Believe it or not, we are already nearing the end of 2024! This year was nothing short of amazing for gamers, blessing us with incredible titles across different genres and platforms. Now, through the Game of the Year Award, the best of them all has been crowned.
For the 10th year in a row, The Game Awards celebrated the industry's finest with its 10th Anniversary broadcast, which aired live on Thursday, December 12, 2024, from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The show kicked off at 4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET / 12:30 AM (Dec 13) GMT. Ready to relive the highlights of this iconic event? Let’s dive in!
What Is the Game of the Year Award?
The Game of the Year Award is an annual event celebrating the best video games released each year. Think of it as the Oscars or Emmys, but for gaming. However, not just any game can snag this prestigious honor, it follows a careful selection process.
First, eligible games must be publicly released between November of the previous year and November of the current year. Games released outside this window are considered for the following year’s awards. The selection process starts with nominations submitted by a jury of renowned media outlets and prominent social media platforms in the gaming industry.
Once the nominees were announced, the voting began. The winners were determined by a combination of jury votes (90%) and public fan voting (10%). Fans can cast their votes for their favorite games on TheGameAwards.com or via platforms like Bilibili for audiences in China. Fan voting closed on Wednesday, December 11, at 6 PM PT. Finally, the grand announcement of the winners took place live during the event the following day, at the designated location.
Is There Only One Award?
No, there was more than just the main Game of the Year award! One of the fan-favorite categories was the Players' Voice award, which was exclusively voted on by fans without any involvement from the jury. To cast votes, fans needed to create an account on TheGameAwards.com and access the dedicated voting page.
Another significant category was the Accessibility Award, where a jury of accessibility experts selected both the nominees and the winners.
For the full list of nominated games and finalists across all categories, you can join the official Game of the Year Awards Discord server. There, you can find the latest updates and discussions.
What Games Were in the Final Races?
The first round was done and dusted, narrowing down to 30 incredible games. Fans had spoken, and their top 10 favorites moved forward! The second round kicked off on December 5th, and the final stretch began with the third round starting on December 9th. It was exciting to see how things shaped up. We shared updates as the Player’s Voice Award and Game of the Year Awards were finalized, and now the results are in! Astro Bot was crowned the Game of the Year, while the publicly voted Player’s Voice Award went to Black Myth: Wukong. Here were the incredible titles in the final round of voting.
Astro Bot
This one stands out on the PlayStation 5. It’s an adventure that feels like pure magic, where you guide a little robot hero through worlds that make full use of the DualSense controller’s capabilities. It’s playful and innovative, the kind of game that puts a big smile on your face.
Balatro
If you’ve ever thought poker could use a roguelike twist, this game might surprise you. It’s clever and creative, with mechanics that feel fresh without being overwhelming. It’s a game you can get hooked on whether you're a puzzle lover or just want something different.
Black Myth: Wukong
Inspired by the legendary Journey to the West, this one is like stepping into a living myth. The setting is rich with ancient Chinese culture, and every moment feels like you’re part of something epic. It’s action-packed and visually stunning, a game that leaves you in awe.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
This expansion dives deeper into the mysterious world of Elden Ring. It’s not just about adding more to the story, it’s about facing challenges that push your skills even further. It’s dark, it’s immersive, and it’s everything fans have been craving.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
For fans of the original, this is like returning to an old friend with new stories to tell. It feels familiar but so much grander, with visuals and details that bring everything to life in a way the old version could only dream of.
Metaphor: Refantazio
Imagine a world where magic and myth collide. This game pulls you in with its gorgeous art style and a story that keeps you curious about what’s next. It’s not just a fantasy game, it’s a full-on escape into a universe that feels like it was made to be explored.
These games represent the best of the best this year. They’ve captivated players, sparked conversations, and delivered unforgettable experiences. Now, it’s up to the community to decide which one will take the top spot.
Where to Watch the Game of the Year 2024
The Game Awards will air live and free on Thursday, December 12th.
The show will stream across major digital, social, and gaming platforms worldwide, like YouTube, Twitch, and X (Twitter). Missed the live broadcast? No worries! Catch the return on The Game Awards' official YouTube channel.
How to Play Mobile Games on PC
This year's contenders for the win include some amazing mobile games that have made it through to the final rounds. But let's be real, these games aren’t lightweight. They demand a lot from your device, and if you’ve been struggling to run them smoothly, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Enter Funpass Cloud Phone. Think of them as an upgrade to traditional mobile emulators, but with a twist, they run on advanced cloud servers and use real mobile chips. This means near-zero detection issues from games and performance that feels just like playing on a high-end phone.
All you need is a device that supports the Funpass App, or any device that can run a web browser and voilà, you can play demanding mobile games over the cloud effortlessly. And the best part? You can snag a Funpass Cloud Phone for as little as $3 per week, making it an affordable solution for gamers on a budget.
Not into spending money? No problem! Funpass Cloud Gaming offers a free option. No need for huge downloads, and you can request titles to be added through the Funpass Discord when you are interested in a game. Here’s what you can expect:
- Standard Free Plan: Earn diamonds through daily logins and watching ads, then exchange them for free game time.
- Premium Plans: For those seeking higher quality and lower lag, there are two very cheap premium options available.
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly solution or prefer the free route, Funpass has you covered, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite mobile games on PC without breaking a sweat, or the bank!
