For this list, we decided to focus on games with at least two nominations (there are way too many with just one, so you won’t see titles like Dragon’s Dogma 2 here). Naturally, we’ve ranked them from least to most nominations, but you’ll notice that a lot of games are tied in the same category—especially those with just two nods.
Think there’s a game that deserved more recognition this year? (It’s a travesty that Nine Sols didn’t get nominated!) Drop your thoughts in the comments below! 🕹️
| © Konami
Nominations: Best Independent Game, Best Debut Indie Game
If you love games with pixel-perfect visuals and a sense of mystery, Animal Well is your next obsession. Set in a labyrinthine, atmospheric world, this Metroidvania-style game invites you to explore and solve puzzles while encountering creatures that are equal parts adorable and unsettling. Every corner hides secrets waiting to be uncovered, and the game rewards curiosity in the most delightful ways. It’s proof that even the tiniest pixels can pack a big punch. | © Shared Memory
Nominations: Best Ongoing Game, Best Community Support
Despite its original release date, Final Fantasy XIV continues to thrive in 2024 with its ever-expanding universe and incredible storytelling. This MMO offers breathtaking landscapes, compelling characters, and an ongoing narrative that feels like a series of epic novels rolled into one. Whether you’re crafting gear, raiding with friends, or just vibing with your Chocobo, the game’s heart lies in its thriving community. It's proof that sometimes, even the biggest comebacks can turn into legendary journeys. | © Square Enix
Nominations: Best Ongoing Game, Innovation In Accessibility
Diablo IV delivers the dark, brooding dungeon-crawling experience that fans of the franchise crave, with an open world full of demons, loot, and intense combat. This installment embraces its gothic horror roots, presenting a sprawling, cursed landscape where every corner hides danger. Whether you're slaying hordes of monsters solo or teaming up with friends, the visceral combat and endless loot make it hard to stop clicking. It's like the ultimate power fantasy, but with way more blood. | © Blizzard Entertainment
Nominations: Best Performance, Games for Impact
Life is Strange: Double Exposure dives back into the heart-wrenching, choice-driven storytelling the series is known for. This time, you follow a young photographer caught in a web of mystery and emotional turmoil, armed only with her camera and the ability to manipulate memories. As you navigate the stunningly atmospheric environments and gut-wrenching decisions, you’ll find yourself questioning what’s real and what’s worth sacrificing. Get ready to cry, contemplate, and probably cry some more. | © Dontnod Entertainment
Nominations: Best Debut Indie Game, Best Family Game
The Plucky Squire takes the concept of storybook adventures and flips it—literally—on its spine. You’ll follow Jot, a cheerful little squire, as he hops out of the pages of his 2D book into a vibrant 3D world. The game seamlessly blends 2D platforming with 3D exploration, and it’s as whimsical as it is innovative. Think of it as your childhood storybooks coming to life, except now you’re in control. | © All Possible Futures
Nominations: Best Multiplayer, Best Family Game
Leave it to Mario and friends to redefine the term "friendly competition." Super Mario Party Jamboree amps up the chaos with all-new minigames, zany boards, and some of the most hilariously unpredictable mechanics yet. Whether you’re sabotaging a friend’s progress or pulling off a last-minute victory, this party game proves there’s no such thing as too many red shells or golden stars. | © Nintendo
Nominations: Best Action Adventure Game, Best Family Game
Link is back, and this time he’s chasing after ancient relics in a world brimming with puzzles, dungeons, and (of course) Ganon’s mischief. Echoes of Wisdom blends the nostalgia of classic Zelda with breathtaking new mechanics, including the ability to manipulate echoes of past events. It’s a feast for fans of epic quests, tunics, and wildly creative gameplay. | © Nintendo
Nominations: Best Action Adventure Game, Innovation In Accessibility
