Steam Game Awards

Valve Getting In On The Game Of The Year Awards Action

With the game awards season soon upon us, Valve have decided to get in on the action, with “The Steam Awards“. Although, the categories aren’t what you would normally expect.

“This November you will get to choose nominees for 8 different categories, as well as have the opportunity to create your very own award category.”

So us the players, will be the ones who decide all the awards via voting for games through Steam, and even pitching ideas for “The ‘We Didn’t Think Of Everything’ Award”. And its obvious Valve are looking to have some fun with the categories they’ve created, for the very first Steam Awards.

The “Test of Time” Award

This award is for the game that is just as good today as the day you first played it. Newer games may come out, but it doesn’t matter… you’ll always come back to play this one.

The “I’m Not Crying, There’s Something In My Eye” Award

Games are fun. But sometimes games become more than that, and touch you in a way you weren’t expecting. This award celebrates the game that blindsided you emotionally. You weren’t expecting to cry. It wasn’t in the plan. But it happened none the less.

The “Just 5 More Minutes” Award
You have an early day tomorrow. You need to get some sleep, so you’re just going finish one more thing before you decide to tuck in for the night. Just one more. Wait, one more. What’s that you say? It’s 2:30 AM? This award is for the game that keeps you playing late.
The “Whoooaaaaaaa, dude!” Award
Some games melt your face. Maybe it was a crazy plot twist. Maybe you just got your wisdom teeth removed. Either way, this game BLOWS YOUR MIND.
The “Villain Most In Need Of A Hug” Award

Some people just need a hug.

The “Game Wihin A Game” Award
Kinder Eggs. Peanut Butter Cups. Jelly Donuts. All great things stuffed with other great things. Like a mighty turducken, this award celebrates the best mini game hidden within another game.
The “I Thought This Game Was Cool Before It Won An Award” Award
This title didn’t have a huge marketing machine behind it, but you found it and loved it. Then you told your friends about it. And they loved it. And now that little game that could is about to win an award… but always remember: you totally found it first.
The “Best Use Of A Farm Animal” Award
Animals are rad and almost any game is better for including them. However this game used a farm animal in the best way possible.
The “We Didn’t Think Of Everything” Award
(*name pending Selection Committee Decision) There are as many great ideas for awards as there are great games to play. And so we turn to the Steam Awards Selection Committee to come up with their own category and nominee. Senior members of the Selection Committee will review the write-in entries and create an entirely new category based on the feedback provided.

By participating you’ll not only be helping choose the winners for such prestigious awards such as the “Best Use Of A Farm Animal” award, but you’ll also be able to grab a neat Steam Badge for your efforts.
To nominate for games, just search for them in the Steam Store, then click the big old “Nominate this game for an award” button. I think you’ll get the hang of it pretty quick. And you can edit your nominations too, just in case you change your mind.
Check out the categories here and be sure to get involved, because quoting Valve in the nomination FAQS, “Your opinion matters!”. Doesn’t that just make you feel warm all over.