Along with their Autumn Sales, Valve have now launched its own Steam Awards, and are asking the Steam community which games should be nominated for each of the 8 different categories. This provides an interesting opportunity for fans to nominate their favorite SEGA games. There’s also an opportunity to submit your own category, and the Steam Awards Selection Committee will review the most popular user submitted entries and select the best ones. Nominating can be done simply by searching for a game in the Steam store, clicking “Nominate this game for an award” and selecting a category for that game. You can find an overview of all the 8 categories below.
Personally, I’d love to see people nominate Valkyria Chronicles for the “Test of Time” award. While it’s not actually that old, having been originally released on the PlayStation 3 in 2008, the game is really a modern day classic and has been a major success for SEGA on Steam. According to Steamspy, the game has reached a total of around 850,000 owners now. That, combined with the game holding a “Very Positive” rating from user reviews, means there are a lot of people that can help earn the game a nomination in this category. You also don’t need to own the game itself to vote, all you need is a Steam account.
The actual winners of the Steam Awards will be determined in December. Lastly, the start of the Steam Autumn Sales also means a large number of SEGA games are currently being discounted, including Valkyria Chronicles, NiGHTS into Dreams, Jet Set Radio and more, so it’s a good time to complete your selection of SEGA games on Steam.
Overview of the Steam Award categories
The “Test of Time” Award
This award is for the game that is just as good today as the day you first played it. Newer games may come out, but it doesn’t matter… you’ll always come back to play this one.
The “I’m Not Crying, There’s Something In My Eye” Award
Games are fun. But sometimes games become more than that, and touch you in a way you weren’t expecting. This award celebrates the game that blindsided you emotionally. You weren’t expecting to cry. It wasn’t in the plan. But it happened none the less.
The “Just 5 More Minutes” Award
You have an early day tomorrow. You need to get some sleep, so you’re just going finish one more thing before you decide to tuck in for the night. Just one more. Wait, one more. What’s that you say? It’s 2:30 AM? This award is for the game that keeps you playing late
The “Whoooaaaaaaa, dude!” Award
Some games melt your face. Maybe it was a crazy plot twist. Maybe you just got your wisdom teeth removed. Either way, this game BLOWS YOUR MIND.
The “Villain Most In Need Of A Hug” Award
Some people just need a hug.
The “Game Within A Game” Award
Kinder Eggs. Peanut Butter Cups. Jelly Donuts. All great things stuffed with other great things. Like a mighty turducken, this award celebrates the best mini game hidden within another game.
The “I Thought This Game Was Cool Before It Won An Award” Award
This title didn’t have a huge marketing machine behind it, but you found it and loved it. Then you told your friends about it. And they loved it. And now that little game that could is about to win an award… but always remember: you totally found it first.
The “Best Use Of A Farm Animal” Award
Animals are rad and almost any game is better for including them. However this game used a farm animal in the best way possible.
The “We Didn’t Think Of Everything” Award
(*name pending Selection Committee Decision) There are as many great ideas for awards as there are great games to play. And so we turn to the Steam Awards Selection Committee to come up with their own category and nominee. Senior members of the Selection Committee will review the write-in entries and create an entirely new category based on the feedback provided.