Golden Joystick Awards 2024: Complete Winners List and Highlights
3 Key Takeaways:
- Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth emerged as a standout, winning four major awards, including Best Storytelling and Best Soundtrack.
- Black Myth: Wukong stole the show by clinching the Ultimate Game of the Year award, cementing Game Science’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
- Helldivers 2 made waves, snagging multiple accolades like Best Multiplayer Game and Critics’ Choice Award, proving it’s a fan and critic favourite.
The 2024 Golden Joystick Awards delivered another unforgettable evening, celebrating the best achievements in gaming from the past year. With Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth and Helldivers 2 leading the night with multiple wins and the monumental recognition of Black Myth: Wukong as Ultimate Game of the Year, this year’s ceremony was nothing short of spectacular. Let’s dive into the highlights and winners of the night!
Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth Shines Bright
The long-anticipated Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth didn’t just meet expectations it exceeded them. The game walked away with four major awards from its seven nominations, showcasing its incredible storytelling, sound design, and performances.
- Best Storytelling: Few games can weave narratives that grip players like Rebirth does. It’s a tale that brings nostalgia and innovation together.
- Best Soundtrack: The soundtrack is nothing short of a masterpiece, elevating every moment in the game with emotionally charged compositions.
- Best Leading Performer: Cody Christian, who voices Cloud, delivered a performance so authentic that it resonated with fans on a deeply emotional level.
- Best Supporting Performer: Briana White’s portrayal of Aerith brought warmth and depth, earning her the well-deserved recognition.
The achievements of Rebirth remind us why the Final Fantasy franchise remains a cornerstone of the gaming world.
Helldivers 2: A Multiplayer Triumph
In a year teeming with stellar multiplayer titles, Helldivers 2 stood out, sweeping up three awards and the coveted Critics’ Choice Award.
- Best Multiplayer Game: Helldivers 2 perfected the art of cooperative chaos, offering intense and strategic gameplay that brought players together like never before.
- Best Game Trailer: Its cinematic trailer delivered pure adrenaline, capturing the spirit of the game and leaving fans eagerly anticipating its release.
- Console Game of the Year: With its polished mechanics and engaging multiplayer experience, Helldivers 2 solidified its place as a standout console title.
Black Myth: Wukong Claims Ultimate Game of the Year
The biggest moment of the evening belonged to Black Myth: Wukong, which took home the coveted Ultimate Game of the Year award. Developed by Game Science, this visually stunning action RPG proved that even debut developers could redefine industry standards.
- Best Visual Design: The game’s graphics and design immerse players in an awe-inspiring mythical world.
- Ultimate Game of the Year: Its innovative gameplay and breathtaking artistry made it the unanimous choice for the night’s most prestigious prize.
Game Science has officially established itself as a rising star in the gaming industry.
Indie Games Make Their Mark
Indie developers shined at the ceremony, proving once again that creativity and passion can rival even the biggest studios.
- Balatro: This charming indie claimed two awards, including Best Indie Game and the Breakthrough Award (Critics’ Choice), showcasing its ingenuity and charm.
- Another Crab’s Treasure: As the Best Indie Game (Self-Published), it highlighted the vibrancy of self-funded development.
- Lethal Company: Winning Best Early Access Game, it demonstrated how early development titles can create impactful experiences.
- Chained Together: This unique game captured hearts and won the Streamers’ Choice Award, a testament to its popularity among content creators.
Other Big Winners
- Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree: As the Best Game Expansion, it kept fans enthralled with more of the Elden Ring universe.
- Minecraft: Still dominating the gaming world, Minecraft earned the Still Playing Award (Console & PC), showing its enduring legacy.
- Honkai: Star Rail: For mobile gamers, this title took home the Still Playing Award (Mobile) for keeping its player base engaged with exciting updates.
- GTA 6: Though not yet released, its overwhelming anticipation secured the title of Most Wanted Game.
- Steam Deck OLED: As the Best Gaming Hardware, it continues to set the standard for portable gaming.
- Fallout: Adapting the iconic series to other media forms paid off, with Fallout taking home Best Game Adaptation.
Full Winners List
For a quick overview, here’s the comprehensive list of Golden Joystick Awards 2024 winners:
- Best Audio Design: Astro Bot
- Best Soundtrack: Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth
- Best Storytelling: Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth
- Best Multiplayer Game: Helldivers 2
- Best Visual Design: Black Myth: Wukong
- Best Indie Game: Balatro
- Best Indie Game (Self-published): Another Crab’s Treasure
- Studio of the Year: Team Asobi (Astro Bot)
- Best Leading Performer: Cody Christian (Cloud, Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth)
- Best Supporting Performer: Briana White (Aerith, Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth)
- Breakthrough Award (Critics’ Choice): Balatro
- Still Playing Award (Console & PC): Minecraft
- Still Playing Award (Mobile): Honkai: Star Rail
- PC Game of the Year: Satisfactory
- Console Game of the Year: Helldivers 2
- Most Wanted Game: GTA 6
- Critics’ Choice Award: Helldivers 2
- Best Game Expansion: Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
- Best Gaming Hardware: Steam Deck OLED
- Best Early Access Game: Lethal Company
- Best Game Trailer: Helldivers 2
- Streamers’ Choice Award: Chained Together
- Best Game Adaptation: Fallout
- Ultimate Game of the Year: Black Myth: Wukong
The Gaming Industry’s Bright Future
This year’s Golden Joystick Awards highlighted not just the successes of established franchises but also the growing impact of indie developers and new entrants. The diversity of games, ranging from the emotional depth of Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth to the bold innovation of Black Myth: Wukong, reflects an industry that continues to push boundaries.
Looking ahead, it’s clear that the gaming world is poised for even more groundbreaking achievements. With titles like GTA 6 on the horizon, we’re entering an era of gaming that promises to be as thrilling as ever.
FAQs
1. What is the Golden Joystick Awards?
The Golden Joystick Awards is one of the longest-running gaming award ceremonies, celebrating the best games, studios, and creators from the past year.
2. Who won Ultimate Game of the Year in 2024?
Black Myth: Wukong won Ultimate Game of the Year in 2024.
3. Which game won the most awards?
Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth won the most awards, claiming four in total.
4. What is the Critics’ Choice Award?
The Critics’ Choice Award is a prestigious honor selected by gaming critics, awarded to a game that showcases exceptional quality. In 2024, it was awarded to Helldivers 2.
5. What indie games were recognized?
Balatro, Another Crab’s Treasure, Lethal Company, and Chained Together were all recognized for their outstanding contributions to indie gaming.
6. What game adaptation won this year?
Fallout won the award for Best Game Adaptation, highlighting its successful transition to other forms of media.
7. What is the Most Wanted Game of 2024?
The Most Wanted Game for 2024 is GTA 6, which fans are eagerly awaiting.
