The Game Awards 2024: Game of the Year Nominees Announced
The nominees for Game of the Year (GOTY) 2024 have been revealed, and the lineup is as diverse as it is exciting. The six contenders fighting for the prestigious title include:
A Mix of Blockbusters and Indie Surprises
This year’s list, announced during a livestream on Monday, features an eclectic mix of heavy-hitters and indie standouts. Balatro, a surprise indie nominee, highlights the strong showing for smaller studios in 2024. Meanwhile, industry giants like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Black Myth: Wukong bring their expected star power to the stage.
Controversy Over Elden Ring’s Expansion
Perhaps the most polarizing nominee is Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, an expansion to the 2022 Game of the Year winner, Elden Ring. The nomination has reignited debates about whether expansions should compete in the GOTY category or be confined to categories like Best Ongoing Game. Critics argue that standalone titles should have separate recognition from expanded content, prompting calls for The Game Awards to consider adding a dedicated category for expansions and remakes in future events.
The eligibility criteria for The Game Awards currently allow expansions, remakes, and remasters to qualify for any category if the jury deems them to have significant creative and technical contributions. While this policy ensures flexibility, it has stirred mixed reactions from fans and industry insiders alike.
Nomination Highlights
Astro Bot and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth lead the pack with seven nominations each, including recognition in categories like Best Direction and Best Art Design. Metaphor: ReFantazio, the highly anticipated RPG from Atlus, follows closely with six nominations.
PlayStation continues to dominate as a publisher, racking up an impressive 16 total nominations, further cementing its place as a powerhouse in the industry.
Fan Voting and Event Details
Fans can now cast their votes for this year’s winners, with voting open until December 11, 2024. The Game Awards will be broadcast live on December 12 at 7:30 p.m. EST, promising an evening of celebration, surprises, and game reveals.
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