The Game Awards 2024: Everything You Need to Know About This Year’s Biggest Gaming Event

3 Key Takeaways:

1. The Game Awards 2024 isn’t just about awards it’s a massive stage for ground breaking game reveals and trailers. Expect premieres from big names like Borderlands 4 and Hazelight Studios.
2. Major contenders for the Game of the Year prize include heavyweights such as Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and Black Myth: Wukong.
3. The event streams on December 12th at 7:30 PM ET across multiple platforms, including YouTube, Twitch, and even inside Fortnite, ensuring gamers everywhere can tune in.

A Night of Gaming Spectacle: What Are The Game Awards?

The Game Awards, hosted annually by gaming industry veteran Geoff Keighley, has become more than just an award show it’s the gaming world’s version of the Oscars, Super Bowl, and a blockbuster movie premiere, all rolled into one. While the awards themselves hold significant prestige, let’s be honest: the event is really all about the world premieres, jaw-dropping trailers, and star-studded performances.

This year, the stakes are higher than ever. Whether you’re into action-packed gameplay reveals, a sneak peek into the future of gaming, or just watching the industry celebrate its top talent, this is the one gaming event you won’t want to miss.

Big Reveals You Don’t Want to Miss

While Geoff Keighley always keeps a few surprises up his sleeve, here are the major highlights we know are coming to The Game Awards 2024:

1. Borderlands 4 Gameplay Premiere

Fans of the Borderlands franchise can rejoice this year marks the first official gameplay reveal for Borderlands 4. Known for its irreverent humour, chaotic combat, and vibrant cel-shaded art style, the next installment in this iconic series is sure to be a showstopper. Gearbox Software has promised to shake things up with new mechanics and a fresh approach to storytelling. Will this be the Borderlands game that redefines the series?

2. Hazelight Studios’ Next Big Hit

Hazelight Studios, the team behind the critically acclaimed It Takes Two, is set to unveil their next project. Given their track record of delivering innovative co-op experiences, expectations are sky-high. Can they deliver yet another game of the year contender? Time will tell, but all signs point to another bold, emotional, and highly creative title.

3. More From Palworld, Mafia, and Dying Light

Other confirmed appearances include:

• Palworld: A Pokémon-meets-survival genre mashup that has intrigued gamers with its mix of cute creatures and heavy weaponry.
• Dying Light: The zombie parkour series is back with what seems to be a major new update or installment.
• Mafia: The Old Country: This prequel to the beloved Mafia franchise promises a gripping story and plenty of cinematic action.

4. Kojima Alert: What’s Next?

It wouldn’t be The Game Awards without an appearance from legendary game developer Hideo Kojima. Whether it’s an update on Death Stranding 2 or a completely new project like Overdose (OD), Kojima fans will want to keep their eyes peeled.

The Contenders for Game of the Year

This year’s competition for Game of the Year (GOTY) is stacked with some of the most ambitious and acclaimed titles we’ve seen in recent memory. Here’s the lineup:

• Astro Bot: The plucky little robot from Astro’s Playroom has returned in what many are calling one of the most creative platformers in recent years.
• Balatro: A dark horse contender, Balatro has been praised for its unique take on storytelling and gameplay mechanics.
• Black Myth: Wukong: This visually stunning action RPG, inspired by Chinese mythology, has been wowing audiences since its first teaser.
• Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree: FromSoftware’s highly anticipated expansion to the already legendary Elden Ring.
• Final Fantasy VII Rebirth: Square Enix’s continuation of its reimagining of Final Fantasy VII is already being hailed as a masterpiece.
• Metaphor: ReFantazio: A brand-new RPG from the creators of Persona, blending fantasy with stylish gameplay.

Each nominee brings something unique to the table, but only one can take home the crown. Will Elden Ring dominate yet again, or will a newcomer steal the spotlight?

How to Watch The Game Awards 2024

The ceremony kicks off at 7:30 PM ET on December 12th, and, true to form, it’ll be available to stream on pretty much every platform you can think of. Whether you’re on YouTube, Twitch, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, or even Fortnite, there’s no excuse to miss it. Here’s a quick guide to make sure you’re ready:

• Streaming Platforms: YouTube, Twitch, X, Facebook, Instagram, and more.
• Inside Fortnite: Yes, you can watch the event live in Fortnite’s metaverse. This immersive option might be perfect for die-hard gamers looking to experience the awards in a virtual setting.
• Global Access: No matter where you are in the world, there’s a platform available to stream. Just make sure you have a reliable internet connection and some snacks on hand!

Why The Game Awards Matter

The Game Awards have grown into a cultural phenomenon, representing not just an industry milestone but a celebration of what gaming means today. It’s a night where players, developers, and creators come together to honour the medium we all love. And while the awards themselves are important, it’s the community and shared excitement that truly make the event special.

Think about it: Where else can you see surprise game announcements, emotional speeches, and an orchestra playing iconic gaming soundtracks all in one place?

What to Expect: A Night of Surprises

If past shows are any indication, we can also expect:

• Unexpected Celebrity Guests: Who doesn’t remember Keanu Reeves’ “You’re breathtaking” moment?
• Live Performances: The musical performances at The Game Awards are always a highlight, with past years featuring orchestras and live renditions of iconic soundtracks.
• World Premieres: Keep an eye out for never-before-seen games and updates from your favourite franchises.

FAQ

1. When and where can I watch The Game Awards 2024?
The event starts on December 12th at 7:30 PM ET. You can stream it on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and even Fortnite.

2. Are tickets available for an in-person audience?
Yes, The Game Awards typically sell tickets for a live audience. Check the official website for availability.

3. What are the major game announcements this year?
Expect premieres for Borderlands 4, Hazelight Studios’ next title, and updates for Palworld, Dying Light, and Mafia: The Old Country.

4. How are the winners decided?
The awards are determined through a mix of public voting and input from a panel of industry experts.

5. Will Hideo Kojima make an appearance?
While not officially confirmed, Kojima is a frequent collaborator with The Game Awards, so there’s a good chance we’ll see something from him.