The Lost Crown brings the iconic Prince of Persia franchise back to its roots with fast-paced combat, jaw-dropping acrobatics, and time-bending puzzles. You play as a young warrior navigating treacherous terrains, battling mythical enemies, and solving clever environmental challenges. It’s like the original trilogy grew up and got an even cooler makeover. | © Ubisoft
Nominations: Best Debut Indie Game, Best Sim/Strategy Game
If you’ve ever dreamed of ruling a medieval kingdom without the pesky threat of real plagues, Manor Lords is your jam. This city-building and RTS hybrid lets you design your dream fiefdom while fending off rival lords and the occasional rebellion. It’s as much about strategic planning as it is about admiring your beautifully rendered villages. | © Slavic Magic
Nominations: Best Multiplayer, Best Fighting Game
King of the Iron Fist Tournament is back with Tekken 8, delivering high-octane action, flashy combos, and all the family drama you’d expect from the Mishima clan. With stunning visuals and fluid gameplay, this entry raises the stakes for both veterans and button-mashing newbies alike. And yes, someone’s definitely getting thrown off a cliff. | © Bandai Namco
Nominations: Best Score And Music, Best Action Game
Sci-fi meets emotional storytelling in Stellar Blade, a gorgeous action RPG where you take on the role of Eve, a warrior fighting to save humanity on a desolate alien world. With fluid combat and a gripping narrative, this game proves that battling extraterrestrial threats can be both thrilling and heart-wrenching. | © SHIFT UP
Nominations: Best Ongoing Game, Best Community Support
The unstoppable juggernaut of gaming strikes again! Fortnite continues to redefine what a battle royale can be with its endless crossovers, creative modes, and evolving map. Whether you’re dodging Darth Vader’s lightsaber or cranking 90s to escape a flood, Fortnite always finds new ways to keep you coming back for "just one more match." | © Epic Games
Nominations: Best Action Game, Best Multiplayer
Strap on your power armor and prepare for some of the most satisfying alien-slaying action around. Space Marine 2 brings the Warhammer universe to life with its epic battles, grotesque Tyranid foes, and the unmistakable charm of Ultramarine brutality. This is the game that says, "Why solve problems when you can chainsword them?" | © Saber Interactive
Nominations: Best Narrative, Best RPG
Yakuza chaos meets tropical flair in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. This time, you’re hitting the sunny shores of Hawaii, but don’t let the palm trees fool you—it’s still packed with wacky mini-games, heartfelt drama, and absurdly over-the-top battles. Plus, Ichiban in a Hawaiian shirt? Instant win. | © Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Nominations: Best Performance, Innovation In Accessibility, Best Action Adventure Game
Step aside, Jedi—it’s time for the galaxy’s most wanted to take the stage. Star Wars Outlaws puts you in the boots of Kay Vess, a smuggler navigating the criminal underworld of a galaxy far, far away. With gorgeous visuals, gripping heists, and a lovable companion droid, it’s the perfect blend of Star Wars grit and glamour. | © Ubisoft
Nominations: Best Art Direction, Games for Impact, Best Independent Game
Neva is a bittersweet tale of survival and companionship in a world overrun by shadowy creatures. As a young woman bonded with a majestic wolf, you’ll journey through stunning, hand-drawn landscapes filled with danger and beauty. It’s a poignant reminder that even in darkness, there’s room for hope—and a little howl of courage. | © Nomada Studio
Nominations: Best Narrative, Best Audio Design, Best Performance, Games for Impact, Games for Impact
Prepare to be emotionally wrecked in the most visually stunning way possible. Senua's Saga: Hellblade II continues Senua’s harrowing journey through a haunting world shaped by her mental struggles. With jaw-dropping visuals and deeply immersive sound design, it’s a dark, unforgettable odyssey that redefines what storytelling in games can achieve. | © Ninja Theory
Nominations: Game of the Year, Best Game Direction, Best Art Direction, Best RPG,
