The Writers Guild of America drops games writing category from its 2020 awards Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. The Writers Guild of America drops games writing category from its 2020 awards "The category will be reinstated when there is a critical mass of video games covered by the WGA." News by Vikki Blake Contributor Updated on 6 Oct 2019 26 comments The Writers Guild of America has confirmed it will not be including a video game writing category in its 2020 awards. In a statement to our friends at USGamer, the organisation - which has included games writing since at least 2008 - said the category would be "reinstated when there is a critical mass" of eligible video games. "There won't be a Videogame Writing Award in 2020; however, the category will be reinstated when there is a critical mass of videogames covered by the WGA in order to provide a meaningful award selection process," the WGA said. While a number of writers shared their dismay on Twitter, a number of notable video game writers, however, revealed only WGA members could have their games considered for the award, with many criticising the awards for being little more "than a way for the WGA to build its membership among games writers". I've never joined the WGA and never will. To win this award you have to be a member. When they asked us to join so we could win - we could pay dues, but not vote because game writing isn't real writing, not like have a short story published in a zine read by 12 people. https://t.co/o9UFzWf0U7- Chet Faliszek (@chetfaliszek) October 2, 2019 To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Manage cookie settings "I've never joined the WGA and never will," tweeted Half-Life and Portal writer, Chet Faliszek following the news. "To win this award you have to be a member. When they asked us to join so we could win - we could pay dues, but not vote because game writing isn't real writing, not like have a short story published in a zine read by 12 people." "The WGA Game Writing Award was never more than a way for the WGA to build its membership among game writers, incentivizing us to pay dues in exchange [for] the privilege of being eligible for that award," added Mortal Kombat 11 writer, Shawn Kittelsen. "For all the good and vital work that the WGA does for writers in the Film & TV markets, they have ZERO presence in the games industry. Getting rid of this award at least does away with the charade that the WGA advocates for game writers in any capacity." Prior nominees include The Last of Us, Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Marvel's Spider-Man, and the rebooted God of War. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 61 Modder dives into Demon's Souls files following PS5 jailbreak, discovers fabled Ring of the Chieftain Who knows what's nexus? 4 Google announces cloud gaming Chromebooks less than a fortnight after Stadia shutdown GeForce Now preinstalled. 11 Latest Articles Digital Foundry Sennheiser's legendary HD 599 open-back headphones are just £70 at Amazon in the Prime Early Access Sale Comfortable with neutral sound and a wide sound stage. Preview Football Manager's new Console edition is the best you'll get without a PC Getting Touch-right. 1 Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 61 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store