With the end of the year just around the corner, video game fans are already heading to one of the most anticipated events on the calendar: The Game Awards 2024Since its first edition, this ceremony has positioned itself as the most prestigious in the world of gaming, crowning the best game of the year with the coveted title of Game of the Year (GOTY)With just a few weeks to go until the gala, which will be held on December 12, the six nominees who will compete for this great honor have already been announced.
The nominees for Game of the Year 2024
This year, the list of nominees is packed with big hits that have set trends in the industry. With titles like Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree o Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, it is not surprising that expectations are sky-high. But perhaps what has caused the most stir on the networks is the fact that one of the nominees, Balatro, Be a indie game which has managed to sneak in among the giants of the industry, generating different reactions among fans.
The list of candidates for Game of the Year 2024 reflects a mix of variety and quality, ranging from massive expansions to games that have revolutionized the indie world:
- Astro Bot
- Balatro
- Black MythWukong
- Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
- Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth
- Metaphor: Refantazio
Within this list, we can see a tight competition. While Astro Bot y Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth have been applauded for their technical quality y creative, Balatro, which comes from the indie scene, has surprised both critics and gamers. It is very common for The Game Awards to include an independent title in this category, but the fact that Balatro has made it this far is an unexpected triumph.
The Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree debate
One of the most recurring themes of this edition has been the inclusion of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree as a candidate. And we are not talking about a complete game, but about a expansion of the successful Elden Ring. This decision has generated community debate, as many users and experts wonder whether expansions or DLCs should compete on the same level as titles created from scratch.
The expansion has been praised for offering hours of new content, including new challenges and enemies, making it an experience almost on par with a full game. However, those against point out that, despite its excellent content, it should not be on the list of best games of the year, as it is based on a previously released work.
The surprise of Balatro
Rarely a indie game manages to receive so many nominations at The Game Awards. This year, Balatro has been the big surprise within the independent sector, joining the list of candidates for GOTY 2024. Coming from a small studio called LocalthunkBalatro is a card game that has managed to fascinate thousands of players with its originality y innovative dynamics.
What makes this title special is not only its gameplay, but the impact it has left on the gamer community. Many players have shown their massive support through social networks, something that could influence the final decision of the jury and the public. And although it competes against big-budget rivals like Black MythWukong o Astro BotBalatro has shown that quality and ingenuity do not always depend on the resources of a large production company.
Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth and Metaphor: ReFantazio
On the other hand, two titles that have been favorites since its launch are also on the list of nominees. Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, a wonderful sequel to the acclaimed remake of Final Fantasy VII, has delighted players with its immersive narrative and excellent level design. In addition to the GOTY, it has accumulated multiple nominations in other categories such as best art direction y soundtrack.
Together with him, Metaphor: Refantazio It has been another of the great revelations of 2024. Developed by the same team that worked on 5 person, this RPG has stood out for its single visual direction and complex narrative. In addition to being among the GOTY nominees, he is also a candidate in categories such as better narrative y Best Director.
When are The Game Awards held?
The Game Awards 2024 will undoubtedly go down as one of the most exciting in recent years. For the first time in a long time, independent markets are competing head-to-head with big-budget productions, while expansions like Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree challenge the boundaries of what we consider a GOTY candidate.
The ceremony will take place on December 12, and players will be able to follow it live through streaming platforms. Meanwhile, the popular vote The competition is still open, allowing fans to support their favorite games and possibly influence the final outcome. Now, it only remains to wait to find out which of these six titles will take home the coveted award. Game of the YearWill it be the indie Balatro? The epic Elden Ring expansion? Or one of the giants like Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth?