The Game Awards 2024 Are Just Around the Corner
The highly anticipated announcement of the GOTY (Game of the Year) is approaching fast with The Game Awards 2024. This 10th edition of the prestigious ceremony, set to take place on December 13 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, promises to be particularly intense, featuring top-tier nominations and exceptional announcements throughout the evening. Who will succeed Baldur's Gate III? Let’s discover the games vying for the title of Game of the Year 2024!
The Nominees for GOTY 2024
Astro Bot
A true critics' darling with an impressive Metacritic score of 94, Astro Bot emerges as one of the strong favorites for GOTY at The Game Awards 2024. This PlayStation exclusive, developed by Team Asobi, stands out with its exceptional artistic direction and innovative gameplay. The game reinvents the platforming genre with stunning technical expertise, while offering a heartfelt tribute to the history of video games.
Balatro
A surprise in this year’s selection, this roguelike card game developed by LocalThunk has won over critics with its original concept blending poker and deckbuilding. With a Metascore of 90, Balatro proves that an indie game can compete with big-budget productions thanks to its addictive mechanics and outstanding replayability. A dark horse that might just pull off an upset!
Black Myth: Wukong
The first Chinese game to be nominated for GOTY, Black Myth: Wukong amazes with its technical execution and a world inspired by Chinese mythology. Game Science delivers an ambitious action RPG that, despite a few flaws noted by critics, represents a pivotal moment in the video game industry.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
This major expansion of the 2022 GOTY achieves the rare feat of being nominated in the top category. FromSoftware once again proves its excellence with this DLC that significantly enriches the original experience, turning it into an almost standalone action-adventure game, earning its spot among the GOTY contenders.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Following the multiple nominations for Final Fantasy XVI last year, Square Enix strikes again with the second installment of this modern reimagining of the 1997 classic. A PS5 exclusive, FF7 Rebirth combines compelling storytelling, stunning visuals, and dynamic combat, satisfying both long-time fans and newcomers, as evidenced by its Metascore of 92.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Atlus reaffirms its mastery of the JRPG genre with Metaphor: ReFantazio. Building on the success of Persona 5, the studio offers a unique experience that modernizes genre conventions while retaining its signature charm. Critics have particularly praised its artistic direction and outstanding soundtrack.
The GOTY 2024 Voting Process
The Game Awards stand out for their hybrid voting system, combining the expertise of an international jury (typically accounting for 90% of the final result) with public votes (10%). The jury comprises over 120 specialized international media outlets, ensuring professional and diverse evaluation. To participate in the public vote, visit the official Game Awards website before December 13.
The "Player's Voice" Nominees
What is your game of the year? If it isn’t already on the list of GOTY nominees, you might find your favorite in the “Player’s Voice” category. This special award stands out with its unique process: it is entirely decided by public votes.
This year, 30 fan-favorite games are in the running for this coveted prize, including not only the GOTY nominees but also other major titles from 2024. The voting process unfolds in three distinct phases, allowing players to gradually refine their choice.
Here is the full list of the 30 candidates:
- ASTRO BOT
- Balatro
- Black Myth: Wukong
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
- Dragon Age: The Veilguard
- Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero
- Dragon's Dogma 2
- Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Final Fantasy XIV
- Fortnite
- Genshin Impact
- Helldivers 2
- League of Legends
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
- Metaphor: ReFantazio
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
- No Man's Sky
- Palworld
- Persona 3 Reload
- Senua's Saga: Hellblade II
- Silent Hill 2
- Sonic x Shadow Generations
- Stellar Blade
- Valorant
- Warframe
- Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
- Wuthering Waves
- Zenless Zone Zero
Other Categories at TGA 2024
While the title of "GOTY 2024" is undoubtedly the most prestigious, it is far from the only award presented during the ceremony. From Best Game Direction to Best Simulation Game, Best Sports Game, and Best Score, the complete list of nominees spans a wide range of categories, highlighting the diversity and creativity of the gaming industry in 2024.
Best Game Direction
- Astro Bot
- Balatro
- Black Myth: Wukong
- Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Metaphor: ReFantazio
Best Narrative
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
- Metaphor: ReFantazio
- Hellblade 2
- Silent Hill 2
Best Art Direction
- Astro Bot
- Black Myth: Wukong
- Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
- Metaphor: ReFantazio
- Neva
Best Original Score
- Astro Bot
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Metaphor: ReFantazio
- Silent Hill 2
- Stellar Blade
Best Audio Design
- Astro Bot
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Hellblade 2
- Silent Hill 2
Best Performance
- Brianna White (Aerith in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth)
- Hannah Telle (Max Caulfield in Life is Strange: Double Exposure)
- Humberly Gonzales (Kay Vess in Star Wars Outlaws)
- Luke Roberts (James Sunderland in Silent Hill 2)
- Melina Juergens (Senua in Hellblade 2)
Best Indie Game
- Animal Well
- Balatro
- Lorelei and the Laser Eyes
- Neva
- UFO 50
Best Mobile Game
- AFK Journey
- Balatro
- Pokémon TCG Pocket
- Wuthering Waves
- Zenless Zone Zero
Best Community Support
- Baldur's Gate 3
- Final Fantasy XIV
- Fortnite
- Helldivers 2
- No Man's Sky
Innovation in Accessibility
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
- Diablo 4
- Dragon Age: The Veilguard
- Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
- Star Wars Outlaws
Best VR/AR Game
- Arizona Sunshine Remake
- Asgard's Wrath 2
- Batman Arkham Shadows
- Metal Hellsinger VR
- Metro Awakening
Best Action Game
- Black Myth: Wukong
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
- Helldivers 2
- Stellar Blade
- Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
Best Action/Adventure Game
- Astro Bot
- Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
- Silent Hill 2
- Star Wars Outlaws
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Best RPG
- Dragon's Dogma 2
- Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
- Metaphor: ReFantazio
Best Family Game
- Astro Bot
- Princess Peach Showtime
- Super Mario Party Jamboree
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
- Le Vaillant Petit Page
Best Sim/Strategy Game
- Age of Mythology Retold
- Frostpunk 2
- Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
- Manor Lords
- Unicorn Overlord
Best Sports Game
- F1 24
- EA Sports FC 25
- NBA 2K25
- Top Spin 2K25
- WWE 2K24
Best Multiplayer Game
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
- Helldivers 2
- Super Mario Party Jamboree
- Tekken 8
- Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
Best Debut Indie Game
- Animal Well
- Balatro
- Manor Lords
- Pacific Drive
- Le Vaillant Petit Page
Best Adaptation
- Arcane
- Fallout
- Knuckles
- Like a Dragon: Yakuza
- Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft
Most Anticipated Game
- Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
- Ghost of Yotei
- GTA VI
- Metroid Prime 4
- Monster Hunter Wilds
The 2024 edition of the Game Awards promises to be one of the most competitive in the event's history. With titles that are as diverse as they are exceptional, the battle for GOTY 2024 could hold some surprises.
Until the big night, don’t forget to make your voice heard by voting for your favorite games. And in the meantime, explore the Nacon lineup of video games to dive into new gaming experiences before the year comes to an end!
