Game Awards 2024: GOTY Nominees, Prize, Predictions, and Insights

The 2024 Game Awards are just around the corner, and the excitement is at an all-time high. From the prestigious Game of the Year (GOTY) nominees to what the winners actually take home, here’s everything you need to know—including a bit of fun speculation and behind-the-scenes insights.

Gaming Takes the Spotlight

Video games have come a long way since the early 2000s. By late 2001, the gaming industry had already outpaced Hollywood in revenue, thanks in part to the post-9/11 “depression” that saw people turning to interactive entertainment for escape. Fast forward to 2024, and gaming isn’t just big—it’s the cultural zeitgeist.

 

 

Game of the Year: The Coveted Prize

So, what does winning GOTY actually mean for developers? Let’s break it down:

What Do Winners Get?

If you’re imagining a fat check or piles of cash for winning GOTY, think again. The prize is a stunning statuette valued at $2,500. However, there’s a catch: these statuettes come with a no-auction clause, so you won’t see them hitting eBay anytime soon.

No Cash Prize? What Gives?

While there’s no direct cash prize, the GOTY title is a massive badge of honor. Developers can slap “Game of the Year Winner” on special editions of their games, driving sales and boosting market value. It’s essentially a golden ticket for increased revenue.

 

 

2024 GOTY Nominees: Who Will Take the Crown?

This year’s GOTY race is stacked with some of the most ambitious titles in gaming. Here are the contenders:

• Astro Bot
• Balatro
• Black Myth: Wukong
• Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
• Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
• Metaphor: ReFantazio

Our Speculation: Who’s Leading the Pack?

• Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is a heavy favorite, riding on the monumental success of its base game, which snagged GOTY in 2022.
• Final Fantasy VII Rebirth could pull off an upset, especially with its massive fan base and Square Enix’s storytelling mastery.
• Black Myth: Wukong is the dark horse—an innovative action RPG that’s already turning heads.

A Look Back: GOTY Winners Through the Years

Before diving into predictions, let’s take a walk down memory lane with past GOTY champions:
    •    2014: Dragon Age: Inquisition
    •    2015: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
    •    2016: Overwatch
    •    2017: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
    •    2018: God of War
    •    2019: Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
    •    2020: The Last of Us Part II
    •    2021: It Takes Two
    •    2022: Elden Ring
    •    2023: Baldur’s Gate 3

Patterns and Predictions

Looking at the trends, action-adventure games dominate the GOTY scene, and sequels or expansions with deep lore (think Elden Ring or The Witcher 3) tend to have an edge. Could this mean a win for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth or Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree?

What Does Winning GOTY Actually Mean?

Winning GOTY isn’t just about bragging rights—it’s a game changer (pun intended). Here’s why:

• Sales Boost: Titles with GOTY recognition see a massive sales surge, especially if they release special “GOTY Editions.”
• Cultural Legacy: Joining the GOTY hall of fame places developers in an elite club alongside legends like CD Projekt Red and FromSoftware.
• Industry Influence: Developers with GOTY wins often set industry trends, influencing how future games are designed.

The Night to Watch

While there’s no cash prize, the Game Awards offer something money can’t buy: prestige, global recognition, and a spot in gaming history. Whether you’re rooting for a fan-favorite like Elden Ring or an underdog like Metaphor: ReFantazio, this year’s event promises to be a showstopper.

So grab your snacks, rally your gaming buddies, and get ready for the biggest night in gaming! Will 2024’s GOTY winner be a familiar favorite or a surprising underdog? Let’s wait and see.