The2024 Game Awardstake place on December 12th, announcing what title from specific nominations will win Game of the Year (GOTY), while other games could win awards from several other categories. Some people and organizations have been nominated as well for their contributions and influence to the gaming atmosphere. However, who or what earns an award is up for debate.
This year’sGame Awards are under some controversy, asthis is the first year when DLC or expansionsare also being nominated for awards. This includes games that have won awards in the past, with the biggest case being theShadow of the Erdtreeexpansion toElden Ring. SinceElden Ringwon GOTY in 2022, some feel that including DLC takes the spotlight away from games released in 2024.
The following list contains Screen Rant’s predictions for what games or people may win every category in the 2024 Game Awards. These areNOTguarantees of what will win in each category based on voting from gaming fans.
29Best Game Direction - Balatro
Innovation Through Addictive Design
The mobile card gameBalatrois likely to win Best Game Direction due to how it innovates through an addictive core design. The countless hours you can sink intoBalatrois a testament to just how fundamentally solid its core mechanics are, even as you play repeatedly. The scoring system is unique to other online card games, formingBalatro’s identity into something much different than what has been seen before in its genre.
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The widespread appeal of this game, which still has a dedicated fanbase, can be attributed to how compelling its design is. The indie aspect ofBalatromakes its direction even more impressive, as it was not a huge AAA production but rather the work of a smaller, focused vision. Combine that with how easyBalatrois to pick up and play, and it more than deserves this award.
28Best Narrative - Metaphor ReFantazio
Immersive And Familiar Storytelling
In an environment full of sequels, expansions, and DLC nominations in The Game Awards,Metaphor ReFantaziois an original story that stands out. This game is made by developer Atlus, whose work on thePersonaseries in the past is known for its immersive narratives. Similar to those titles,Metaphor ReFantazio’s expansive storytakes placeduring a limited time on a calendar, forcing you to make choices regarding your schedule.
On top of this, each character you assemble for your party has deep customization tied to their developing stories. Personal side quests with specific NPCs help you learn more about them, adding to the connections you can make. When combined with an interesting overall plot that is rooted in fantasy rather thanPersona’s typical high-school setting, you have the recipe for a Best Narrative winner.
27Best Art Direction - Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree
The Land Of Shadow’s Haunting Brilliance
Shadow of the Erdtreeis one of FromSoftware’s most ambitious DLCs ever made, with enough content to be considered a game larger than many others on its own. The new map included in the expansion is enormous, with multiple places your character can go to. Every area is breathtaking, from the dark Scadutree to the red lightning and windswept Jagged Peaks.
Another game with a good chance of winning Best Art Direction isNeva, whose striking color palettes and highly detailed art style have made it shine among recent indie titles.
The open world nature ofShadow of the Erdtreemakes the art direction far easier to interact with at every moment you play. Locations that seem far off can be traveled to immediately, as there is no"right"path to follow or quest to pursue. The enemies, NPC characters, new armor and weapons, and, of course,bosses inShadow of the Erdtreeare also incredibly distinct and some of the most impressive visual work FromSoftware has ever done.
26Best Score And Music - Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Beautiful Soundtracks For Every Situation
With 209 total tracks,Final Fantasy 7 Rebirthis a juggernaut of music, from intense battle themes to unique soundtracks for a character’s small introduction scene. Over 10 hours of music is present in this game, with 15 different composers and 26 arrangers compiling the score together. No two pieces of music sound the same and are constantly present in the game, whether you are fighting, exploring, or going through a cutscene.
25Best Audio Design - Silent Hill 2
Slight Sounds Contribute To The Horror
Horror games are defined by how they sound, as the most disturbing titles have small nuances to their audio design to make you always afraid.Silent Hill 2Remakeis a perfect example of this, with scuttling noises of enemies around every corner combine with hollow echoes to create a haunting atmosphere. The titular town of Silent Hill comes alive due to how it sounds, making this game an unsurprising choice for this award.
24Best Performance - Melina Juergens
A Passionate Characterization In A Narrative-Driven Game
Although every performance nominated in 2024 is excellent, Melina Juergens inSenua’s Saga: Hellblade 2goes above and beyond.Hellblade 2is already a narrative-driven game, with the main character Senua being voiced and motion-captured by Melina Juergens. The dynamic performance is physical as well as emotional, with the story of the game being driven by the effort put in by this leading actress.
23Innovation In Accessibility - Star Wars Outlaws
Taking Steps To Make Sure Everyone Can Play
Many strides forward to accessibility were made inStar Wars Outlaws' innovative features, allowing players of all kinds to get an experience from this title. While every game nominated has interesting accessibility options, the sheer number present inStar Wars Outlawsis staggering. Gameplay, Colors, Vision, Hearing, and Cognitive options are all extremely customizable, allowing anyone to pick up and play the game.
22Games For Impact - Tales Of Kenzera: ZAU
A Clear Vision That Leaves A Mark
Anyone who has listened to Abubakar Salim, thecreative lead forTales of Kenzera: ZAU, will be impacted by this game’s clear vision alone. This title is a truly remarkable commentary on grief, inspired by Salim’s loss of their father. This game is also directly inspired by Bantu cultures and tribal groups in South Africa, bringing an authentic cultural interpretation into this title’s story, Metroidvania gameplay, music, and other elements.
Tales of Kenzera: ZAUwas supported by the production company of Critical Role, the popular D&D livestream that has been responsible forThe Legend of Vox Machinashow on Amazon Prime Video.
21Best Ongoing - Helldivers 2
Keep Sacrificing For Super Earth
Helldivers 2was one of the most popular games of 2024, so it should be no surprise why it has been nominated for Best Ongoing Game. For a time, everyone was playing this game, fighting Automatons and Tyranids in explosive missions to aid in Super Earth’s galactic liberation. The community aspect of this title is still going strong, with many fire teams of brave Helldivers sacrificing their lives to take control of planets.
20Best Community Support - Baldur’s Gate 3
Mods Make A New Campaign Adventure
Even before it was released,Baldur’s Gate 3had a strong community that supported it in early access. That community showed up again whenBG3won GOTY in 2023, and nearly every other award it was nominated for. With the inclusion of mods giving the game’s continued support almost completely into that community’s hands, this game is a safe bet to add another award to its collection.