In this highly anticipated expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree takes you back to the hauntingly beautiful world of Elden Ring, where death lurks around every corner. Packed with new areas, bosses, and lore, it’s another excuse to lose yourself (and your sanity) in FromSoftware’s punishingly gorgeous universe. | © FromSoftware
Nominations: Best Ongoing Game, Best Community Support, Best Action Game, Best Multiplayer
Grab your squad and get ready to "spread democracy" in the most chaotic way possible. Helldivers 2 cranks up the co-op action with bigger bugs, better weapons, and even more friendly-fire hilarity. Whether you’re saving planets or accidentally taking out your teammates, it’s all in the name of galactic freedom. | © Arrowhead Game Studios
Nominations: Best Audio Design, Innovation In Accessibility, Best Action Game, Best Multiplayer
The Black Ops series is back with its signature mix of high-octane action and mind-bending conspiracies. Black Ops 6 delivers explosive campaigns, intense multiplayer, and the kind of cinematic set pieces that make you feel like you’re in an action movie. Just remember, trust no one. | © Activision
Nominations: Game of the Year, Best Game Direction, Best Art Direction, Best Action Game
Enter the breathtaking world of Black Myth: Wukong, an action RPG inspired by the Chinese classic Journey to the West. With jaw-dropping visuals, fast-paced combat, and mythical enemies galore, this game is a visual and gameplay masterpiece. Plus, who doesn’t want to wield a staff that can grow bigger at will? | © Game Science
Nominations: Game of the Year, Best Game Direction, Best Independent Game, Best Debut Indie Game, Best Mobile Game
This roguelike deck-builder takes strategy to a whole new level. In Balatro, you’ll craft decks and tackle challenges with clever twists and unexpected surprises. It’s a game that rewards both cunning and a bit of luck, making every run feel fresh and unpredictable. Who knew cards could be this thrilling? | © Meh Games
Nominations: Best Narrative, Best Score And Music, Best Audio Design, Best Performance, Best Action Adventure Game
The remake of Silent Hill 2 brings the terror of the original to a whole new generation with updated visuals and immersive gameplay. You’ll once again step into James Sunderland’s shoes, exploring the foggy town and uncovering its haunting secrets. It’s creepy, emotional, and utterly unforgettable. | © Konami
Nominations: Game of the Year, Best Game Direction, Best Narrative, Best Art Direction, Best Score And Music, Best RPG
From the creators of Persona, Metaphor: ReFantazio blends high fantasy with the psychological depth we’ve come to expect. With an epic story, gorgeous visuals, and compelling characters, this RPG takes you on a journey that feels as personal as it is grand. Trust us—you’re in for a ride. | © Atlus
Nominations: Game of the Year, Best Game Direction, Best Art Direction, Best Score And Music, Best Audio Design, Best Action Adventure Game, Best Family Game
Astro Bot is back, and this time, he’s pulling out all the stops. This platformer dazzles with clever level design, adorable characters, and VR integration that immerses you in Astro’s world like never before. It’s pure joy in video game form, with enough charm to make even the grumpiest gamer smile. | © Sony
Nominations: Game of the Year, Best Game Direction, Best Narrative, Best Score And Music, Best Audio Design, Best Performance, Best RPG
The second chapter in the Final Fantasy VII Remake saga, Rebirth expands the world of Midgar into an epic open-world adventure. With stunning visuals, revamped combat, and emotional storytelling, it’s a love letter to fans old and new. Get ready to laugh, cry, and fight your way through one of gaming’s most beloved stories. | © Square Enix
The Game Awards 2024 are just around the corner, and the excitement is at an all-time high. This year’s nominees showcase the best of what gaming had to offer—from breathtaking storytelling and stunning visuals to innovative mechanics that kept us glued to our screens.
Some games, however, stood out from the crowd, racking up nominations across multiple categories. Curious to know which titles are leading the pack? Let’s dive into the most-nominated games of this year’s Game Awards!
