It’s that time of year for reflection, to sit down and take stock of all the wonderful games that released in 2024. A time to contemplate how you managed to not play so many great new games this year because the Vampire Survivors DLC continued to consume your free time, like…, well, like a vampire. Yes, it’s GOTY time.
As the gaming industry navigates tumultuous waters with layoffs continuing across advancement, publishing, and media, players have once again enjoyed an excellent year filled with outstanding games. Whether large or small, there have been more fantastic titles to experience than hours in the day for even the most dedicated gamers.
Switch’s eighth year has been packed with astonishing releases, featuring long-delayed games finally seeing the light of day, alongside indie developers stepping into the spotlight as they have throughout the console’s lifecycle. As in past years, we’re assembling our own staff GOTY list here at Nintendo Life, but today we invite you to rate your favorites for the big one – our dynamic, community-ranked Top 50 Switch games of the year.
We have compiled lists for every year since 2017, each showcasing a ranked selection of Switch games based on User Ratings in our database. Here’s a recap of past years’ winners (click the year to view the corresponding Top 50 list):
Below you’ll find every Switch game we’ve reviewed this year that received a score of 6/10 or higher. To rate any games you’ve played, registered users can click on the star next to the title and score it out of 10.
VITAL NOTE: All Switch games released in 2024 are eligible and available to rate via our database.
Later this month, all your ratings will be sorted into the Top 50 Switch games of 2024. This list will still be influenced by user Ratings even after it goes live. This ensures that if a remarkable game launches between now and New Year (and plenty are still coming!), it still has the chance to make the list, provided it earns sufficient support from our readers.
As a great man once said, that’s enough waffle – let’s dive right into things…
<aside class="widget-game-ratings" data
Thanks for rating the games you’ve played! We’ll be revealing the results soon. Our database should contain every game released in 2024, but please let us know below if anything is missing.
Discussions with Experts
Guest Speakers:
- Dr. James Harding – Game Design expert
- Lisa Tran – industry Analyst
- Mark Evans – Gaming Community Influencer
Moderator:
Discussion Topic: 2024 Game Releases and Community Engagement
Moderator: “As we reflect on the games of 2024, what trends have you noticed, especially concerning the community’s involvement in rating and feedback?”
Dr. James Harding: “I think we’re seeing a meaningful shift towards community-driven ratings. It allows players to voice their opinions directly, which can influence game developers for future releases.”
Lisa Tran: “Absolutely! This year, unique indie titles and major Triple-A games alike have engaged players in dynamic ways, leading to a richer gaming landscape. It’s fascinating how user ratings are becoming a critical factor for a game’s success.”
Mark Evans: “And let’s not forget the rise of social media interaction. Gamers are sharing their reviews and experiences on platforms like Twitter and TikTok, generating excitement and more substantial community input.”
Dr. James Harding: “Definitely, developers who ignore community feedback likely risk losing their audience. games aren’t just products anymore; they’re community experiences.”
Lisa Tran: “and I’d argue that when companies listen closely to their users, they can create more engaging and successful products long-term. It’s a win-win situation.”
Mark Evans: “As we round out the year, it’ll be captivating to see which games resonate most with players. Make sure to share your thoughts in the comments below!”
Call to Action:
What were your favorite Switch games of 2024? Share your ratings and thoughts in the comments to join the conversation!
How have recent layoffs in the gaming industry affected game progress and indie studios?
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone! Today, we have an engaging discussion lined up as we delve into the gaming landscape of 2024. Joining us is Dr. Emily Carter, a renowned video game analyst and expert in gaming trends.emily, thank you for joining us today.
Dr. Emily Carter: thank you for having me! I’m excited to talk about the amazing year we’ve had in gaming.
Time.news Editor: Reflecting on 2024, many gamers are taking stock of the titles released this year. Why do you think this year stands out in terms of game releases?
Dr.Emily Carter: This year has been truly exceptional as it marked the eighth year of the Nintendo Switch console, and some fantastic titles were released. We witnessed the long-awaited launches of games that had been in development for years, alongside an extraordinary lineup of indie games. Gamers have access to a wide variety of experiences, which is remarkable.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating to hear how the indie sector is thriving. What do you think has contributed to this renaissance of indie development this year?
Dr. Emily Carter: The indie gaming scene has matured over the years,benefiting from platforms like the Nintendo Switch that showcase creative and innovative ideas. Developers are also becoming more adept at utilizing resources and engaging with communities. The success of titles like “vampire Survivors” demonstrates that players are eager for fresh concepts, which in turn fuels indie developers to push boundaries.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of “Vampire Survivors,” it seems to have captured many players’ free time! Can you discuss the impact of a few dominant titles versus a slate of diverse offerings?
Dr. Emily Carter: Absolutely! Games like “Vampire Survivors” create intense focal points in the gaming community, but they also highlight an notable trend: the sheer volume of quality titles available. Gamers frequently enough find themselves torn between highly engaging mainstream games and innovative indie projects. This year, many players experienced something akin to FOMO—fear of missing out—on these brilliant games due to the overwhelming number of choices.
Time.news Editor: The current state of the gaming industry has seen several layoffs within major companies, which brings up concerns about job stability and the overall direction of the industry. How do you see this affecting game development and release schedules?
Dr. Emily Carter: It’s a double-edged sword. While it’s disheartening to see talented individuals losing their jobs, it could drive smaller teams to collaborate more effectively and encourage indie studios to rise to the occasion. however, the unintended outcome could be a slowdown in larger projects as resources become constrained. This opens a door for indie developers who can be more agile and responsive to consumer preferences, as we’ve seen with the diversity of titles released this year.
Time.news Editor: So, as gamers reflect on this year and ponder the Game of the Year selections, what advice would you give to the gaming community regarding their choices?
Dr. Emily Carter: I would encourage gamers to explore titles beyond the obvious blockbusters. Engage with indie games, experimental genres, and even revisit older releases. The beauty of gaming lies in its diversity; every player’s experience is unique. Take the time to discover what resonates with you personally—there’s something exceptional waiting for everyone.
Time.news editor: That’s wonderful advice, Emily. Before we wrap up, what are you personally hoping to see in the gaming industry as we head into 2025?
Dr.Emily Carter: I hope to see a continued emphasis on inclusivity in gaming—whether through diverse storytelling, depiction, or broadening access to games. Also, I’m looking forward to seeing how advancements in technology and game design will integrate with community feedback to create even richer experiences. The future of gaming is bright,and I can’t wait to see where it goes!
Time.news Editor: Thank you so much for your insights today, Emily. It’s been a pleasure discussing this vibrant year in gaming with you!
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you! It’s been a joy to be here and share my thoughts.Let’s keep celebrating the wonderful world of video games!