Unveiling the Best in Gaming at The Game Awards 2024

Game of the Year

ASTRO BOT (Team Asobi/SIE) stands out with its innovative gameplay and immersive experience. Balatro (LocalThunk/Playstack) showcases remarkable creativity. Black Myth: Wukong (Game Science) captivates with its epic storytelling and stunning visuals. Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree (FromSoftware/Bandai Namco) continues to amaze with its vast world and challenging gameplay. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (Square Enix) brings the beloved franchise to new heights.

These games have pushed the boundaries of what gaming can offer, making it a tough competition for the coveted Game of the Year award.

Best Narrative

ASTRO BOT (Team Asobi/SIE) weaves a tale that keeps players engaged from start to finish. Black Myth: Wukong (Game Science) takes players on a journey through a rich and detailed world. Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree (FromSoftware/Bandai Namco) creates a narrative that is both immersive and thought-provoking. Metaphor: ReFantazio (Studio Zero/Atlus/Sega) delves deep into the human psyche with its unique story. Neva (Nomada Studio/Devolver) offers a narrative that is both heartwarming and inspiring.

The best narratives in gaming this year have truly captured the imagination of players.

Best Score and Music

ASTRO BOT (Team Asobi/SIE) features a score that enhances the gaming experience. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (Square Enix) has a musical score that is both epic and emotional. Metaphor: ReFantazio (Studio Zero/Atlus/Sega) creates a musical backdrop that perfectly complements the game's atmosphere. Silent Hill 2 (Bloober Team/Konami) brings back the iconic horror music. Stellar Blade (Shift Up/SIE) has a score that adds to the game's intensity.

The music in these games has the power to transport players to different worlds and evoke a wide range of emotions.

Best Audio Design

Briana White in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth delivers a powerful performance with her voice acting. Hannah Telle in Life is Strange: Double Exposure brings the characters to life. Humberly González in Star Wars Outlaws creates a realistic audio environment. Luke Roberts in Silent Hill 2 adds to the game's horror atmosphere. Melina Juergens in Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 provides a haunting audio experience.

Exceptional audio design enhances the overall gaming experience and makes these games truly immersive.

Innovation in Accessibility

Closer the Distance (Osmotic Studios/Skybound Games) pioneers in accessibility features. Indika (Odd Meter/11 Bit Studios) offers unique accessibility options. Neva (Nomada Studio/Devolver) focuses on making gaming accessible to all. Life is Strange: Double Exposure (Deck Nine/Square Enix) includes accessibility enhancements. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II (Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios) takes accessibility to the next level.

These games are setting new standards in making gaming accessible for everyone.

Best Ongoing Game

Animal Well (Shared Memory/Bigmode) keeps players engaged with its continuous updates. Balatro (LocalThunk/Playstack) has a dedicated community that keeps the game alive. Lorelei and the Laser Eyes (Simogo/Annapurna Interactive) offers a unique gaming experience that keeps players coming back. Neva (Nomada Studio/Devolver) continues to surprise and delight. UFO 50 (Mossmouth) maintains its popularity among players.

These ongoing games prove that gaming can be a long-term commitment.

Best Debut Indie Game

Animal Well (Shared Memory/Bigmode) makes a strong debut with its innovative gameplay. Balatro (LocalThunk/Playstack) shows the potential of indie games. Manor Lords (Slavic Magic/Hooded Horse) offers a unique take on the genre. Pacific Drive (Ironwood Studios/Kepler Interactive) impresses with its debut. The Plucky Squire (All Possible Futures/Devolver) brings a fresh perspective to indie gaming.

The debut indie games this year are proving that indie developers have a lot to offer.

Best Mobile Game

AFK Journey (FARLIGHT/Lilith Games) is a popular mobile game that offers endless entertainment. Balatro (LocalThunk/Playstack) adapts well to mobile platforms. Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket (Creatures Inc/TPCI) brings the beloved card game to mobile. Wuthering Waves (Kuro Games) offers a unique mobile gaming experience. Zenless Zone Zero (miHoYo) has gained a large following on mobile.

Mobile games are continuing to evolve and offer exciting experiences.

Best VR/AR Game

Arizona Sunshine Remake (Vertigo Games) provides an immersive VR experience. Asgard’s Wrath 2 (Sanzaru Games/Oculus VR) takes VR gaming to new heights. Batman: Arkham Shadow (Camouflaj/Oculus Studios) creates a thrilling AR gaming experience. Metal: Hellsinger VR (Lab 42/The Outsiders/Funcom) combines intense gameplay with VR. Metro Awakening (Vertigo Games) offers a captivating VR adventure.

