Stellar Blade (Image courtesy of Shift Up)
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 13 (Korea Bizwire) – As the gaming industry prepares for The Game Awards (TGA), often called the Oscars of gaming, South Korea’s hopes rest on a single nominee, while Asian developer are making unprecedented gains in the prestigious competition.
According to the TGA jury, Stellar Blade, developed by South Korean studio Shift Up and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, is the sole Korean game nominated this year. The action title secured nominations in two categories: Best Action Game and Best Score and Music.
Stellar Blade has already proven its artistic merit, recently sweeping seven awards at the Korea Game Awards on November 13, including the Grand Prize. The game earned praise for its sophisticated action mechanics, character design, and soundtrack.
Korean games have historically struggled at TGA, with Krafton’s PUBG: Battlegrounds being the only previous winner, claiming Best Multiplayer Game in 2017. Last year, Neowiz’s Lies of P and Nexon’s Dave the Diver received nominations but failed to secure victories.
The Game Awards, hosted by Canadian gaming personality Geoff Keighley, marks its 10th anniversary this year as North America’s largest gaming awards ceremony and showcase. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
This year’s awards notably highlight the rising influence of Asian game developers. Five of the six Game of the Year nominees are from Asia, predominantly from China and Japan. The nominees include Astro Robot, Baldur’s Gate 3 (the sole Western title), Black Myth: Wukong, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and Metaphor: ReFantazio.
Black Myth: Wukong, developed by Chinese studio Game Science, has made history as the first Chinese game to receive a Game of the Year nomination. The game’s success reflects China’s growing influence in the industry, having sold over 20 million copies within its first month of release.
Chinese developers’ dominance is particularly evident in the Player’s Voice category, where four of the five nominees are Chinese games: Black Myth: Wukong, Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero.
In esports categories, Korean talent shines with both “Faker” Lee Sang-hyeok and “Chovy” Jeong Ji-hoon nominated for Best Esports Athlete. Their respective teams, T1 and Gen.G, are also competing for Best Esports Team.
The ceremony, scheduled for December 13 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, will also feature numerous game announcements. Korean developer Pearl Abyss is expected to reveal the release date for the upcoming open-world action-adventure game Crimson Desert, while Nexon has already begun promoting its upcoming titles The First Berserker: Khazan and Dungeon & Fighter: Arad with prominent displays near the venue.
The Game Awards, hosted by Canadian gaming personality Geoff Keighley, marks its 10th anniversary this year as North America’s largest gaming awards ceremony and showcase.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
