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The imminent arrival of The Game Awards (TGAs) for 2023, scheduled for early December, marks Geoff Keighley's pinnacle show of the year. While this year's Game of the Year (GOTY) Nominations boast an array of exceptional titles, some notable heavyweights, including the much-anticipated Hogwarts Legacy, have been conspicuously absent, causing disappointment among fans.
Hogwarts Legacy is not the sole casualty, as Final Fantasy 16 also found itself omitted, despite being a strong contender for nomination. Certainly, this year's nominations showcase some of the finest games ever crafted. It's essential to acknowledge that the exclusion of Hogwarts Legacy doesn't solely rest on TGAs. The year 2023 has undeniably been a standout year in video game history, marred only by the ongoing industry layoffs. However, amidst this, one could argue that Hogwarts Legacy deserved a spot among the nominated masterpieces.
Hogwarts Legacy garnered universal critical acclaim upon its release, embraced by Harry Potter enthusiasts for its immersive portrayal of the wizarding world. Portkey Games exceeded expectations, delivering a game of exceptional quality. Despite the controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling, the game distanced itself from the author, but this, coupled with relatively subdued marketing compared to other major releases like Spider-Man 2 or Alan Wake 2, posed challenges.
Despite these obstacles, Hogwarts Legacy achieved remarkable success, selling over 12 million copies within two weeks of its release, generating a staggering revenue of over $1 billion as of May 2023.
Meanwhile, contenders such as Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Larian Studios' Baldur's Gate 3, and Insomniac Games' Spider-Man 2 may emerge as potential GOTY winners. While all are sequels to established franchises that have pushed their genres forward, Hogwarts Legacy stands out for its unique scope. If any game could make way for Portkey's enchanting adventure, it might be either Alan Wake 2 or Super Mario Wonder.
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