Why Game of the Year winner Golden Joysticks could portend TGA

At this year's Golden Joystick Awards Black Myth: Wukong won the coveted Ultimate Game of the Year title, making the action-adventure title a fan favorite. While Black Myth: Wukong received high praise from players and critics alike, it's still incredibly unclear whether the game deserves Game of the Year status at the upcoming Game Awards or not. Several of this year's GOTY nominees have sparked a lot of discussion, especially when it comes to Shadow of Erdtree DLC a Black Myth: Wukong.

While the GOTY-nominated DLC is controversial enough, Black Myth: Wukong being a contender also caused some controversy, being the lowest-rated game ever nominated in the category. The game still holds strong ratings overall, but its nomination still sparked a lot of debate about whether or not it deserved a spot. Debate aside, its Golden Joystick win could very well indicate which game will take home the GOTY title.

Black Myth: Wukong's Golden Joystick win could set the stage for a surprise game awards

A history of overlapping winners

The Golden Joystick Awards have been around a lot longer than The Game Awards' modest 10-year anniversary, but both boast two incredibly important events for the industry. While the two ceremonies don't always have the same winners of their respective GOTY awards, there is a solid history of overlap. Black Myth: Wukong winning Golden Joystick's Ultimate Game of the Year is no small feat and could very well inform the outcome of The Game Awards decision.

The Golden Joystick Awards is the longest running gaming awards ceremony, first held in 1983.

Golden Joystick and big winners of The Game Awards since 2014

While it's not an exact science and there have been many variations, the Golden Joystick Awards and The Game Awards share a significant number of the same winners. With the fact that the last two years have had the same winners Elden Ring and Baldur's Gate 3a pattern may occur. However, there is one key difference between the two ceremonies that will be the deciding factor in which title wins at The Game Awards.

The biggest difference between The Game Awards and Golden Joystick is significant

Black Myth: Wukong's Golden Joystick victory hinged on a key voting approach

When it comes to voting in The Game Awards, there is a far greater emphasis on critics' reactions. The Golden Joystick Awards are 100% fan-voted and The Game Awards do not have the same type of open voting system. From Black Myth: Wukong has lower reviews than its competitors, the action-adventure title may ultimately have less of a chance to win a GOTY. If the awards place more weight on critical reception, then Astro Bot may be the most likely choice.

The Game Awards premiere is scheduled for December 12.

Of course, there is no official way to find out. The nominations for The Game Awards have produced some big surprises, and it's still likely that the ceremony itself could be just as stimulating. As the event approaches, it will be fascinating to see how Black Myth: Wukong stand up to their competitors.