Former first-person shooter (FPS) professional Shroud has voiced his support for the game Arc Raiders in the ongoing debate for the prestigious Game of the Year award, suggesting that single-player and multiplayer games should be recognized in separate categories. This statement follows his endorsement of Arc Raiders over the frontrunner, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which is widely expected to win at the upcoming The Game Awards.
During a recent streaming session, Shroud stated, “I feel like Game of the Year needs to be two different categories.” He argued that single-player games often dominate the award due to their narrative-driven experiences, making it challenging for multiplayer titles to compete effectively. He noted, “It’s so easy for a single-player game to win,” emphasizing the need for distinction in recognition.
Shroud’s comments come as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 prepares for its moment at The Game Awards and the Golden Joystick Awards. Despite the game’s director indicating that winning Game of the Year “isn’t something we aim for,” Clair Obscur remains a significant contender for both accolades. The game has garnered attention for its innovative gameplay and storytelling, positioning it as a leading candidate for the honors.
Arc Raiders, released earlier in 2025, has emerged as a late but formidable competitor, achieving remarkable success with over 460,000 concurrent players on Steam. This figure sets a new record, surpassing Helldivers 2’s previous high. The game has received acclaim from critics, making it one of the best-reviewed titles of the year. As the competition heats up, Shroud believes that Arc Raiders deserves recognition, particularly in a separate multiplayer category.
Shroud further highlighted the historical context of the awards, referencing that the last multiplayer game to win was Overwatch in 2016. When his teammate pointed out that It Takes Two won in 2021, he dismissed this, stating, “Bro, that’s not multiplayer.” This comment underlines his argument that the competitive landscape for multiplayer titles has been challenging.
The discussion about category separation raises questions about the effectiveness of existing award structures. While the Best Multiplayer Game category has existed since The Game Awards began, it seems to be an insufficient solution for Shroud, who advocates for greater recognition of multiplayer achievements. As Arc Raiders vies for the Best Multiplayer Game award this year, it faces stiff competition from titles like Marvel Rivals and Split Fiction.
As the awards approach, Shroud’s call for change reflects a broader conversation within the gaming community. The debate highlights the evolving landscape of video games, where both single-player and multiplayer experiences have their distinct merits. Whether The Game Awards will consider the separation of categories remains to be seen, but the conversation certainly adds excitement as the gaming world anticipates the results.
