The Game Awards 2024 has officially unveiled its list of nominees, spotlighting the best video games of the year across various categories. Leading the charge are Astro Bot, a PS5-exclusive, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth from Square Enix, both of which garnered seven nominations each, including the prestigious Game of the Year honor. These two titles have set the stage for an exciting competition, with other strong contenders also vying for the top spot, including action-RPG Black Myth: Wukong, indie hit Balatro, the breakthrough RPG Metaphor: ReFantazio, and Elden Ring’s expansive DLC Shadow of the Erdtree—marking the first time a DLC has ever been nominated for Game of the Year.
Metaphor: ReFantazio stands out with six nominations, receiving recognition in several categories, including Best Game Direction, Best Narrative, Best Art Direction, Best Score and Music, and Best RPG. Meanwhile, indie favorite Balatro, a roguelike deckbuilder with a poker-inspired twist, earned five nominations, securing it a prominent spot among the year’s most lauded titles. Black Myth: Wukong and Shadow of the Erdtree are also prominent in the nomination race, each with four nods, underscoring the varied range of games celebrated at this year’s awards.
One of the more controversial moments of the announcement revolves around Shadow of the Erdtree’s Game of the Year nomination. Fans have expressed frustration, as the DLC expansion is not a standalone title but rather an addition to the original Elden Ring. The inclusion of DLCs, remakes, and remasters in the Game of the Year category has sparked debate, particularly because it led to the exclusion of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth from the prestigious nomination list. The Game Awards’ jury is tasked with determining whether new creative and technical contributions justify a nomination, a rule that has raised questions in this instance.
Despite the debate, the 2024 Game Awards nominations showcase an impressive and diverse selection of titles, reflecting the evolving landscape of the gaming industry. From expansive RPGs to innovative indie gems, the list highlights the variety of experiences that have captured players’ imaginations over the past year. As the awards ceremony draws near, all eyes will be on which of these contenders ultimately takes home the top honors.