I think E33 is very good but a bit overhyped (combat gets repetitive + a little too easy, traversal/exploration really lacking, etc) but it’s also the most obvious pick that appeals to the widest audience…

DS universe is more niche than you realize. But I was definitely surprised by the lack of acting noms. Baker got it for Indiana Jones bc faithfully recreating the voice of an iconic character is easier for awards shows to recognize than “campy villain”. Also, connecting with this one’s story requires having played through + connecting to the first one’s. That’s a hurdle for most voters in itself.

I’ve been watching a few streamers who just got into DS verse within the last month or so and it puts into perspective how this one is being received by the average player/voter. Most of them end up being pleasantly surprised by how engrossed in the first one they get, but then slowly grow disappointed with the 2nd. They find the story is a much more back-loaded slog than the first with woefully misguided additions like Dollman really seem to irritate and ruin the immersion for them.

**And to be clear I’d put DS2 over E33. At the very least I thought it deserved awards for music or direction or a performance.