Team NINJA has officially requested community support for the Steam Awards 2025, specifically eyeing a nomination in the "Outstanding Story-Rich Game" category. With the nomination window closing soon, players have a limited time to cast their votes for the open-world action RPG.
A Narrative Worthy of Recognition?
Set against the backdrop of the Bakumatsu period, Rise of the Ronin isn't just about mastering combat styles; it's about navigating the political turmoil of 1863 Japan. The developers are banking on the strength of this historical drama—where the arrival of the Black Ships forces a nation into chaos—to secure the nomination.
For those who have played through the campaign, the "Outstanding Story-Rich Game" category is a logical target. The game asks you to forge your own path as a nameless warrior while the fate of Japan hangs in the balance. It’s a narrative dense with historical figures, conflicting ideologies between the Shogunate and anti-shogunate factions, and choices that genuinely alter the texture of the story. It moves beyond simple action mechanics to explore how a single ronin navigates a country on the brink of cultural transformation.
When is the deadline to nominate?
If the journey through 19th-century Japan resonated with you, you can head over to Steam to submit your nomination. Team NINJA has highlighted that nominations close on December 1st at 10 AM PT. Given the fierce competition in the RPG genre this year, the studio is relying on its player base to push the title into the finalist circle before the cutoff.