we noted shortcomings in companions’ depth, quest resolutions, and the lack of a grand adventure feel in space exploration.

Unlike awards such as the Golden Joysticks or The Game Awards, the Steam Awards are exclusively determined by the gaming community. While Starfield has garnered a substantial fan base, the unexpected element lies in its placement in the Innovative Gameplay category rather than Game of the Year, given its significant release status in 2023.

Voting for the Steam Awards commences on December 21 at 10 am PT/1 pm ET, coinciding with the launch of the Steam Winter Sale. Participants earn a free chat sticker for each category they vote in, with voting closing on January 2. Winners will be unveiled and awarded physical and virtual trophies on their Steam store page.

Here’s the rundown of the 2023 Steam Award nominees:

Game of the Year