In a surprising move that has sparked a wave of discussions across the gaming community, Shroud has urged his followers to support Arc Raiders for Game of the Year 2025, instead of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. He emphasized the unique position of multiplayer gamers, describing them as “the minority.”
Michael ‘Shroud’ Grzesiek, a Canadian well-known for his prowess in competitive multiplayer first-person shooters, has transitioned from a former professional Counter-Strike player to a leading online influencer. With a substantial following of 6.8 million subscribers on YouTube and 11.3 million on Twitch, his influence is undeniable.
Shroud’s Passion for Arc Raiders
Since the explosive release of Embark Studios’ Arc Raiders, Shroud has been an avid supporter. During a recent Twitch stream, he rallied his fans to vote for the game in the upcoming The Game Awards 2025. “We gotta make sure that this game wins game of the year, by the way,” he said. “Do not let that Expedition game win game of the year. Do not let it.” Shroud continued, urging the gaming community to unite in support of Arc Raiders as he declared his intention to vote for the first time.
As the year comes to a close, Sandfall’s single-player adventure, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, leads the race for Game of the Year. Meanwhile, Arc Raiders is gaining traction as a formidable contender. Other nominated titles include Hades 2, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Blue Prince, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.
The Multiplayer Gamer Dilemma
Shroud’s comment on multiplayer gamers being a “minority” seems to hold some truth. Studies indicate a preference for single-player experiences among gamers, though age factors significantly influence this trend. Midia Research observed that younger gamers favor multiplayer interactions, highlighting the social element. However, as players age, organizing multiplayer sessions becomes challenging, favoring single-player games instead. Rhys Elliott from Midia Research noted this shift, emphasizing the engagement of younger players in PVP games.
In contrast, the global gaming landscape shows multiplayer titles such as Fortnite, Minecraft, Counter-Strike, and Apex Legends, dominating in popularity and player counts. While major single-player games exist, free-to-play multiplayer titles often see higher engagement and monthly users.
The Reality of Gaming Awards
Despite his advocacy, Shroud expressed skepticism about the significance of voting in The Game Awards. “All the f***ing awards are rigged anyway, who cares?” he remarked. The Game Awards, directed by Geoff Keighley, blend media and influencer votes with public input. Though there is a fan-voted category, Players’ Voice, the general voting process has faced scrutiny for potential “social engineering.” The Game Awards 2025 nominees are anticipated to be revealed by mid-November.
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