The 2024 Game Awards have concluded, celebrating a decade of excellence in the gaming industry with a standout performance from “Astro Bot,” which clinched the coveted Game of the Year award. Hosted by renowned gaming figure Geoff Keighley at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the event featured 29 categories, with nominees including “Balatro,” “Black Myth: Wukong,” “Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree,” “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth,” and “Metaphor: ReFantazio.”
The night was packed with significant announcements and exciting reveals for upcoming titles. Among the highlights were the unveiling of a new franchise by Naughty Dog titled “Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet,” an anticipated sequel to “Okami,” and new content from “Borderlands 4.” Other noteworthy announcements included “Mafia: The Old Country,” Warner Bros.’ mobile release “Game of Thrones: Kingsroad,” and teasers for “The Witcher IV” and “Elden Ring Nightreign,” both scheduled to release in 2025.
A poignant moment during the ceremony was the presentation of the inaugural Gamechanger award to Amir Satvat from Tencent, recognizing his contributions to helping gaming professionals affected by industry layoffs. Satvat highlighted the profound impact of job losses in the gaming sector, estimating about 34,000 roles were eliminated this year, and emphasized the importance of great talent in creating outstanding games.
This year’s event also took place against the backdrop of an ongoing strike by the SAG-AFTRA actors’ union, which is currently in negotiations with major video game publishers over contract terms, particularly those related to generative AI usage.
In addition to the major awards, a range of categories recognized excellence across the industry. For instance, “Best Narrative” was awarded to “Metaphor: ReFantazio,” and “Best Audio Design” went to “Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2.” The Players’ Voice award, voted on by fans, was given to “Black Myth: Wukong,” showcasing its growing popularity.
This year’s event not only honored the best in gaming but also highlighted the industry’s resilience and commitment to innovation. The recognition of diverse talent and creativity underscores a hopeful future for entertainment that continues to engage and inspire audiences around the globe.
Summary: The 2024 Game Awards celebrated its 10th anniversary with “Astro Bot” winning Game of the Year. The event featured major game announcements, industry insights amid ongoing workers’ challenges, and a strong showing of diverse talent across various categories. As the gaming landscape evolves, the commitment to creativity offers promising prospects for future innovations.