LoadingXP’s Predictions for the 2018 Game Awards

*page two written by Tori Morrow*

Best Ongoing Game:
Awarded for outstanding development of ongoing content that evolves the player experience over time.

Predicted Winner: Fortnite (Epic Games)
No one can deny that Fortnite is having a moment right now. In fact, it has flooded into mainstream culture so heavily, the game has been the subject of everything from the morning news to the negative psychological impact it could have on children. Not to mention, it recently became one of biggest free-to-play console games of all time. In the midst of its insanely fast rise in popularity, developer Epic Games has made a consistent effort to keep providing player with quality content that keeps the battle royale fresh and fun for both hardcore fans and those diving (parachuting?) into for the first time. Most recently, Fortnite had its Halloween event which brought new challenges and cosmetic changes. Now, Epic is gearing up for the launch of Season 7.

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Best Performance:
Awarded to an individual for voice-over acting, motion and/or performance capture.

Predicted Winner: Melissanthi Mahut as Kassandra (Assassin’s Creed Odyssey)
I know what you’re thinking- “But what about Christopher Judge! What about Roger Clark!” I hear you. I get it.

However. The release of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey was the first time in years (since Ezio, really) that Ubisoft managed to make me invested in its characters, new mechanics, and the larger narrative at play. The game no longer felt like a series of disconnected missions leading toward an anti-climactic ending, which have become far-too common in the series over the years; and I attribute a lot of these new positive sentiments to the fantastic voice work from Melissanthi Mahut, so I’m calling her win now.

That, and I suppose I just really like an underdog.

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Games for Impact: 
For a thought-provoking game with a profound pro-social meaning or message.

Predicted Winner: Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 (Dontnod Entertainment / Square Enix)
Life is Strange 2 had a difficult job ahead of it. Not only was it the long-awaited follow up to Life is Strange, but its unflinching subject matter concerning police officers and young boys of color was also something that players would have to contend with in the current political climate. Though Life is Strange was enough proof that Dontnod has a firm handle on narrative structure and choice-based gameplay, Life is Strange 2 solidified it, with the way the developer was able to present sensitive subject matter to a wide variety of players.

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Best VR/AR Game: For the best game experience playable in virtual or augmented reality, irrespective of platform.

Predicted Winner: Moss (Polyarc Studios)
Though only nominated for best VR/AR game, I’d go so far as to say Moss was one of the best games I played in 2018, irrespective of platform. Players assume the role as the “Reader” and enter a storybook, and with the help of a mouse Quill, embark on a memorable adventure. The world that Polyarc built was fully realized, with creative environmental puzzles that made great use of the PSVR. Moss was charming in all the right ways and is definitely worth experiencing at least once.

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Best Action Game: For the best game in the action genre focused on combat.

Predicted Winner: Far Cry 5 (Ubisoft)
The action in Far Cry 5 is nothing short of satisfying. Ubisoft lets players take the game at their own pace, exploring the (fictional) world of Hope County, MT; but when enemies emerge, between your companions, arsenal, and vehicles, the ways to take them down seem almost endless.

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Game of the Year: Recognizing a game the delivers the absolute best experience across all creative and technical fields.

Predicted Winner: Red Dead Redemption 2 (Rockstar Games)
I think most of us can agree- Red Dead Redemption 2 isn’t just a game. It’s an experience. The epic, open-world western was met with praise before it even released, and once it finally launched at the end of October, just a few hours with the game made it clear that Rockstar had created something truly memorable.

That’s it for our predictions! Let us know yours in the comments, and if you agree with some of our picks. You can watch The Game Awards live on Thursday, December 6th at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT.