Just finished another epic session of Elden Ring Nightreign and checked The Game Awards nominations while cooling down. Not gonna lie, I'm feeling a bit conflicted about Nightreign missing that GOTY nomination for 2025. Like, I totally get it, but also... kinda hurts, ya know?

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This marks the first time an Elden Ring title hasn't made the GOTY cut in its release year, which feels like a weird milestone none of us wanted. The OG game and Shadow of the Erdtree both snagged those prestigious nominations, setting a high bar that apparently Nightreign couldn't quite reach. I've put about 200+ hours into Nightreign already (don't judge me 😅), and while it's a different beast entirely, it still delivers that FromSoftware magic in its own unique way.

The Multiplayer Pivot

Let's address the elephant in the room - Nightreign took a MASSIVE departure from what made Elden Ring, well, Elden Ring. Gone is the primarily solo journey through a meticulously crafted open world, replaced by this cooperative multiplayer experience that's more about shared adventures than solitary suffering (though there's still plenty of suffering, let's be real).

The shift was bold AF, and I respect FromSoftware for taking risks rather than just serving up "more of the same." But I can see why the judges might have struggled to compare it to its predecessors. It's like comparing apples to, idk, some exotic fruit you've never tried before.

The Competition Was STACKED

Have y'all SEEN the games that made the cut this year? The competition was absolutely bonkers:

  • Clair Obscur (with its insane 11 nominations! 🤯)

  • Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

  • Hollow Knight: Silksong (finally out after all these years!)

  • Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

Each of these titles brought their A-game in 2025, and they all stuck closer to what The Game Awards typically rewards - polished single-player experiences with innovative mechanics and compelling narratives.

But There's a Silver Lining

Nightriegn DID snag a Best Multiplayer nomination, which is nothing to sneeze at considering the competition:

  • ARC Raiders (that game is everywhere right now)

  • Battlefield 6 (talk about a comeback story)

  • Peak (indie darling that exploded)

  • Split Fiction (still can't believe what they pulled off)

Being in that company is still a W in my book. And let's be honest - the multiplayer category is actually where Nightreign belongs. It's where the game's strengths truly shine.

My Personal Take

I've been riding the Elden Ring train since day one of the original, and while Nightreign doesn't hit those same emotional highs of discovering Limgrave for the first time or finally beating Malenia after 50+ attempts, it brings something entirely new to the table.

The cooperative dungeon-delving with my squad has created some of my favorite gaming moments of 2025:

  • That time we all got wiped by the Sentinel of Ash except for Dave, who clutched with literally 1 HP remaining

  • Figuring out the Labyrinth of Whispers puzzle together over Discord

  • Fashion souls competitions before tackling the weekly challenges

These experiences hit different than solo play, but they're no less valuable.

Looking Forward

I wonder if this GOTY snub will influence FromSoftware's approach moving forward. Will they see this as a sign to return to their single-player roots? Or will they double down on Nightreign's unique vision with future content?

Personally, I'm here for whatever they do next. The studio has earned my trust ten times over. And TBH, I'm still having a blast with Nightreign regardless of what some award show thinks.

What's your take? Are you disappointed Nightreign missed the GOTY nom? Or do you think The Game Awards got it right? Drop your thoughts below!

P.S. If anyone wants to squad up for the new Crimson Spire raid that just dropped, my username is TarnishedForLife. I've got a sick bleed build that absolutely melts the second phase boss. Just sayin' 💪