GAM3S.gg and Magic Eden have unveiled the shortlist for the GAM3 Awards, positioning it as the Oscars of Web3 gaming, with a substantial $2 million prize pool. As a judge on the panel of 70 industry experts, I observed a higher-than-expected number of entries for this second edition of the awards, showcasing the growing prominence of Web3 gaming excellence. The Game of the Year finalists include My Pet Hooligan, Wildcard, Big Time, Deadrop, and Parallel, and the final voting phase takes place from November 22 to December 1 on GAM3S.GG’s platform. The award ceremony is scheduled for December 14, with luminaries from traditional and blockchain gaming sectors participating as judges, including representatives from Amazon, Google, Ubisoft, Microsoft, and Samsung.

Following a rigorous selection process, the final shortlist of nominees for the GAM3 Awards 2023 has been unveiled from 214 nominated games, featuring 40 finalists that represent the pinnacle of Web3 gaming. The award ceremony, akin to the traditional Oscars, will witness industry experts coming together to recognize the most deserving games. Notable judges from major companies will contribute to the decision-making process, and the diversity of blockchain networks, with nine represented, underscores the dynamic evolution of the gaming landscape. Polygon, Ethereum, Immutable X, Arbitrum, and Avalanche are the top five networks in the final shortlists.

The community's influence in the decision-making process is substantial, accounting for 10% of the vote. Some categories, such as the People's Choice Award and Best Content Creator, are exclusively determined by community votes, emphasizing the gamers' role in this prestigious event. Robby Yung, CEO of Animoca Brands, noted that despite economic challenges, 2023 stands out as a milestone year with polished and dedicated web3 game developers. Standout nominees like Big Time, Wildcard, Parallel, Deadrop, Illuvium, and MetalCore symbolize the pinnacle of Web3 gaming ingenuity.

The ceremony on December 14 will be streamed on major platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and X, offering exclusive game trailers and premieres from titles like Star Atlas and The Unioverse. Voting is open from November 22 to December 1 at gam3awards.com, allowing enthusiasts and industry aficionados to shape the destiny of the gaming elite. Community rewards, exceeding $100,000, add an exciting element to the event. Chris Akhavan, Chief Gaming Officer at Magic Eden, expressed excitement over the 200+ web3 games nominated for the GAM3 Awards, anticipating an intriguing showcase of winners on December 14.