Game Awards backlash grows as critics and studios redefine success
The Game Awards faced sharp criticism this year after its results were announced. Seth, known online as HandOfBlood, called the event’s outcomes 'disastrous' and published his own ranking of free games. Meanwhile, Path of Exile 2 bypassed the ceremony entirely, opting for a YouTube trailer reveal that drew over 200,000 views in a single day.
HandOfBlood’s response to the Game Awards came swiftly after the winners were revealed. He created a tier list of 25 games, judging them on whether they deserved recognition. The top spot in his A-Tier went to Diablo 4’s expansion, Lord of Hatred, despite its mixed reception.
HandOfBlood’s tier list has given fans another way to assess this year’s games. His rankings contrast sharply with the Game Awards’ choices, particularly for titles like Monster Hunter: Wilds. Meanwhile, Path of Exile 2’s decision to skip the ceremony and focus on YouTube proved effective, pulling in a large audience without traditional promotion.
