Writers Guild of America reveals game nominees for 2014 show
Since 2008, the Writers Guild of America has honored video game storytelling at its annual awards show. The previous award winners make an eclectic bunch, as games ranging from Dead Head Fred to Star Wars: The Force Unleashed have walked away with the trophy (2008 and 2009 respectively).
Now, with the ceremony right around the corner, the folks at the WGA just released their nominees for the 2014 show (covering the 2013 season). The nominees are Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, Batman: Arkham Origins, God of War: Ascension, The Last of Us, and Lost Planet 3.
The list includes a lot of familiar names. Both the Batman: Arkham series and the God of War series have seen a previous entry nominated, and two earlier titles in the Assassin’s Creed line, Brotherhood and Liberation, took home the award. Although The Last of Us has no precursors to nominate, the game’s developer, Naughty Dog, won gold in 2010 for Uncharted 2 and in 2012 for Uncharted 3.
The impact of this award can be debated, but it’s nice to see the video game industry honored amongst its peers–peers that generally receive a great deal more respect. To see the impact such recognition can have on an industry still finding its storytelling legs, watch an overwhelmed Amy Hennig, writer of Uncharted 2, accept the award in 2010.
The 2014 WGA Awards will be held on February 1. To find a list of all nominees, ranging from film to radio, head to the Writers Guild Awards home page.