The Game Awards 2024 proved to be a monumental event for the gaming industry, delivering a spectacular lineup of announcements, trailers, and unexpected surprises. Held at the iconic Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, the event celebrated the year’s best games while offering gamers a tantalizing glimpse into the future of gaming. From the reveal of The Witcher 4 to the announcement of Elden Ring Nightreign, the show featured a diverse array of highly anticipated titles. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the biggest announcements and highlights from this year’s event.
Astro Bot Wins Game of the Year
Among the night’s many milestones, Astro Bot by Team Asobi took home the prestigious Game of the Year award. This PS5-exclusive title captivated players with its innovative mechanics and endearing charm. The ceremony also saw Balatro, a breakout roguelike deckbuilder, winning multiple awards, including Best Debut Indie Game, Best Independent Game, and Best Mobile Game. While the awards themselves were a highlight, the announcements stole the spotlight.
Major Announcements at The Game Awards 2024
The Witcher 4: A New Saga Begins
CD Projekt Red delighted fans by unveiling the first cinematic trailer for The Witcher 4. This new installment in the beloved franchise confirms Ciri as the protagonist, marking a significant shift from the Geralt-centric narrative of previous games. The trailer’s final moments, however, teased Geralt’s voice, hinting at his potential involvement. While no release date has been announced, the game is set to launch on PC and current-gen consoles, continuing its tradition of immersive storytelling and expansive open-world design.
Elden Ring Nightreign: Cooperative Survival in a Dark World
FromSoftware and Bandai Namco surprised audiences with Elden Ring Nightreign, a standalone multiplayer co-op survival game set in the hauntingly familiar world of Elden Ring. Players can form squads of three or brave the world solo, facing formidable bosses and navigating a harsh, unforgiving landscape. With a planned release in 2025, Elden Ring Nightreign will be available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam. This innovative take on the Elden Ring universe promises a unique blend of cooperative and solo gameplay.
The Outer Worlds 2: A New Adventure in Arcadia
Obsidian Entertainment finally unveiled a gameplay trailer for The Outer Worlds 2, promising a fresh adventure in a new colony called Arcadia. This sequel expands on its predecessor’s RPG mechanics, allowing players to recruit companions and explore a vibrant world filled with dynamic quests. Scheduled for release on Xbox Series X/S, PC, and PS5, the game will also be available on Game Pass from day one, offering more weapons, graphics, and action-packed gameplay.
Split Fiction: Co-Op Adventure by Josef Fares
Hazelight Studios’ Josef Fares took the stage to announce Split Fiction, a two-player co-op action-adventure game. Known for titles like It Takes Two, Fares promised an engaging experience where players switch between sci-fi and fantasy worlds. Each level introduces new mechanics, ensuring a diverse and immersive journey. Scheduled for release on March 6, 2025, Split Fiction will launch on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms.
Project Century: A Dark Yakuza Spin-Off
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, famous for the Yakuza series, revealed Project Century, a gritty action game set in 1915. The trailer showcased intense combat, a rich open world, and a darker tone than the traditional Yakuza games. While no release date has been announced, the game’s unique historical setting and visceral gameplay have already captured fans’ attention.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword
Capcom surprised fans with the announcement of Onimusha: Way of the Sword, marking the return of the iconic series. Set in Edo-era Kyoto, the trailer highlighted brutal sword combat, challenging enemies, and a visually stunning historic setting. The game is slated for release in 2026 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, offering fans a modernized take on the classic action series.
Okami Sequel: The Return of Amaterasu
After 18 years, Capcom and director Hideki Kamiya revealed a sequel to the critically acclaimed Okami. The teaser showcased the iconic ink wash art style, vibrant colors, and the return of the beloved white wolf, Amaterasu. Although the release date remains unknown, the trailer’s evocative visuals and music promise a nostalgic yet fresh experience for fans.
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet – Naughty Dog’s Next Masterpiece
Naughty Dog closed the show with a bang, revealing Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. This new franchise combines retro-futuristic aesthetics with sci-fi action. The studio also announced The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, launching for PC on April 3, 2025. Scored by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, Intergalactic is shaping up to be another groundbreaking title for the PS5.
Additional Announcements and Teasers
- Borderlands 4 and Mafia: The Old Country received first-look trailers, with both games scheduled for 2025.
- A teaser for a new game by Fumito Ueda, director of Shadow of the Colossus, hinted at a project codenamed “Project Robot.”
- Square Enix revealed Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth for PC, arriving January 23, 2025.
- Sequel announcements for Slay the Spire and Dave the Diver rounded out an already packed event.
FAQs
1. What were the biggest announcements at The Game Awards 2024? The Game Awards 2024 featured major announcements like The Witcher 4, Elden Ring Nightreign, and Naughty Dog’s Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. Other highlights included Onimusha: Way of the Sword and the Okami Sequel.
2. Who won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024? Astro Bot, developed by Team Asobi, won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024.
3. What is Elden Ring Nightreign? Elden Ring Nightreign is a standalone co-op survival game set in the Elden Ring universe, featuring squads of three or solo gameplay. It’s set for release in 2025.
4. Is The Witcher 4 releasing soon? No release date has been announced for The Witcher 4, but it will be available on PC and current-gen consoles.
5. What new projects did Naughty Dog announce? Naughty Dog announced The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered and their new sci-fi action game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.
