At the 2024 Game Awards, Astro Bot emerged as the standout title, winning the prestigious Game of the Year award. This charming PlayStation platformer triumphed over noteworthy contenders such as Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, and Black Myth: Wukong. Studio head Nicolas Doucet accepted the award with a nod to Nintendo, highlighting the supportive rivalry within the gaming industry. Astro Bot also garnered three additional honors, including Best Family Game, Best Action/Adventure, and Best Game Direction, showcasing its widespread appeal.
Indie card game Balatro had a strong showing as well, taking home three awards including Best Mobile Game, proving that indie titles can compete with larger studio productions. Meanwhile, Metaphor: ReFantazio, another RPG, secured three awards, underscoring a successful night for Japanese game developers.
The evening also featured memorable moments, including Snoop Dogg’s appearance as he presented the Best Ongoing Game award to Helldivers 2 and performed a new song. In a surprising turn, Harrison Ford shared the stage with voice actor Troy Baker, known for portraying Indiana Jones in the game adaptation of the iconic film.
Naughty Dog, acclaimed for titles like The Last of Us and Uncharted, unveiled their latest project, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, which was accompanied by an eye-catching trailer. Other significant announcements included a sequel to Capcom’s Okami and confirmation of The Witcher 4’s development by CD Projekt Red.
Despite The Game Awards’ reputation as “the Oscars of gaming,” the event faced criticism for overshadowing award presentations with commercial trailers. Nevertheless, it attracted a massive audience, with 118 million viewers tuning in last year. This year, a new Game Changers Award was introduced, with Amir Satvat of Tencent Games recognized for his initiative to assist laid-off game developers. His heartfelt speech emphasized the importance of kindness in the industry.
The backdrop of the event highlighted ongoing issues, such as the strike by video game actors advocating for better protections concerning AI and working conditions. While some controversies persisted, including debates around nominations for expansion packs and fan-voted awards, the event remains a platform for dialogue about pressing industry matters.
In summary, the 2024 Game Awards not only celebrated exceptional gaming achievements but also provided a forum for critical discussions on the industry’s future, all while highlighting the creativity and diversity within the gaming community. The event’s blend of entertainment, recognition, and advocacy marks a positive step towards addressing the changing dynamics in the gaming landscape.