The people responsible for The Game Awards 2024 have already presented the lists with the nominees in the various categories, including the names that will compete for the title of Game of the Year.
In a year full of great launches, the names on the lists are known to the vast majority, there are no big surprises in the different categories, but there is a very strange detail: we have expanded the competition in unexpected categories.
Shadow of the Erdtree, the Elden Ring expansion, from FromSoftware is such a remarkable work that it competes in categories we haven’t seen an expansion compete in. It is an example of its quality and influence in 2024.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree will even compete for GOTY, along with Black Myth, Astro Bot, Metaphor and more.
Best Soundtrack
- ASTRO BOT
- Game Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Metaphor: ReFantasia
- Silent Hill 2 online
- Blade Star
Best Performance
- Briana White
- Hannah Telle
- Gonzalez humbly
- Like Roberts
- Melina Juergens
Best mobile game
- AFK trip
- Balatro
- Icy Waves
- Zenless Zero Zone
- Pokémon TCGP
The best art direction
- ASTRO BOT
- Black Myth: Awakening
- Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree
- Metaphor: ReFantasia
- Neva
Best continuous game
- fate 2
- Diablo IV
- Game Final Fantasy XIV
- Fortnite
- Helltumers 2
Better adaptation
- Arcana
- Fallout
- Hills
- Like Dragon: Yakuza
- Game Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft
Best multiplayer
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
- Helltumers 2
- Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2
- Online game Super Mario Party Jamboree
- Game Tekken 8
Best indie
- Animal Well
- Balatro
- Lorelei and the Laser Eyes
- Neva
- UFO 50
The most that is needed
- Death Row 2: On the Beach
- The ghost of Yotei
- Game Grand Theft Auto VI
- Metroid Prime 4: Over
- Game Monster Hunter Wilds
Best RPG
- Dragon’s dogma 2
- Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree
- Game Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Like a Dragon: Unlimited wealth
- Metaphor: ReFantasia
Content creator
- Case
- i love you
- Techno Players
- Typical player
- Used Pekora
Best adventure and action game
- Game Astro Bot
- Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
- Silent Hill 2 online
- Star wars exclusivity
- Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Best action game
- Black Myth: Wukong
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
- Helltumers 2
- Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2
- Stellar Blade
Best direction
- ASTRO BOT
- Balatro
- Black Myth: Awakening
- Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree
- Game Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Metaphor: ReFantasia
Game of the Year
- ASTRO BOT
- Balatro
- Black Myth: Awakening
- Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree
- Game Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Metaphor: ReFantasia
How has the rise of mobile gaming influenced the nominations for The Game Awards this year?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Gaming Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to this special edition of our Time.news interview series! Today, we’re diving into the much-anticipated nominations for The Game Awards 2024. Joining me is gaming expert Dr. Sarah Lawrence, a well-respected voice in game design and critique. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Lawrence!
Dr. Sarah Lawrence: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time in the gaming world, especially with The Game Awards just around the corner.
Editor: Indeed! Let’s jump right into it. The nominees have been announced, and while many of them are familiar faces, we’ve also seen an interesting development, particularly with the expansion of categories. What are your thoughts on this trend?
Dr. Lawrence: I think expansion in categories is fantastic for the gaming industry! It recognizes the growing depth and diversity of gaming experiences. This year’s standout is undoubtedly the “Shadow of the Erdtree” from Elden Ring. Competing for Game of the Year and in other categories is groundbreaking for an expansion, and it shows just how much impact it has had on the gaming community.
Editor: Exactly! It’s fascinating to see an expansion gain such recognition. This level of appreciation may raise discussions about what qualifies as a “game” versus an “expansion.” How do you see this evolving?
Dr. Lawrence: It’s an important conversation. Traditionally, expansions were seen as supplementary materials. However, titles like “Shadow of the Erdtree” showcase content that can standalone while enriching the original game. This blurring of lines will likely push developers to create more robust expansions in the future, thereby enriching player experiences.
Editor: That makes sense. Now, let’s talk about some of the categories. The best soundtrack nominees include titles like “ASTRO BOT” and “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.” What do you think makes a soundtrack worthy of accolades?
Dr. Lawrence: A great soundtrack enhances the storytelling and emotional depth of a game. It should resonate with the player and elevate key moments throughout the gameplay. In this year’s lineup, I find “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” particularly noteworthy, as it’s not just about nostalgia but also pushing the boundaries of what video game music can achieve.
Editor: Absolutely! Moving on to Best Performance, the nominees feature some talented voice actors. How significant is the voice acting element in a game’s overall narrative experience?
Dr. Lawrence: Voice acting plays a crucial role in character development and emotional engagement. The skill of the performers can breathe life into characters and serve to immerse players in the story. A standout performance can elevate an otherwise average game into a memorable experience.
Editor: That’s a great point! Now, let’s take a look at Best Continuous Game, which includes titles like “Fortnite” and “Diablo IV.” What do you think makes these games sustain interest over time?
Dr. Lawrence: Continuous games tend to thrive on community interaction and regular content updates. Games like “Fortnite” engage players through seasonal events, new characters, and collaborations that keep the experience fresh. Ultimately, a strong and active community can be just as important as the game’s content itself.
Editor: Very insightful! Lastly, there are the Best Mobile Game nominees. Mobile gaming has grown immensely in recent years. How do you see its impact on the gaming landscape?
Dr. Lawrence: Mobile gaming has democratized access to games and introduced new audiences to the medium. Titles like “Pokémon TCGP” and others in this category show how mobile platforms are producing engaging, quality content. This evolution is reshaping the industry and leading to increased innovation as developers aim to capture a broader audience.
Editor: Fantastic insights, Dr. Lawrence! Thank you for sharing your expertise with us as we explore The Game Awards 2024 nominations. It seems like it’s going to be an exciting ceremony!
Dr. Lawrence: Thank you for having me! I can’t wait to see how everything unfolds. It’s a vibrant time for games, and I think we’ll see some truly deserving winners this year.
Editor: Absolutely! Stay tuned for more updates as The Game Awards approach!