LoadingXP’s Predictions for the 2018 Game Awards

The 2018 Game Awards will be airing live this Thursday in Los Angeles, CA. The nominees are in (voting is still open), trailers have been announced for the show, and we have several predictions for which game will take home an award. You can read the full list of nominated games here.

Best Game Direction:
Awarded for outstanding creative vision and innovation in game direction and design.

Predicted Winner: Red Dead Redemption 2 (Rockstar Games)
Rockstar’s open world western is brought to life through dynamic direction and design. Every thread of the game is crafted to create an authentic feel that pulls you into the wild west. Red Dead Redemption 2 feels organic, layered and interactive in a way that few video game worlds can match – a feat of direction that is unlikely to go unnoticed come awards night.

Best Game Narrative:
Outstanding storytelling and narrative development in a game.

Predicted Winner: God of War (Sony Santa Monica / SIE)
God of War’s narrative was gripping from the very first frame of a mourning Kratos collecting wood for his wife’s funeral. From there, a single camera shot follows the tale of a father and son learning to overcome tragedy together by tackling Norse mythology’s most feared foes. God of War may tell the most heart-warming family drama that a video game has ever told, and to manage that in a game where you also impale a dragon is quite the achievement.

Best Score/Music – Presented by Spotify:
Awarded for outstanding music, inclusive of score, original song and/or licensed soundtrack.

Predicted Winner: Red Dead Redemption 2 (Woody Jackson / Daniel Lanois)
If there is one sensation to describe Red Dead Redemption 2’s score, it would be goose bumps. The timeless, iconic sounds of the wild west are recreated and allowed to shine at perfect moments throughout the game. Riding into the sunset with your gang has never sounded so right and everything from orchestral epics to sing-along ballads help accentuate the sonic impact of the game.

Best Independent Game:
For outstanding creative and technical achievement in a game made outside the traditional publishing system.

Predicted Winner: Celeste (Matt Makes Games)
Celeste made sure that 2018 came strong out of the gates. With a story and gameplay mechanics that feed into its theme of triumphing over anxiety and self-doubt, Celeste was as relatable as it was a blast to play. Sprinkle in gorgeous pixel art and a mesmerizing soundtrack and Celeste has all the ingredients to take home indie game glory this year.

Best Role Playing Game:
For the best game designed with rich player customization and progression, including massively multiplayer experiences.

Predicted Winner: Octopath Traveler (Square Enix)
Octopath Traveler was 2018’s best RPG because it was its most grateful. Harkening back to the glory days of 16-bit classics, Square Enix’s modern interpretation of traditional JRPG design struck a chord with plenty of Switch owners looking to grind away for dozens of hours in a crisp, pixelated world. Equipped with a dynamic battle system and an ambitious cast of eight main heroes, Octopath Traveler felt appropriately modern and classic in all the right ways, which makes it an attractive pick for this year’s award.

Best Action/Adventure Game:
For the best action/adventure game, combing combat with traversal and puzzle solving.

Predicted Winner: God of War (Sony Santa Monica / SIE)
God of War applies a polished flair to each of its mechanics and ideas. The combat is intimate and engaging, the exploration is enticing and rewarding, and the journey offers exciting variety in its enemies, puzzles and environments. All of this culminates in a wonderfully realised game that refuses to compromise with both its action and adventure.