VR and AR games are pushing the boundaries of gaming and offering unique experiences.

Best Action Game

Black Myth: Wukong (Game Science) is a masterclass in action gaming. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (Treyarch/Raven/Activision/Xbox) offers intense multiplayer action. Helldivers 2 (Arrowhead Game Studios/SIE) provides cooperative action. Stellar Blade (Shift Up/SIE) combines action and strategy. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 (Saber Interactive/Focus Entertainment) is a fast-paced action game.

These action games are sure to satisfy gamers' need for adrenaline.

Best Action/Adventure Game

Dragon’s Dogma 2 (Capcom) offers an epic action/adventure experience. Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree (FromSoftware/Bandai Namco) continues to amaze with its open-world exploration. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (Square Enix) combines action and adventure in a unique way. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio/Sega) offers a rich action/adventure story. Metaphor: ReFantazio (Studio Zero/Atlus/Sega) takes players on a journey of self-discovery.

The best action/adventure games this year offer a diverse range of experiences.

Best Fighting Game

Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO (Spike Chunsoft/Bandai Namco) is a fan-favorite fighting game. Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising (Arc System Works/Cygames) offers fast-paced combat. Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics (Capcom) brings back classic fighting game moments. MultiVersus (Player First Games/WB Games) combines different universes in a fun fighting game. Tekken 8 (Bandai Namco) is a powerhouse in the fighting game genre.

Fighting games are back with a vengeance at The Game Awards 2024.

Best Family Game

ASTRO BOT (Team Asobi/SIE) is a family-friendly game that everyone can enjoy. Princess Peach: Showtime! (Good-Feel/Nintendo) offers a fun and colorful gaming experience. Super Mario Party Jamboree (Nintendo Cube/Nintendo) is perfect for family gatherings. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (Grezzo/Nintendo) takes players on an adventure with their families. The Plucky Squire (All Possible Futures/Devolver) provides a unique family gaming experience.

Family games are an important part of gaming and these titles prove it.

Best Sim/Strategy Game

Age of Mythology: Retold (World’s Edge/Forgotten Empires/Xbox Game Studios) combines simulation and strategy in a unique way. Frostpunk 2 (11 Bit Studios) offers a challenging strategy game. Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess (Capcom) combines simulation and mythology. Manor Lords (Slavic Magic/Hooded Horse) provides a unique sim/strategy experience. Unicorn Overlord (Vanillaware/Sega/Atlus) offers a visually stunning strategy game.

Sim and strategy games are continuing to evolve and offer new experiences.

Best Sports/Racing Game

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (Treyarch/Raven/Activision/Xbox) offers intense multiplayer sports/racing action. Helldivers 2 (Arrow Game Studios/SIE) provides cooperative sports/racing gameplay. Super Mario Party Jamboree (Nintendo Cube/Nintendo) is a fun family sports/racing game. Tekken 8 (Bandai Namco) combines fighting and racing elements. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 (Saber Interactive/Focus Entertainment) offers a fast-paced sports/racing experience.

Sports and racing games are a staple in gaming and these titles are no exception.

Best Adaptation

Arcane (Riot/Fortiche/Netflix) is a stunning adaptation that brings the world of League of Legends to life. Fallout (Bethesda Softworks/Kilter Films/Amazon Games) creates a post-apocalyptic world that is both immersive and engaging. Knuckles (Sega/Paramount) brings the beloved Sonic character to a new medium. Like a Dragon: Yakuza games (series) (Sega/Amazon MGM Studios) continues to expand its universe. Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft (Crystal Dynamics/Legendary/Netflix) offers a thrilling adventure.

Game adaptations are becoming more and more popular and these titles are leading the way.

Most Anticipated Game

CaseOh, IlloJuan, Techno Gamerz, TypicalGamer, and Usada Pekora are all names to watch in the gaming world. Their content and influence are sure to make a big impact in the future.

The most anticipated games are generating a lot of excitement among gamers.

Best Esports Game

Baldur’s Gate 3 was the biggest winner at The Game Awards 2023, taking home six of the eight prizes it was nominated for. Its success in esports is a testament to its quality and popularity.

Esports games are continuing to grow in popularity and Baldur’s Gate 3 is leading the way.