The Game Awards: Predicting the 2024 Game of the Year Contenders

The Game Awards, Geoff Keighley's annual celebration of the gaming industry, is set to mark its 10th anniversary in 2024. Over the past decade, this event has firmly established itself as the premier awards ceremony for the gaming world, often referred to as the "Oscars of gaming." While the show has been known for its promotional nature, with a focus on trailers and announcements, the awards themselves have become increasingly representative of the critical consensus within the industry.

Unveiling the Frontrunners for Game of the Year 2024

The Undisputed Favorite: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth stands as the clear frontrunner for the 2024 Game of the Year award. As a highly anticipated entry in the beloved Final Fantasy franchise, the game boasts a strong pedigree and a dedicated fan base within the PlayStation community. With a Metacritic score of 92, it has the critical acclaim to back up its status as the leading contender. However, the game's slightly underwhelming sales figures, as reported by publisher Square Enix, could be a potential weakness.

The Darling of the Critics: Astro Bot

Astro Bot, the delightful platform game from Team Asobi, has emerged as a strong contender with a near-perfect Metascore of 94. Its technical prowess and charming presentation have won over critics, making it a formidable candidate. However, the game's placement in the Family category may work against it in the main Game of the Year competition, as games in this category have historically struggled to break through.

The Innovative Zelda Reframe: The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is poised to be a serious contender, despite not being released at the time of writing. As an innovative take on the beloved Zelda franchise, Echoes of Wisdom is expected to wow critics with its fresh approach. However, the game's old-school, cutesy aesthetic may work against it in the eyes of the jury, as Nintendo's Zelda titles have struggled to win the top prize in the past, with the exception of Breath of the Wild.

The Indie Darling: Animal Well

The indie game Animal Well, with its critically acclaimed 91 Metascore, stands as the strongest contender from the independent game scene. Its visually striking puzzle-adventure gameplay and mysterious narrative have garnered significant attention. The game's association with popular YouTuber Dunkey's Bigmode label could also provide a minor boost. However, the game's relative inaccessibility and the lack of an indie game winning the Game of the Year award in the past may work against it.

The Chinese Blockbuster: Black Myth: Wukong

Black Myth: Wukong, the action-adventure game from Chinese developer Game Science, has generated significant buzz online, with it being one of the two most-mentioned games in GOTY discussions alongside Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Its technical prowess and popularity in China could work in its favor. However, its lower Metascore of 81 and the developer's political controversies may hinder its chances of securing a nomination.

The Yakuza Surprise: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

The Like a Dragon/Yakuza series has steadily grown in popularity, and its latest entry, Infinite Wealth, has received an impressive 89 Metascore from critics. The game's eclectic and upbeat nature, coupled with the upcoming Like a Dragon TV series, could give it a boost. However, its January release date and the series' relatively niche status may work against it in the long run.

Dark Horses and Upcoming Contenders

While the aforementioned games are the frontrunners, there are several other titles with outside chances at a Game of the Year nomination. These include the critically acclaimed Dragon's Dogma 2, the viral hit Helldivers 2, and the indie darling Balatro. Additionally, upcoming releases such as Dragon Age: The Veilguard, STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and The Plucky Squire are generating significant buzz and could potentially join the race.As the voting deadline approaches and more big releases hit the market, the landscape of the 2024 Game of the Year contenders is likely to shift rapidly. Fans and industry watchers will be closely following the developments, eager to see which games will ultimately emerge as the true champions of the year.