The ceremonies will have a specter of controversy hovering over them this year, however.
The Game Awards is back with another ceremony, revealing the numerous nominees for its various awards categories. First, let's take a look at some of the more notable nominations:
Game of the Year
Black Myth: Wukong
Balatro
Astro Bot
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Metaphor: Refantazio
Best Game Direction
Black Myth: Wukong
Balatro
Astro Bot
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Metaphor: Refantazio
Best Narrative
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Metaphor: Refantazio
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II
Silent Hill 2
Best Action/Adventure Game
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Astro Bot
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Star Wars Outlaws
Silent Hill 2
Best Family Game
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Princess Peach: Showtime!
Super Mario Party Jamboree
The Plucky Squire
Best Multiplayer Game
Super Mario Party Jamboree
Tekken 8
War Hammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
Helldivers 2
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
There are many other categories besides these that are up for grabs, which you can see in full for yourself at this link. While this is all well and good, sadly there's a bit of a dark cloud hovering over the proceedings owing to a couple of external factors related to the show.
First off, it's being alleged that Geoff Keighley, who runs The Game Awards, is petitioning the US Patent and Trademarks Office to make "game awards" his exclusive title to use for an awards show about video games. This could cause some turmoil for other outlets and creators seeking to produce their own awards shows celebrating video games, something that has not been lost on Internet pundits and critics.
Another issue hanging over The Game Awards is word that DLC, remasters, remakes, and other similar game content is now eligible for nomination in any of The Game Awards various award categories. This has also stirred up some debate online among fans who are frustrated by the change. How this might impact The Game Awards in 2024 remains to be seen. We'll all find out together on December 12, 2024 when the broadcast hits the web.
Source: The Game Awards Website