Key Highlights:
- The Game Awards 2024 nominees include six contenders for Game of the Year, featuring titles like Astro Bot and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
- For the first time, a DLC, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, is competing for GOTY honours.
- Winners will be announced during the awards ceremony on December 12, 2024.
The Game Awards 2024: Nominees Unveiled
The Game Awards 2024 has officially revealed its list of nominees, marking one of the most diverse lineups in its decade-long history.
With no clear frontrunner in the months leading up to the announcement, the selection of titles has sparked widespread discussion among gaming enthusiasts.
The six nominees for Game of the Year (GOTY) reflect a balance of innovative indie experiences, franchise-defining sequels, and, for the first time, a downloadable content (DLC) entry:
Game of the Year Nominees
- Astro Bot
- Balatro
- Black Myth: Wukong
- Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
- Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
- Metaphor: ReFantazio
Breaking Ground: DLC in the GOTY Spotlight
In an unprecedented move, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree has earned a nomination for Game of the Year.
Historically, the GOTY category has been reserved for standalone titles. However, The Game Awards recently expanded its eligibility criteria to include “DLCs, expansions, remakes, and remasters.”
This inclusion has polarised the gaming community. Some players argue that DLC expansions cannot stand on equal footing with full games, while others see it as a recognition of exceptional craftsmanship, regardless of format.
If Shadow of the Erdtree secures the award, it would make history as the first DLC to win GOTY and further cement Elden Ring’s legacy after its 2022 win for the base game.
Indie Excellence: The Rise of Balatro
Among the contenders, Balatro, an indie darling, has captured attention for its distinctive gameplay and artistic flair.
Competing alongside heavyweights like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Black Myth: Wukong, its nomination exemplifies the growing impact of independent developers in shaping the industry’s creative landscape.
Category Highlights
Beyond Game of the Year, other categories showcase this year’s diverse offerings:
- Best Art Direction: Celebrates visual innovation with titles like Astro Bot and Neva.
- Best Narrative: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Silent Hill 2 are strong contenders.
- Best Multiplayer: Fans of Tekken 8 and Helldivers 2 eagerly await the results.
In addition, Balatro is also vying for Best Debut Indie Game, highlighting its breakout success.
Metacritic Insights: Predicting the Front Runners
Critical reception often hints at potential winners. Based on Metacritic scores, the following games emerge as strong contenders:
- Astro Bot, Shadow of the Erdtree, and Metaphor: ReFantazio: Score 94
- Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: Score 92
- Balatro: Score 90
- Black Myth: Wukong: Score 81
With such tight competition, this year’s ceremony promises to deliver surprises.
The Countdown to December 12
The Game Awards 2024 will air live on December 12th at 7:30 p.m. EST, featuring a preshow filled with exclusive reveals.
For European audiences, this means an early morning marathon worth staying up for. Fans can cast their votes until December 11th, making this an exciting opportunity for community involvement. You can vote via the official website, and click on start voting.
The winner will be looking to join last years winner Baldur’s Gate 3, which beat off heavy competition for the big prize.
From indie gems to industry giants, this year’s nominees represent the broad spectrum of creativity and innovation that defines modern gaming. The stage is set, the votes are rolling in, and anticipation is at its peak.
About The Author
Stephen is the proud owner of a popular gaming news website GLN, where he provides the latest updates on everything gaming-related. With a passion for video games that dates back to his childhood, Stephen is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with fellow gamers around the world.