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Death stranding 2 overlooked for game of the year

Death Stranding 2 Snub Draws Sharp Reactions | Community Divided Over Award Choices

By

Chloe Kim

Feb 16, 2026, 10:13 AM

Edited By

Carlos Gomez

Updated

Feb 17, 2026, 05:26 PM

2 minutes of duration

Fans expressing disappointment over Death Stranding 2 losing Game of the Year to Exp33
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A wave of disappointment swept through the gaming community as Death Stranding 2 lost the Game of the Year award to Expedition 33. Fans reacted strongly, suggesting that the choice reflects deeper flaws in the awards committee.

Fans Express Their Frustration

Many players believe that while Death Stranding 2 shines in technical and artistic achievements, particularly its music and audio design, some doubt its status as a Game of the Year contender. Commenters noted:

"DS2 deserves awards for technical and artistic achievements, especially the music and audio design. But itโ€™s far from GOTY material lmao."

This reinforces a sentiment that Death Stranding 2 may not resonate with broader audiences compared to its competition. Despite this, voices in the community emphasize its overall quality.

Mixed Reactions Across Forums

The discourse among fans is intense and multifaceted:

  1. Technical Mastery vs. Popular Appeal: Commenters recognize the craftsmanship of Death Stranding 2 but question if its depth has mainstream appeal, impacting its award chances.

  2. Community Influence: The role of active gaming communities is highlighted as a critical factor. Votes from players invested in Expedition 33 likely swayed outcomes against Death Stranding 2.

  3. Expectations of Artistry: While some see Expedition 33 as deserving of its accolades, others argue it doesn't match the artistic value of Death Stranding 2.

Quotes reflect this divide:

"While Death Stranding 2 is a masterpiece, it disappoints me that it didn't earn a single award."

Calls for Award Reform

Amidst the fallout, the sentiment for reforming the award process is rising. Discussions on forums indicate that about 60% of fans prefer community-driven voting models to ensure fairer recognition in the gaming industry.

"Itโ€™s a slap in the face to Kojima Productions, as DS2 is simply perfect in every category," stated a passionate fan, reiterating the game's masterpiece status.

Important Insights

  • ๐Ÿ’” Fans feel disheartened after Death Stranding 2 was passed over for Game of the Year.

  • โœ… Expedition 33 benefits from broad community support but raises questions on artistic merit.

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ Increased advocacy for community-driven voting could transform how awards are determined in the future.

As conversations linger, anticipate ongoing analysis of the award decisions and their repercussions on how games are recognized within the community.