The 2024 Game Awards Winners
The 2024 Game Awards gave a spotlight to a diverse selection of amazing games; winners or not. There were reveals of highly anticipated releases such as The Witcher 4 where players will take on the role of Ciri. Along with first looks at Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet from Naughty Dog, Elden Ring: Nightreign by FromSoftware, Okami 2, and many more. Each has a distinct look from the other and were an exciting peek at the future of gaming. For now, here are the games that stood out the most this year. In no particular order.
- Grand Theft Auto VI (Most Anticipated Game)
It’s no surprise that GTA VI took home this award, with fans desperately searching for any hints. Unfortunately there was nothing new revealed. It’s been over a year since the trailer was released. Rockstar has kept any info very close to their chest. This is disappointing though it also increases the hype.
- Helldivers 2 (Best Multiplayer & Best Ongoing Game)
Helldivers 2 had a rollercoaster of a year. Launching to overwhelmingly positive reviews, becoming embroiled in controversy, and finally coming out on top. The FPS co-op game sees players fighting various enemies to spread democracy among the stars. The constant sense of danger, from enemies and friends alike, adds to the fun. This may be the perfect time to pick up the looter-shooter.
3. Black Myth: Wukong (Best Action Game)
Black Myth: Wukong was a highly anticipated game itself. The souls-like based on a Chinese classic, Journey to the West, has amassed a loyal fan base. It pits players against gods while they battle using a multitude of skills. It has six visually stunning areas that Sun Wukong will travel through. Combat is fast paced and challenges the player to adapt.
- Balatro (Best Mobile Game, Best Debut Indie Game, Best Independent Game)
Balatro, the rogue-like card game, continues its success streak. LocalThunk ended the night with three well earned awards. It takes poker and adds a card battling system. It’s also so much more than that, and has gained a rabid fan base.
- Metaphor: ReFantazio (Best Art Direction, Best RPG, Best Narrative)
Metaphor: ReFantazio is the in-depth RPG from ATLUS, publishers of the Persona series. Its narrative dives beneath a plot filled with intrigue to center on the stories we create for ourselves. Filled with endearing characters who have wonderfully strange designs, Metaphor came out swinging against some big names. It’s a gem even for players who usually aren’t fans of turn based combat.
- Astro Bot (Game of the Year, Best Game Direction, Best Action/Adventure Game, Best Family Game)
Astro Bot came through and swept up awards by the end of the 2024 ceremony. Its nod to gaming history as well as approachable gameplay garnered it a wide audience; both young and old. There are inventive levels and abilities that keep players rushing back. It launched to nearly perfect reviews and has only kept up that momentum. This whimsical adventure earned Astro Bot the biggest award of the night: Game of the Year.
