The Game Awards 2017 Nominations Revealed: Breath of the Wild, Mario Odyssey Lead the Pack

The nominees for The Game Awards 2017 have officially dropped, and the gaming world is buzzing with excitement. This year's event is shaping up to be the biggest yet, with a whopping 29 categories spanning genre awards, eSports honors, and the coveted Game of the Year title. Leading the nomination charge are some of 2017's most iconic titles. Nintendo is flexing its muscles with its major Switch exclusives, while Sony and multiplatform giants are hot on their heels. It's a true battle of the titans, and the competition is absolutely lit. Fans can start voting for their favorites right now, with the grand ceremony set to light up Los Angeles in early December. Get ready for a night of epic reveals, world premieres, and celebrating the very best in interactive entertainment. Let's dive into the deets! 🎮✨

🏆 Game of the Year: The Ultimate Showdown

The most prestigious award of the night, Game of the Year, features a stellar lineup of five contenders. Honestly, it's a stacked category that truly represents the incredible year gaming has had. The nominees are:

• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo Switch)

• Super Mario Odyssey (Nintendo Switch)

• PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PC/Xbox One)

• Persona 5 (PS4/PS3)

• Horizon Zero Dawn (PS4)

It's a fascinating mix! From the open-world masterpiece that is Breath of the Wild to the pure joy of Super Mario Odyssey, and from the cultural phenomenon of PUBG to the stylish depth of Persona 5 and the breathtaking world of Horizon. A major talking point is the inclusion of PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, which is still in Early Access. The Game Awards has decided to judge such titles on their own merits, a move that's got everyone talking—some love the recognition for evolving games, while purists are like, 'Wait, really?' It's a bold move that reflects the changing landscape of game development.

🎬 The Ceremony & How to Watch

Mark your calendars, peeps! The Game Awards 2017 will be hosted live on December 7th at the iconic Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. The legendary Geoff Keighley is back as host, promising a night filled with more than just trophies. Expect major game announcements, world premiere trailers, and sneak peeks at what's coming next in gaming. It's basically the Oscars for gamers, but with way more hype and zero boring speeches (hopefully!).

The show will be livestreamed globally in stunning 4K HD across over 16 different digital platforms. And here's the kicker—for the first time, fans in China, South Korea, and Japan will get localized broadcasts thanks to partnerships with Tencent, AfreecaTV, and NicoNico. No FOMO allowed! The gaming community worldwide can tune in and be part of the action.

🤔 How Are the Winners Chosen?

Wondering how this all works? It's a blend of expert opinion and fan power. A voting jury of over 51 international media outlets selected the nominees. For the eSports categories, a separate jury of outlets specializing in competitive gaming was formed—shoutout to the growing esports scene! 🎮⚡

For most major awards, the final decision is a mix:

• 90% from the jury vote

• 10% from public voting

However, some categories are 100% decided by fans! These include:

• Trending Gamer

• Most Anticipated Game

• All eSports awards (like Best Esports Player, Team, etc.)

So your vote actually matters, especially in those key categories! Don't just sit there—make your voice heard!

📢 How & When to Vote

The power is in your hands! Public voting is OPEN NOW and will run through December 6th, the eve of the show. Here’s how you can cast your vote, easy peasy:

1. Head to the official The Game Awards website.

2. Browse the categories and pick your favorites.

3. Vote using Facebook, Twitter, or Google for verification.

The voting process has been optimized this year to be super smooth, encouraging as many fans as possible to participate. Whether you're a hardcore PC gamer, a console loyalist, or a mobile gaming enthusiast, this is your chance to represent your faves. The goal is to let the entire diverse gaming community have a say. So, what are you waiting for? Go vote! It's your civic duty as a gamer. 😉

💫 Beyond the Awards: What to Expect

While handing out golden statues is the main event, The Game Awards is so much more. It's a premier showcase for the future of gaming. We can expect:

• Major Game Announcements & World Premieres: Studios often save big reveals for this stage. Get ready for some 'OMG' moments.

• Exclusive Gameplay Previews: First looks at upcoming titles that will have you hyped for 2026 and beyond.

• Special Musical Performances: Epic scores and live music are a staple of the show.

• Celebrity Appearances: From game developers to Hollywood stars crossing over into gaming.

In essence, it's a celebration of gaming culture—past, present, and future. It's where we come together to honor the art, the competition, and the community that makes this industry so special. So, gear up for December 7th. Whether your pick for GOTY is Zelda, Mario, or the underdog Persona 5, it's gonna be a night to remember. Let the games begin! 🥳🎉

P.S. Don't forget to set those reminders and prepare your social media feeds for the inevitable barrage of hype, leaks, and glorious memes. See you there!