Video games released on Valve’s Steam platform are eligible for an annual user-voted awards ceremony called the Steam Awards. First held in 2016, the game nomination and voting windows are in line with Steam’s yearly Thanksgiving and Christmas-themed autumn and winter holiday discounts.
There are two stages involved in choosing the Steam Awards. Unlike traditional gaming awards, Valve chooses a number of categories in the first phase, and each registered Steam user can choose one game from the Steam library for that category. The top five titles are then chosen for the final voting once Valve has reviewed the nominees.
IT’S STEAM AWARDS TIME…
… And we’d appreciate if you would consider nominating a few of our titles that we’re proud of… 🥺👉👈 (1/2) pic.twitter.com/rqlmQeumL0
— Raw Fury 📺 AMERICAN ARCADIA IS OUT NOW! (@RawFury) November 21, 2023
Steam users are then given the chance to vote in each category after these nominations are made available to them. After that, Valve declares the winners.
Steam Awards categories
The much-awaited 2023 Steam Autumn Sale, which will feature huge savings on thousands of PC games, DLC, and other items, has been announced by Valve. Players will also be able to cast their votes for their preferred games across a number of categories as the event also serves as the opening of nominations for the 2023 Steam Awards.
In addition to having a say in the ultimate winners, participants who submit game nominations and fulfill specific requirements will also get a collectible badge for their profile. In January, the Steam Awards winners will be revealed.
This year’s Steam Awards will have a maximum of 55 games nominated in 11 categories. The titles that make it to the finals in each category will be determined by user vote.
The 11 categories in the Steam Awards are:
Game of the Year Award
The focus here is on the games with immersive gameplay or their captivating story. It also focuses on flawless design, captivating multiplayer, or expertly developed characters. Elden Ring won this award last year.
VR Game of the Year Award
The focus here is on the games that utilize virtual reality technology to expand the virtual world’s limits and enhances the game’s reality. Hitman 3 won this award last year.
Labor of Love Award
The focus here is on the games that have been out for some time, but their developers have been providing continuous support and updates to the game. Cyberpunk 2077 won this award last year.
Best Game on the Steam Deck Award
The focus here is on the games the players can live without. The games which are among the most played on the Steam Deck will be eligible for nominations. Death Stranding Director’s Cut won this award last year.
Better With Friends Award
The focus here is on the games that don’t do well with as a single player. Games that are much more enjoyable to play as multiplayer will be eligible for nominations. Raft wo this award last year.
Outstanding Visual Style Award
The focus here is on the games that characterize a unique aesthetic and atmosphere that permeates the whole game. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales won this award last year.
Most Innovative Gameplay Award
The focus here is on the games where the creators are at the forefront of artistic creativity, offering a novel viewpoint and mind-blowing unexpected events in the game. Stray won this award last year.
Best Game You Suck At Award
The focus here is on the games that are amongst the hardest to complete due to their difficulty on Steam. Elden Ring won this award last year. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade won this award last year.
Best Soundtrack Award
The focus here is on the games that have an outstanding musical score. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade won this award last year. God of War won this award last year.
Outstanding Story-Rich Game Award
The focus here is on the games which have a well-crafted storyline on Steam. Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga won this award last year.
Sit Back and Relax Award
The focus here is on the games which are amongst the most easy to play game on Steam.
Voting is open to all non-limited Steam accounts until January 2, 2024, at which time Valve will announce their nominees. Only titles published on Steam following the previous year’s Autumn Sale are eligible for nominations, with the exception of the Labor of Love category.