The Game Awards 2024: The biggest news and announcements

Hosted by Canadian video games icon Geoff Keighley, The Game Awards 2024 celebrated its 10th anniversary by lighting up the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles with unforgettable moments. From emotional acceptance speeches to jaw-dropping game reveals, the event celebrated gaming’s past, present, and future. With a mix of unexpected announcements and well-deserved accolades, this year’s show left a lasting impression on fans worldwide.

From Astro Bot dominating the awards to Naughty Dog’s surprise unveiling of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, the night offered something for everyone. Let’s take a look at some of the winners, and the biggest news and announcements from the show that made this year’s Game Awards one for the history books.

Astro Bot wins big at The Game Awards 2024

The Game Awards 2024 crowned Astro Bot as Game of the Year, solidifying Team Asobi’s platformer as this year’s best game. It won over tough competition, beating out heavyweights like Balatro, Black Myth: Wukong, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and Metaphor: ReFantazio.

In addition to the night’s top honour, Astro Bot collected three more awards: Best Game Direction, Best Action/Adventure Game, and Best Family Game. Director Nicolas Doucet delivered an emotional acceptance speech, reflecting on the legacy of platformers and the inspirations behind Team Asobi’s work. Doucet also paid tribute to companies that defined the genre’s innovation, hinting at Nintendo’s influence without directly naming them. His heartfelt speech connected with the audience and gamers around the world, highlighting the teamwork that drives game development.

If you’re curious about why Astro Bot earned such praise, check out my full review here to learn about what makes it so special.

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet steals the spotlight

The biggest surprise announcement of The Game Awards 2024 came from Naughty Dog, who unveiled Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. This marks the studio’s first new IP since The Last of Us, and has been in development since 2020. The reveal trailer introduced Jordan A. Mun, a bounty hunter stranded on Sempiria, a distant planet shrouded in mystery.

Sempiria’s isolation and past create a gripping backdrop for Jordan’s mission to escape. Naughty Dog promises an innovative approach to gameplay, blending emotional storytelling with new mechanics designed to push the studio’s limits. The cosmic setting, combined with Tati Gabrielle’s performance as Jordan, hints at a bold and immersive experience.

In addition to the game’s ambitious scope, the trailer showcased the musical talents of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, who are scoring the soundtrack. Their collaboration brings even more excitement to this ambitious project. Naughty Dog fans have plenty to look forward to as the studio explores uncharted territory—both literally and figuratively—with Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.

The Witcher IV begins a new saga

CD PROJEKT RED made waves at The Game Awards 2024 with the reveal of The Witcher IV. This is the highly anticipated follow-up to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Marking the start of a new saga, with Ciri stepping into the role of protagonist.

The cinematic trailer showcased Ciri taking on a witcher contract in a remote village plagued by a monster demanding ritual sacrifices. We got a glimpse of her new abilities, including advanced magic and a powerful chain weapon. The trailer also hinted at darker themes, with Ciri grappling with both the superstitions of villagers and the creatures haunting them.

Built using Unreal Engine 5, The Witcher IV aims to set a new benchmark for open-world RPGs. CD PROJEKT RED promises a deeply immersive experience, blending expansive exploration with the emotional storytelling the series is known for. As the beginning of a new Witcher saga, the game will explore what it means for Ciri to truly embrace her path as a witcher.

Major franchise returns at The Game Awards 2024

This year’s show saw the return of several beloved franchises, with exciting new installments announced for fans to anticipate.

Borderlands 4

Borderlands 4 was unveiled with a trailer introducing The Timekeeper, a ruthless antagonist ruling the dangerous new planet, Kairos. Promising the deepest Vault Hunter skill trees and the most expansive loot system in the series yet, this installment looks to evolve the looter-shooter formula while staying true to its chaotic roots.

Okami sequel and Onimusha: Way of the Sword from Capcom

Capcom surprised fans with the reveal of Okami’s long-awaited sequel, marking a return to its beautiful Japanese-inspired world. Directed by Hideki Kamiya, the project reunites original team members to bring Amaterasu back for another heartwarming adventure.

The classic Onimusha series is also making a comeback with Onimusha: Way of the Sword. Set in a dark fantasy version of Kyoto during the Edo period, the game reintroduces players to the Oni Gauntlet and intense swordplay against demonic Genma.

