Predicting Clair Obscur Expedition 33 as the frontrunner for Game of the Year at The Game Awards next month seems almost a foregone conclusion. Critics have largely praised the title, and it has resonated deeply with gamers, selling millions of copies. Yet, in an intriguing twist, one of the gaming world’s most prominent livestreamers, former Counter-Strike professional Michael ‘Shroud’ Grzesiek, is advocating for Arc Raiders to take home the coveted award. His enthusiasm for Embark Studios’ latest extraction shooter is palpable, prompting him to rally fans of multiplayer gaming to unite in support of Arc Raiders when public voting begins.
Shroud’s Call to Action
Shroud has expressed his admiration for Arc Raiders in various discussions, emphasizing its ability to create memorable gaming experiences. “I think Arc Raiders is totally fantastic,” he remarked, highlighting its capacity to deliver more engaging moments in a single week than many competitors manage over an extended period. However, he acknowledges the challenge of naming it his definitive Game of the Year, given the competition from Expedition 33 and its charming character, the Blue Prince. Nevertheless, Shroud remains resolute in his belief that Arc Raiders deserves the top honor.
During a recent livestream, he passionately urged his followers: “Dude, we gotta make sure this game wins Game of the Year by the way. We cannot let that Expedition game win. Do not let it. Absolutely do not. We all have to band together to make this game win. Us multiplayer gamers are the minority, ok? We are the minority being multiplayer gamers. But I believe we can win. I believe. We just need to tell everybody. I’ve never voted for anything, ever. But I think I’m going to vote this year for this game.”
Despite his claims that award shows are “rigged,” Shroud conceded that if Expedition 33 were to win, it would be “justified.” This admission reflects the competitive spirit that drives him and his community, raising the question of whether a concerted effort from the Arc Raiders player base could indeed influence the outcome.
The public has the opportunity to vote in The Game Awards’ main categories, but these votes are combined with assessments from a jury composed of media outlets. Arc Raiders has garnered impressive reviews, boasting an average Metacritic score of 87, which could attract jury votes if it secures a nomination for Game of the Year. However, it faces stiff competition from titles such as Expedition 33, Blue Prince, Hollow Knight Silksong, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, Split Fiction, Death Stranding 2, and Hades 2.
It’s noteworthy that while some previous Game Awards winners have included co-op elements, only one purely multiplayer game, Overwatch, has claimed the Game of the Year title, back in 2016. This historical context adds an additional layer of complexity to Arc Raiders’ chances, as competitive titles often find themselves overshadowed by critically acclaimed single-player experiences.
Yet, there remains a flicker of hope for Shroud and his supporters. Should the award format remain unchanged, the Players’ Voice award will be determined solely by fan votes. If Arc Raiders receives a nomination, a surge of votes driven by Shroud’s passionate campaign could propel it to victory in this category. However, the widespread acclaim for Expedition 33 will undoubtedly pose a formidable challenge.
For those seeking more highly-rated gaming experiences, our best PC games list offers a curated selection of must-play titles. Additionally, for players currently navigating the challenges of Speranza, we have compiled a guide to all the Arc Raiders field depot locations, essential for completing early quests and acquiring valuable loot.
