Popular streamer Shroud described The Game Awards as “rigged” after Arc Raiders was not nominated for Game of the Year despite his active promotion of the title.
Michael “shroud” Grzesiek urged his audience to back the Embark Studios project, while Asmongold countered that the game doesn’t hold up against Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Shroud, who accused TGA of manipulation in 2024, reiterated those claims this year.
He was live when the nominees were revealed and reacted with irritation to the inclusion of Death Stranding 2 and Donkey Kong Bananza: “Bias. Bias, paid for by Nintendo,” he said, implying ties between Geoff Keighley and Kojima as well as Nintendo’s influence. When Arc Raiders failed to appear on the list, he covered his face with his hand:
They’re simply not ready. At least they nominated it for something [the “Best Multiplayer Game” category – ed.]. I honestly thought they’d omit it entirely because they were worried about the backlash.
Shroud also claimed single-player titles have an advantage when it comes to winning:
“We know Expedition will win. It’ll sweep a dozen categories.”
He went on to say:
“Imagine Donkey Kong wins. If Donkey Kong wins — zero credibility. Nobody plays Donkey Kong Bananza. I’ll vote for Donkey Kong. Where do I vote?”
The Game Awards will take place on December 11, 2025. Shroud said he would play through whatever game takes home GOTY, even though he believes the ceremony is a sham.
Source: iXBT.games