2024 Game Awards: The Biggest Winners and Surprises
The 2024 Game Awards ceremony concluded last night with stunning reveals, emotional acceptance speeches, and some unexpected victories that left the gaming community buzzing. Here's everything you need to know about this year's biggest gaming event.
Game of the Year
In a highly competitive year, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree took home the coveted Game of the Year award, beating out strong contenders including Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Baldur's Gate 3: Definitive Edition, and Metaphor: ReFantazio.
Director Hidetaka Miyazaki took the stage to accept the award, thanking fans for their continued support and hinting at future projects in development.
Major Category Winners
Best Game Direction
Winner: Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
- Recognized for its masterful world design and innovative approach to the expansion format
Best Narrative
Winner: Metaphor: ReFantazio
- Praised for its compelling story, complex themes, and character development
Best Art Direction
Winner: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Celebrated for its stunning visual design and creative use of the Switch hardware
Best Musical Score
Winner: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Honored for its epic orchestral arrangements and memorable themes
Best Performance
Winner: Neil Newbon as Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3
- Recognized for bringing depth and nuance to one of gaming's most beloved characters
Indie Spotlight
The indie gaming scene had a strong showing this year:
Best Independent Game
Winner: Hades II
- A worthy successor that built upon the original's formula while introducing fresh mechanics
Best Debut Indie Game
Winner: Manor Lords
- This medieval city-builder impressed with its attention to detail and engaging gameplay
Biggest Surprises
The Witcher 4 Reveal
CD Projekt Red unveiled the first trailer for The Witcher 4, featuring a new protagonist and a darker tone. The gaming world erupted with speculation and excitement.
Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater Release Date
Konami finally announced a release window for the highly anticipated remake: Fall 2025.
PlayStation Exclusive Announcement
A new IP from Naughty Dog was teased with a cryptic trailer, leaving fans eagerly awaiting more information.
Community Choice Awards
Most Anticipated Game
Winner: Grand Theft Auto VI
- Despite limited information, the community vote showed overwhelming excitement for Rockstar's next entry
Best Community Support
Winner: Baldur's Gate 3
- Larian Studios' commitment to post-launch content and listening to fan feedback earned recognition
Memorable Moments
- Emotional Tribute: A heartfelt segment honoring developers who passed away in 2024
- Surprise Drop: A indie puzzle game "Echoes of Eternity" was released immediately after its reveal
- Celebrity Appearance: Hollywood star Keanu Reeves presented the Best Narrative award
- Orchestra Performance: A stunning live performance of the Elden Ring soundtrack
Looking Forward
As the ceremony concluded, host Geoff Keighley teased that 2025 would be "a landmark year for gaming," with several major franchises returning and new innovations pushing the medium forward.
The 2024 Game Awards reminded us why we love gaming: the artistry, the community, the innovation, and the way games bring people together from around the world.
What's Next
Mark your calendars: The Game Awards 2025 is scheduled for December 11, 2025. If this year was any indication, we're in for another spectacular celebration of gaming excellence.
What did you think of this year's Game Awards? Which announcement excited you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!