Opinion - 2024 Game of the Year Chase
The Games that have the most potential to be the Game of the Year
Geoff Keighley’s Game Awards have proven to be very polarizing despite the high views and ratings the show gets. Whatever your opinion of the show, it’s, at the current moment, the closest thing to the Oscars. With that being said, like I did last year, I’m putting my first of a few lists looking at the potential for the games released to win the Game of the Year award. Like last year, I’ll determine how likely they are to win. I’ll come back to this a few more times before the actual show. Lastly, this is all just subjective, so don’t take this as me claiming this to be the official word. So, let’s get started.
Least Likely
Games that will get some hype in the community, but I don’t see getting the nomination.
Persona 3 Reload - This one has a low chance because it’s in a popular but niche franchise, and it’s a remaster/remake as well.
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden - The game got positive scores, but the media didn’t fall in love with it, and gamers in social media circles seem to have passed it up.
Princess Peach: Showtime! - There tends to be at least one Nintendo game in the nomination, but this one won’t be it. Despite getting good reception, it didn’t get the hype that most Nintendo titles get.
Rise of the Ronin - Much like Banishers, a game that got a positive reception but wasn’t to the levels that a GOTY nominee usually gets.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes - I’ve seen some hype for this one in social media circles, but the media seemed to like it more than love it.
Tales of Kenzera: Zau - As much as I and others liked this one, I didn’t get the love it needed to have a chance.
Nine Sols - The problem with this one is that not only is it niche, but it didn’t get the needed traction for hype, possibly due to it being a PC exclusive at the moment.
Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD - It’s a basic remaster, so no go on this one.
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn - I’m hyped for this game, but the reviews were mixed.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree - This one is tricky because it's an expansion, and I don’t think it would qualify. That being said, I can see Geoff making some random exception for it, which would rocket it up to very likely.
Could Sneak In
Games that could surprise people and barely get into the nomination.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II - Despite some mixed to positive reviews and the gaming media not falling in love with it, I think if the field gets weak enough, it could sneak in.
Helldivers II - While there are exceptions, including 2016 winner Overwatch, mainline multiplayer games don’t tend to get a nomination. Still, the hype levels around this game are high enough that it could get in.
Dragon’s Dogma II - When this game first came out, it seemed to be getting enough love to be a contender, but now that’s died down, and people are more open about its flaws.
Likely
Games that are more likely to get the nomination but not favored depending on the field.
Animal Well - Every year, an indie title tends to get into the nomination, and right now, this one has the best chance to pull it off.
Tekken 8 - Got a great reception from gamers and media, but it's a fighting game, which means its chances take a hit, especially with so much more coming.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown - Got the necessary recipe to get into the conversation with media reviews and gamer mindshare. But like Tekken 8, with so much on the way, its changes are going to drop.
Bet on It
Games that I would be shocked if they didn’t to get the nomination.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - This series is on fire and has been pushed into the mainstream. This entry feels like it could be the first to make it to Game of the Year for the franchise.
Stellar Blade - Stupid fighting and petitions aside, the hype among gamers and the media is enough to get it this far.
The One to Beat
The favorite game to win it all.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
I don’t see any game not winning it all outside of this one - at least for now. That doesn’t mean it won’t change because the second half of this year will be stacked with competitors. My guess is that a game will come along and challenge this, but for now, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the one to beat for the 2024 Game of the Year award.
Future
Games that will enter the discussion after release. These are the titles that are definitely going to enter the conversation, but we need to see how they are received and how much they take over the gaming mindshare.
Black Myth: Wukong - There is a lot of hype for this one, if it comes out to incredible reviews, it has a shot to at least get consideration.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle - If it scratches the Uncharted itch, we may have a contender against Rebirth.
Star Wars Outlaws - I feel like this could be a runaway success both commercially and critically.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom - If any Nintendo game makes it, I think it’s this one.
Silent Hill 2 Remake - There is a lot to prove for Bloober Team, but I don’t see it.
Metaphor: ReFantazio - The JRPG genre doesn’t do well getting this nomination, unfortunately, but we can’t rule it out yet.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 - I doubt it unless the game has a mind-blowing campaign.
Assassins Creed: Shadows - Like Outlaws, it needs to pick up a perfect storm to have a chance, and it might just do that.
Avowed - If this is another Outer Worlds situation, I see it getting far.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard - This one is a guarantee if they nail their goals.
I’ll update this list in a few months and focus on an actual ranking. Right now, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the favorite. But with all these awesome games on the way, that can change.