PlayStation’s ‘Astro Bot’
| Photo Credit: PlayStation
The Game Awards 2024 celebrated the best in gaming with its annual ceremony, and Astro Bot took home the coveted Game of the Year award. The beloved PlayStation platformer triumphed over strong contenders like Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, Black Myth: Wukong, Metaphor: ReFantazio, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, and Balatro.
The event was a major night for Astro Bot, which also secured three additional honors: Best Family Game, Best Action/Adventure, and Best Game Direction.
Indie darling Balatro, a poker-themed hit, also shone brightly, clinching awards in three categories, including Best Mobile Game.
Meanwhile, the role-playing epic Metaphor: ReFantazio also earned three wins, underscoring a strong showing for Japanese developers this year.
Black Myth: Wukong, inspired by Chinese mythology, captured the Player’s Voice Award, a fan-voted accolade.
Despite seven nominations, Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth had a more modest night, with its only win being for Best Music.
Among other highlights, Helldivers 2 was recognized as Best Ongoing Game, with the award presented by rapper Snoop Dogg, who also performed a new song during the ceremony.
The night was filled with surprises, including appearances by Harrison Ford and Troy Baker, who joined forces on stage to celebrate gaming adaptations.
This year introduced the Game Changers Award, recognizing those making a significant impact in the industry. The inaugural honor went to Amir Satvat, who has been instrumental in supporting laid-off game developers.
The ceremony also unfolded amid ongoing labor disputes, with video game actors striking over AI protections and working conditions. Advocacy efforts, including leafleting outside the venue, highlighted industry-wide challenges.
Despite some controversies, including debates about the eligibility of expansion packs for top awards and the dominance of free-to-play titles in fan-voted categories, the night celebrated the creativity and passion driving the gaming industry.
The Game Awards continues to be a showcase for excellence and innovation, captivating audiences worldwide with its blend of entertainment and recognition.
Published – December 13, 2024 01:10 pm IST
