The awards season has arrived, and The Game Awards 2024 is ready to present one of the biggest events in the world of video games. This annual event has always been highly anticipated by gamers worldwide. Not only does it celebrate the best games of the year, but The Game Awards also serves as a stage for surprising announcements, new trailers, and intriguing details about upcoming games.
The main highlight, of course, is the Game of the Year (GOTY) award, the highest symbol of quality in gaming. After Baldur's Gate 3 claimed the GOTY 2023 award, who will take the crown this year?
Game of the Year 2024 Nominees: Who Deserves to Win?
The Game of the Year category always showcases fierce competition among outstanding games. This year, the list of nominees features a mix of innovation, stunning graphics, and deep storytelling. Here are the contenders for GOTY 2024:
1. Astro Bot (Team Asobi/SIE)
This game delivers a next-generation platforming experience, no longer relying on VR technology like its predecessor. Astro Bot leverages the power of the PlayStation 5 to deliver stunning visuals and interactive gameplay full of both nostalgia and modernity. Celebrating 30 years of PlayStation, this game is designed as a tribute to the iconic console, featuring innovative platform mechanics suitable for all ages.
2. Balatro (LocalThunk/Playstack)
Balatro is a unique roguelike deck-building game with a poker theme. Players battle against "blinds" by crafting poker card combinations while enhancing their decks with joker cards that provide special effects. The game is available on nearly all platforms, including Windows, consoles, and mobile. The simplicity of poker mechanics combined with roguelike strategy makes it a fresh and distinctive experience within the genre.
3. Black Myth: Wukong (Game Science)
Inspired by the Chinese classic novel Journey to the West, Black Myth: Wukong revives the legend of Sun Wukong with realistic graphics and action-packed combat. With 20 million units sold within the first month, this game set a record as one of the fastest-selling games of all time. Its deep narrative blending mythology and human drama makes it a very strong contender in the GOTY category.
4. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (FromSoftware/Bandai Namco)
Elden Ring's massive success in 2022 continues with the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, which expands the lore of The Lands Between. The game maintains its signature features: open-world exploration, brutal combat, and exceptional level design. Shadow of the Erdtree introduces new bosses, additional mechanics, and deeper storytelling, making it undoubtedly one of the strongest contenders for GOTY this year.
5. Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth (Square Enix)
As the second part of the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy, Rebirth raises the bar set by its predecessor. With a broader world, deeper characters, and more dynamic combat systems, this game captivates long-time fans while drawing in a new generation. Cloud Strife and his friends' journey against Shinra and Sephiroth becomes increasingly complex, adding emotional weight to this installment.
6. Metaphor: ReFantazio (Studio Zero/Atlus/Sega)
From the creators of the Persona series, Metaphor: ReFantazio takes players to the fantasy world of Euchronia, filled with magical elements and political conflicts. With a deep narrative, dynamic combat system, and stunning visuals, this game is a new gem in the RPG genre. Its story, focusing on the quest for a royal throne and friendships tested over time, makes it one of the most talked-about RPGs this year.
Games with the Most Nominations
Some games have caught attention with an impressive number of nominations across various categories:
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Astro Bot - 7 Nominations
With its captivating visuals and creative gameplay, Astro Bot stands out in categories like Best Game Direction and Best Art Direction. -
Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth - 7 Nominations
Securing nominations in Best Narrative, Best RPG, and Best Score and Music, Rebirth impresses with its fresh take on an iconic story. -
Metaphor: ReFantazio - 6 Nominations
This game shines in categories like Best RPG and Best Art Direction, featuring a richly detailed fantasy world.
Other Categories Worth Highlighting
Besides GOTY, the following categories also draw significant attention:
1. Best Art Direction
Nominees like Black Myth: Wukong, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and Astro Bot offer eye-popping visuals with distinct aesthetics.
2. Best Performance
Performers such as Briana White (Aerith in Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth) and Luke Roberts (Silent Hill 2) deliver outstanding performances that bring their characters to life.
3. Best Score and Music
Music plays a crucial role in many games this year. Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth and Metaphor: ReFantazio compete to provide the best audio experiences capable of stirring players' emotions.
Who Is Your Favorite for GOTY 2024?
With an extraordinary list of nominees, predicting the GOTY winner this year is no easy task. Will it be the innovative Astro Bot? The action-packed Black Myth: Wukong? Or the emotionally charged Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth?
For the complete category list, visit The Game Awards website. Don't forget to watch The Game Awards 2024 on December 12 to see who emerges as the winner!