Video Game Awards 2024: Arguments For and Against Each Nomination for Game of the Year.
Which title will win the Game of the Year award at this year's awards? For the first time, all the nominees have the chance to take home the accolade.
The 2024 Game Awards ceremony, scheduled for December 12, promises to be an exciting contest with six video games competing for the title of Game of the Year. Unlike the last two years, where the winners were predictable, this time there is no clear favorite, which increases interest among viewers. Each of the nominated games has a real chance of winning, a rare occurrence in the event's history.
Among the nominees is Astro Bot, which stands out as the highest-rated game of the year. Its playful and engaging nature could help it capture attention in a divided vote among various RPGs. However, history shows that 3D platformers typically do not receive recognition, with action RPGs with rich narratives dominating instead.
Another contender is Balatro, which, although considered a "dark horse" in the race, could benefit from a split vote. Its recent mobile release has increased its visibility, but being an indie game puts it at a disadvantage against more polished, higher-budget titles.
Black Myth: Wukong, while polarizing, has gained a very enthusiastic fan base that might favor it in the voting. However, its Metacritic score is a significant obstacle, reflecting more divided reviews than those of other competitors.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, although a downloadable content, has received great acclaim and can capitalize on critics' passion for FromSoftware games. Still, the fact that a DLC has never won the top prize could work against it.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is another strong contender, with an action-centered narrative and significant recognition from critics. Nevertheless, the growing criticism regarding its design and controversial ending might detract support in such a tight competition.
Finally, Metaphor: ReFantazio stands out as a major title, appreciated for its narrative and artistic design. However, it may lack the passionate backing of a robust fan base, which could hinder its victory in a year filled with strong competitors.
This year, the Game Awards promise to be a spectacle full of surprises, where anything can happen.
