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.
Additional Nominations: Best Game Direction, Best Independent Game, Best Debut Indie Game.
Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth: Nostalgia Meets Ambition
The highly anticipated second installment of the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy, Rebirth, captivated fans with its expansive side content, mini-games, and ambitious reimagining of a beloved classic.
Though not without criticism—particularly for its PS5 performance—the game has solidified its status as a Game of the Year contender. Its predecessor missed out on the award in 2020, adding weight to its 2024 nomination.
Additional Nominations: Best Game Direction, Best Narrative, Best Score and Music, Best RPG, Best Audio Design.
Metaphor: ReFantazio: A Fresh Fantasy
From the creators of Persona 5, this medieval fantasy RPG shifts from high-school storytelling to weighty themes like politics and racism. Metaphor: ReFantazio combines gripping narratives with visually stunning design, earning both critical and commercial success.
With 1 million copies sold on launch day, it’s also been a financial win for publisher Atlus.
Additional Nominations: Best Game Direction, Best Narrative, Best Art Direction, Best Score and Music, Best RPG.
Black Myth: Wukong: A Mythical Adventure
Inspired by the Chinese classic Journey to the West, this visually dazzling action-adventure achieved strong sales in both Eastern and Western markets.
While critical reception was mixed, the game’s thrilling combat mechanics and breathtaking visuals have kept it in the Game of the Year race.
Additional Nominations: Best Action Game, Best Game Direction, Best Art Direction, Best Score and Music.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree: DLC or Game of the Year?
As an expansion to the 2022 Game of the Year winner, Elden Ring, Shadow of the Erdtree delivers the same intense exploration and challenging combat. However, its nomination has sparked debate since it’s not a standalone title. Regardless, its glowing reviews and content-rich update keep it in contention.
Additional Nominations: Best Game Direction, Best Art Direction, Best RPG.
Indie darling Animal Well missed out on a Game of the Year nomination but is in the running for Best Independent Game and Best Indie Debut. Meanwhile, Hellblade 2: Senua’s Saga, a highly anticipated Xbox exclusive, earned recognition in categories like Best Audio Design, Best Narrative, and Best Performance for Melina Juergens.
Conclusion
The Game Awards 2024 celebrates a dynamic year in gaming, with innovative indie titles competing alongside blockbuster franchises. Whether it’s the nostalgic charm of Astro Bot, the ambitious storytelling of Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, or the groundbreaking creativity of Balatro, each contender represents the diverse creativity within the industry.
As the event approaches, fans eagerly await to see which title will claim the top honor, making this year’s awards one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. Tune in on December 12 to witness gaming history in the making!
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