2024 Game Awards Nominees Unveiled

The anticipation is at an all-time high as the nominees for the 2024 Game Awards have been unveiled, showcasing an impressive array of 96 games, teams, and individuals across various categories. This year's lineup is sure to ignite debates among gaming enthusiasts, particularly regarding the titles that were included—or surprisingly left out.

Top Nominees

Leading the charge with seven nominations each are the blockbuster Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the second chapter of the beloved Final Fantasy 7 remake trilogy, and the charmingly inventive Astro Bot. Hot on their heels is Metaphor: ReFantazio, a captivating fantasy JRPG from the renowned Persona 5 development team, which boasts six nominations. Other notable contenders include the innovative poker-inspired roguelike Balatro and the critically acclaimed Silent Hill 2 remake, both of which received five nods.

Game of the Year Contenders

Notably, apart from the Silent Hill 2 remake, all these titles are in the running for the coveted Game of the Year award. The competition is fierce, with Black Myth: Wukong and Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree completing the roster. The latter being a substantial expansion for the previous year's Game of the Year winner, Elden Ring, might stir up mixed opinions among fans regarding its eligibility in the main category.

Selection Process

The Game Awards’ official guidelines clarify that “Expansion packs, new game seasons, DLCs, remakes and remasters are eligible in all categories, if the jury deems the new creative and technical work to be worthy of a nomination.” With a jury comprising over 100 media representatives and influencers from across the globe, the selection process ensures a balanced and fair evaluation of the nominees.

Publisher Recognition

PlayStation has established itself as the standout publisher this year, garnering a total of 16 nominations. Hot on its heels are Square Enix and Xbox, each racking up 12 nods, while Sega follows closely with 11 nominations. Not to be overlooked, Bandai Namco secured seven, and Nintendo managed to snag six nominations.

Indie Game Applaud

Indie games are receiving newfound recognition, and it’s heartening to see several indie titles acknowledged. Balatro's multiple nominations are a testament to its compelling gameplay, but the nominations for Neva, Indika, Animal Well, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, UFO 50, and The Plucky Squire highlight the diverse and innovative talent within the indie community.

Best Adaptation Category

Additionally, the Best Adaptation category features a strong lineup, including fan-favorites like Arcane, Fallout, Knuckles, Like a Dragon: Yakuza, and the nostalgic adventure of Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating potential winners.

Conclusion

As the event draws closer, excitement swells in the gaming community. Will your favorite title take home the win—only time will tell! Don’t miss the chance to see which game shines the brightest at this year’s Game Awards!