The Game Awards 2024: Astro Bot & Final Fantasy VII Lead with Top Nominations

The nominees for The Game Awards 2024 have been unveiled, with Astro Bot and Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth leading the charge, each securing seven nominations, including the coveted Game of the Year. Often likened to the "Oscars of gaming," this annual celebration of the video game industry garners global attention, with last year’s event drawing an estimated 118 million livestream viewers.

Host Geoff Keighley announced this year’s nominees, including other strong contenders like Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, Balatro, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and Black Myth: Wukong. The ceremony will be broadcast live on December 12, 2024, promising yet another spectacular event.

A panel of 130 media outlets and industry creators casts their votes to determine the winners. Additionally, fan votes play a role, adding an interactive element to the scoring process. While last year’s awards saw Baldur’s Gate 3 emerge as the favorite, this year’s competition is more unpredictable, with fewer standout frontrunners from a packed release calendar. Let’s explore the top nominees vying for the highest honor.

Astro Bot: A Nostalgic Delight

Celebrating three decades of PlayStation’s legacy, Astro Bot has charmed audiences and critics alike. This inventive 3D platformer, released in September, brilliantly showcased the PlayStation 5’s capabilities, blending intricate physics with an upbeat, retro aesthetic.

Its cheerful gameplay and technical mastery have made it a favorite to clinch Game of the Year.

Additional Nominations: Best Game Direction, Best Art Direction, Best Score and Music, Best Audio Design, Best Action/Adventure Game, Best Family Game.

Balatro: A Card Game Breakthrough

Developed solo by the enigmatic LocalThunk, Balatro is one of the most unexpected success stories of the year. Blending poker strategy with over 150 unique "joker cards" that tweak gameplay mechanics, the title has earned its place in the spotlight.

If it wins, it would mark the first time an indie game without major publisher backing claims Game of the Year in the event’s history. However, LocalThunk’s secretive nature leaves fans wondering if he will appear at the awards.