Award shows often create a buzz, and the Steam Awards are no different. Because fans vote for the winners, the results frequently lead to lively discussions – and sometimes disagreements – online. This year, the competition for Game of the Year was especially controversial.
The conflict escalated when Hollow Knight: Silksong won Steam’s Game of the Year award, surpassing Expedition 33. Many fans of Expedition 33 anticipated another win for their game, and Silksong’s victory sparked disappointment and negative reactions online. This situation demonstrates how previous successes can influence players’ expectations and reactions to award results.
Fans Thought Expedition 33 Was a Sure Thing for the Steam Awards
Many fans believed Expedition 33 was a shoo-in to win a Steam Award. The game had already won several prestigious Game of the Year awards, leading people to expect Steam voters would confirm its success. Beyond its dedicated fanbase, Expedition 33 had generated a lot of positive buzz and was widely considered a standout title, further increasing expectations of another win.
When Silksong won Steam’s Game of the Year award instead of the expected Expedition 33, many fans expressed their disappointment online. Some were simply surprised by the result, while others felt the industry had overlooked Expedition 33‘s importance. The strong reaction wasn’t about Silksong itself, but how certain players were that Expedition 33 would win. As a result, some Expedition 33 fans have unfairly criticized Silksong.
Hollow Knight: Silksong gained a lot of attention when it joined the Steam Awards. After years of fans eagerly awaiting its release, and with a very loyal community, it quickly became one of the most discussed games on Steam. This excitement directly led to a huge number of votes from players in the Steam Awards.
Despite strong competition, the game’s quality, refinement, and the excitement surrounding its release made it a frontrunner in the voting. Some fans of Expedition 33 felt that popularity and enthusiasm drove the win more than actual awards success. Regardless of whether that’s accurate, Silksong’s victory demonstrates the significant impact a dedicated and active community can have in an awards show decided by fan votes.
Controversy and Community Drama Added Fuel
Things got more complex because of discussions about Expedition 33, specifically how it was made and the larger debate about using AI in game development. Although these discussions didn’t prevent the game from being considered for the Steam Awards, they continued to be a topic of conversation, especially within active online communities. Arguments have been heating up on the official Steam forums for both games, with players disagreeing strongly about the outcome.
The Steam Awards felt particularly significant this year. Rather than simply celebrating a win for Silksong, the results highlighted existing frustrations within the gaming community that had been growing throughout awards season. The strong negative reaction shows that these days, game awards often reflect how players are feeling just as much as the quality of the games themselves.
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2026-01-06 19:41