
CNET’s 2024 Game of the Year Awards Highlight a Stellar Gaming Year | Image Source: www.cnet.com
NEW YORK, 20 December 2024 – The year 2024 was a roller coaster for the gaming industry, marked by widespread layoffs and difficult working conditions for developers. Despite these difficulties, the gaming community was treated to a line of exceptional titles, ranging from independent masterpieces to blocking epics. According to CNET, the culmination of the year’s achievements is its Game of the Year (GOTY) Awards, which show the best games that have defined the year.
Honourable Mention: Celebrating Unified Experiences
Among the honourable mentions are the games that pushed creative boundaries but gradually the main list of GOTY. Sean Booker, CNET video producer, highlighted “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” for his innovative game of immersive games. Published at the end of the year, the game was impressed by its smart zones, its hilarious writing and Troy Baker’s star performance. However, the limited exposure of staff prevented him from making the top 10.
“Marvel Rivals” was another confrontation, capturing the attention of Adam Benjamin, editor-in-chief of CNET. Rented for its attractive hero designs and fast play, the live service game gave life to Marvel’s iconic characters. Its inclusion as an honourable mention reflects its promise for future updates and content expansion.
Lori Grunin, the senior editor of CNET, shared his addiction to “Hades 2,” an early access title that extended on the original mechanics. Although not finished, the game introduced new elements such as spelling and bridge construction, keeping players connected despite their early development status. The 130-hour Grunin game highlights its potential to shine next year.
Top 10: A game window of excellence
List 10 dominated games that captured hearts and imagination. “Astro Bot”, crowned GOTY in The Game Awards, the players delighted with their nostalgic tribute to the history of PlayStation. Faith Chihil, a CNET social producer, emphasized how the game turned initial scepticism into cult, mixing the game’s innovation with rich references to PlayStation’s past.
The ”Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” of Square Enix appeared as a personal favourite for Sarah Drolet, who praised her vast open world design, impressive visual and captivating narrative. Drolet emphasized how the game balances humour with emotional depth, providing every moment of character to shine while remaining faithful to the original story.
“The legend of Zelda: Ecos of Wisdom” by Nintendo put forward as a refreshing outing of tradition. As Bridget Carey, Editor in Grande, said, the game presented Princess Zelda as the main playable character, revolutionizing the game with creative mechanics to solve problems. Their vision of inclination and collaborative style made it a favourite among experienced families and fans.
DLC and Gems Indie
Expansions such as “Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree” have demonstrated the ultimate appeal of DLC. According to David Lumb, writer II at CNET, expansion offers a new expansive world with complex slot machines and challenging games. The players explored dark landscapes, found formidable patterns, and discovered secrets, making a follow-up worthy of the 2022 GOTY.
The Indian titles “UFO 50″ and ”Animal Well” also claimed points on the list. “UFO 50”, a collection of 50 retro-inspired games, evokes the nostalgia of past times while offering new gaming experiences. Senior writer Scott Stein celebrated his spirit and the joy of the discovery he brought to the players. Similarly, “Animal Well” loved players with their neo-drained pixel art and complex puzzles, as Zach McAuliffe described, which praised their replayability and hidden secrets.
Game of the Year: Balatro
The last tribute to the game of the year was to “Balatro,” a poker theme deckbuilder that captivated players from around the world. Developed by the enigmatic LocalThunk, addictive game mechanics and innovative Jokers kept players connected. David Lumb highlighted his ability to make even the good losses, as players unlock new bridges and updates at each race. Their accessibility on mobile platforms guaranteed their presence in the daily routine of each player.
The simplicity of Balatro’s premise dominated its depth, with a strategic game that constantly revealed new ways to win. Lumb assigned it to a Cinderella story, highlighting how a lone developer managed to create an experience that resonates universally, winning rewards and GOTY in the grand prizes.
Balatro’s triumph highlights the resistance and creativity of the gaming industry, showing that even in difficult times, exceptional games can emerge to inspire and entertain millions.
At the end of the year, the GOTY 2024 Awards demonstrate diversity and innovation in the game world. Whether it’s nostalgic, innovative mechanics or community stories, this year’s games have left an indelible mark on players, paving the way for an exciting future.