At the 2024 Game Awards, Astro Bot took home the coveted Game of the Year award, triumphing over stiff competition from titles such as Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Black Myth: Wukong, and Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. The charming PlayStation platformer, developed by Team Asobi, also secured victories in three additional categories: Best Family Game, Best Action/Adventure, and Best Game Direction. Studio head Nicolas Doucet acknowledged rival Nintendo during his acceptance speech, reflecting the spirit of camaraderie in the gaming community.
The night was equally rewarding for indie title Balatro, which claimed three awards including Best Mobile Game, proving that smaller developers can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with industry giants. Role-playing game Metaphor: ReFantazio also received three honors, showcasing the strength of Japanese game development. Additionally, Black Myth: Wukong, inspired by Chinese folklore, won the Player’s Voice Award, highlighting its popularity among fans. However, Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, nominated for seven awards, managed only to secure the Best Music award, leaving some to wonder about its overall reception.
In a night of entertainment, Snoop Dogg not only presented the Best Ongoing Game Award to Helldivers 2 but also performed a new song, while Harrison Ford joined voice actor Troy Baker on stage, further enhancing the star-studded atmosphere of the ceremony.
Naughty Dog, renowned for its work on The Last of Us and Uncharted, introduced its new project titled Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. This announcement was accompanied by a visually stunning trailer, suggesting an exciting direction for the acclaimed studio. The event also featured a sequel to Capcom’s Okami and a confirmation from CD Projekt Red regarding the development of The Witcher 4.
Despite the celebration of achievements in gaming, the event was not without its criticisms. Observers noted that it often prioritizes game trailers and commercials over recognition of broader industry challenges, such as layoffs and worker conditions within the sector. In response, the introduction of the Game Changers Award recognized Amir Satvat, a Tencent Games director dedicated to helping recently laid-off game developers find new opportunities. His emotional acceptance speech resonated with many, as he emphasized the values instilled by his parents regarding kindness and community.
Amid ongoing strikes by video game actors advocating for AI protections, the ambiance of the awards was tinged with a sense of urgency surrounding industry labor issues. The ceremony faced other controversies as well, including debates over the eligibility of expansion packs for Game of the Year and the makeup of the Player’s Choice nominations, which featured an overwhelming number of free-to-play mobile games.
In sum, the 2024 Game Awards highlighted not only the creativity and ingenuity in gaming but also the resilience of the industry in the face of challenges, as it continues to evolve and adapt amidst a changing landscape. The celebration of both established franchises and emerging indie games represents a hopeful future for diverse storytelling in the gaming medium.