Official List: 2024 Video Game Awards Nominees

All right, team, the 2024 Video Game Awards nominations are here, and we’ve got a lot to dive into! To start, let’s look at the Game of the Year category. Unsurprisingly, heavyweights like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree dominate the list. Yet, the variety this year is refreshing. For example, seeing an indie gem like Balatro compete against industry titans is a story worth celebrating.

 Totally agree! For instance, FromSoftware continues to dominate with Elden Ring expansions, while Square Enix keeps reinventing classics with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. At the same time, Balatro earning nominations in both Game of the Year and Best Independent Game is an exciting twist. Furthermore, it’s published by Humble Games, a publisher that’s been a champion for indie developers.
On the topic of big and small studios, I’m particularly drawn to Black Myth: Wukong for its meticulous design and mythological depth. Game Science has clearly poured everything into this title, and it shows. Meanwhile, Metaphor: ReFantazio, Atlus’ spiritual successor to the Persona series, adds a fresh RPG flavor to the nominations, making this category even more intriguing.

 Both those games are impressive, but let’s shift to Best Game Direction, a category that rewards innovation. For instance, Astro Bot by Japan Studio is a VR marvel that deserves recognition. It’s fantastic to see a smaller studio holding its own in a space often dominated by giants like FromSoftware and Square Enix.

 That’s such a fun lineup! Speaking of creative storytelling, let’s move on to Best Narrative. While Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is an obvious standout for expanding on its legendary story, I’m particularly intrigued by Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II. Ninja Theory’s approach to mental health and storytelling is groundbreaking and deserves all the attention.

 


 Absolutely. Not to mention, its nomination for Best Performance by Melina Juergens is well-deserved. Ninja Theory’s use of performance capture technology sets a high bar for the industry. On the other hand, Silent Hill 2 cleverly taps into nostalgia while modernizing horror storytelling in a way that’s hard to ignore.


 Shifting to Best Art Direction, this category is packed with stunning visuals. For example, Neva stands out with its painterly, storybook-like aesthetic, which contrasts beautifully with Black Myth: Wukong’s hyper-realistic visuals. Developers are really pushing the boundaries of what visual storytelling can achieve.


 We can’t overlook Best Score and Music, either! Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’s reimagined soundtrack is stunning, and Silent Hill 2’s Akira Yamaoka remains a master at creating atmosphere through sound. At the same time, Stellar Blade blends futuristic tones with epic orchestration, offering something truly unique.


 On a related note, sound design deserves its moment in the spotlight. For example, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 shines in Best Audio Design, while Hellblade II immerses players with its binaural audio technology. It’s a game-changer for creating deeply engaging experiences.


 Indie developers continue to impress as well! Animal Well, for instance, brings haunting minimalism to the Best Independent Game category, while Balatro redefines the roguelike genre. These nominations prove that you don’t need a AAA budget to create unforgettable games.


 One more nod to indie brilliance: Manor Lords, nominated for Best Debut Indie Game, has reshaped city-building sims in an extraordinary way. Similarly, Pacific Drive adds a compelling survival narrative to indie creativity, making this category a standout.


 As we look ahead, the Most Anticipated Game category highlights the future of gaming. Titles like Grand Theft Auto VI and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond lead the pack, with Rockstar Games and Nintendo ready to build on their impressive legacies.

Should Remakes, Remasters, and DLC Be Eligible for Major Awards?

The inclusion of remakes, remasters, and DLC in major awards has been debated for years. With games like Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth competing for top honors, the conversation feels more relevant than ever. Let’s explore what the panel thinks.


 Personally, I find this a tricky topic. On one hand, a remake like Persona 3 Reloaded is far more than just a visual update. Atlus reimagined an already beloved game by refining visuals, enhancing gameplay mechanics, and even re-recording voice acting. This kind of effort introduces the story to a whole new audience while respecting its roots, which is commendable. However, is it fair to compare it to completely original games like Black Myth: Wukong or Metaphor: ReFantazio? I’m not entirely sure.


 I agree with that. Remakes and remasters can feel transformative, but they’re still building on pre-existing material. For example, Dead Rising Remastered was a fantastic nostalgia trip with enough modern updates to feel fresh. However, would I place it on the same level as a wholly original project like Astro Bot? Probably not. A separate award category for remakes and remasters might be the best solution.

That’s a fair point, but I’d argue DLC is a different case altogether. Consider Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree—it’s almost a standalone game. FromSoftware didn’t just add content; they expanded the lore, introduced new areas, and rebalanced the mechanics. When DLC is this substantial, it deserves to compete alongside full games. As someone who loves dissecting every corner of a game, I can’t overstate the effort that goes into creating such expansions.

That’s true, but it’s also worth noting that remakes and DLC have an edge due to their familiarity. They’re working from a proven foundation. Still, it’s not always easy to execute well. A poorly made remake or lazy DLC can tarnish a legacy. So, when projects like Persona 3 Reloaded or Shadow of the Erdtree excel, they should be celebrated. Even so, clearer award boundaries would help maintain fairness.


 I completely agree, but let’s not forget how vital remakes and remasters are for preserving gaming history. Without efforts like Dead Rising Deluxe Remastered, new players might never experience these classics. At the same time, categories like Game of the Year should prioritize creativity and innovation, which are essential to driving the industry forward.

A potential solution could be creating specific awards, such as Best Remake/Remaster or Best Expansion. This approach would allow remakes like Persona 3 Reloaded and expansions like Shadow of the Erdtree to shine without overshadowing new titles.

That’s an excellent idea! It gives remakes the recognition they deserve while keeping categories like Game of the Year focused on fresh, original projects. This way, every type of game gets its moment in the spotlight.

At the end of the day, regardless of whether it’s a remake, DLC, or an original game, what matters most is the impact it has on players. However, awards that celebrate each type individually would be a fantastic step forward.


 Well said, everyone. This year’s nominees showcase the incredible diversity and innovation in gaming. From indie ingenuity to AAA excellence, there’s so much to celebrate. Here’s to an unforgettable 2024 Video Game Awards season!