Mafia: The Old Country

Finally, Mafia: The Old Country delves into the roots of organized crime in early 1900s Sicily. With a focus on narrative-driven gameplay, it tells the story of Enzo, a former sulfur miner turned mafioso, navigating a brutal and unforgiving world of vendettas and power struggles.

New IPs and surprises take centre stage

The Game Awards 2024 showcased a host of fresh ideas, with studios unveiling brand-new video games that promise to push boundaries.

Split Fiction

Hazelight Studios, known for It Takes Two, introduced Split Fiction. It is a co-op action-adventure game where players jump between sci-fi and fantasy worlds. The game features dynamic mechanics, from hoverboard tricks to battling a supernova, with Hazelight’s signature Friend’s Pass making its return.

Elden Ring Nightreign

One of the most interesting surprises came from FromSoftware. They debuted Elden Ring Nightreign, a standalone spin off multiplayer survival game set in a parallel universe to Elden Ring. Teams of three—or brave solo players—must survive a three-day cycle while battling the Nightlord’s forces. With randomized maps and evolving challenges, this project adds a new dimension to the Elden Ring world.

Project Century

SEGA’s Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio teased Project Century, a concept shrouded in mystery from the creators of the Like a Dragon series. While few details are available, it promises an inventive direction for the studio renowned for its compelling storytelling and gameplay.

Classic reimaginations bring nostalgia and innovation

Several announcements at The Game Awards 2024 breathed new life into classic franchises, blending nostalgia with fresh twists.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound brought excitement with its 2D sidescrolling action, revisiting the intense combat and platforming that defined the series. Players will guide new hero Kenji Mozu through demon-infested Hayabusa Village, combining brutal battles with intricate level designs.

Turok: Origins

The reveal of Turok: Origins brings the iconic dinosaur-hunting series back with a fresh perspective. Developed by Saber Interactive, the game offers solo and co-op modes, blending prehistoric creatures with a sci-fi alien invasion.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds and a new Virtua Fighter game from Sega

SEGA surprised fans with Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, which features a unique racing mechanic and iconic characters from the Sonic the Hedgehog universe. Additionally, the announcement of a new Virtua Fighter project confirmed SEGA’s commitment to revitalizing its legendary fighting franchise.

These reimaginings not only honour their origins but also promise to capture the imagination of a new generation of players.

Celebrating the winners of The Game Awards 2024

This year’s winners highlighted the creativity and diversity in gaming, with indie hits, blockbuster titles, and returning franchises all taking home awards. For example, Balatro, an indie success story, earned three awards: Best Independent Game, Debut Indie Game, and Best Mobile Game. Its innovative design and unique mechanics made it a standout among the competition.

Atlus’ Metaphor: ReFantazio earned wins for Best Narrative and Best Art Direction, read our review here. Meanwhile, co-op favorite Helldivers 2 earned awards for Best Multiplayer and Best Ongoing Game, recognizing its fast-paced team gameplay.

Black Myth: Wukong, celebrated for its intense action and visual flair, won Best Action Game and Player’s Voice. You can read our review of Black Myth: Wukong here. Additionally, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth claimed Best Music and Score, further proving its ability to resonate emotionally with players. Read our reivew of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth here.

These awards demonstrate the wide range of experiences gaming offered in 2024, from indie innovation to triple-A excellence.

Reflecting on The Game Awards 2024

The Game Awards 2024 celebrated a decade of gaming excellence, bringing together fans, creators, and industry icons. We didn’t get updates on the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 from Nintendo or Grand Theft Auto VI from Rockstar. However, unexpected announcements like Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet and wins by Astro Bot showcased the creativity and passion driving the gaming world.

This year’s show balanced nostalgia with innovation, offering a glimpse of gaming’s bright future. Overall, whether it was the return of classic franchises or the debut of new IPs, the show had me on the edge of my seat. The Game Awards left fans excited for what’s ahead.

As we look forward to the next year in gaming, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What were your favourite moments from The Game Awards 2024? Which games are you most excited to play? Share your highlights in the comments below!

Click here to see the full line of video game software available at Bestbuy.ca
Click here to see digital video game downloads offered at BestBuy.ca