The Game Awards 2024 is rapidly approaching, promising an unforgettable night for gamers worldwide. With a year of incredible releases behind us and highly anticipated titles on the horizon, this year’s show is not to be missed. Whether you’re a seasoned Game Awards veteran or a first-time viewer, this guide has everything you need to know about watching the show and what exciting announcements to expect.
Tuning In to The Game Awards 2024
Experiencing The Game Awards is easier than ever, with options to suit every fan. For those in Los Angeles, tickets to the live show at the Peacock Theater might still be available. However, for the vast majority, live streaming offers the most convenient way to join the celebration. The show will be broadcast globally across various platforms, including the official The Game Awards channels on YouTube, Twitch, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook Live, Instagram, and TikTok.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfnUQ-qKsdQ[/embed]
RELATED: The Game Awards Partners with Amazon for Sales on 2024’s Best Games
Show Times and Pre-Show Details
Mark your calendars! The Game Awards 2024 kicks off on December 12th at 5pm PST/7pm CT/8pm EST. But the excitement begins even earlier with the “Opening Act” pre-show, starting at 4:30pm PST/6:30pm CT/7:30pm EST. This half-hour lead-in will feature select awards presentations (typically in the esports and sports categories), along with game reveals and trailers. Last year’s Opening Act showcased trailers for games like The Case of the Golden Idol, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake, and Game of the Year contender Metaphor: ReFantazio. Returning to host the Opening Act is Sydnee Goodman, a familiar face who has helmed the pre-show since 2019.
What Awaits at The Game Awards 2024?
This year’s event promises a captivating blend of awards, celebrity appearances, musical performances, and of course, world premiere reveals.
Game of the Year and Other Awards
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9blwxyOXuRI[/embed]
The heart of The Game Awards lies in recognizing the year’s best games. The competition for Game of the Year is particularly fierce, with the following nominees vying for the coveted title:
- Astro Bot
- Balatro
- Black Myth: Wukong
- Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Metaphor: ReFantazio
The full list of nominations is available online. Astro Bot and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth lead the pack with seven nominations each, followed by Metaphor: ReFantazio with six, and Balatro, Black Myth: Wukong, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, and Silent Hill 2 each securing five nominations across various categories. Last year, Baldur’s Gate III triumphed, claiming Game of the Year alongside awards for Player’s Choice, Best Multiplayer, Best RPG, Best Community Support, and Best Performance for Neil Newbon’s portrayal of Astarion.
Star-Studded Presenters and Musical Guests
The Game Awards always attracts a stellar lineup of presenters from the worlds of gaming, film, and television. This year’s confirmed presenters include industry icons like Hideo Kojima (director of Death Stranding and Metal Gear Solid) and Sam Lake (director of Alan Wake and Control), along with acclaimed voice actress Laura Bailey (Abby in The Last of Us Part II, Kait Diaz in Gears of War), actor Aaron Paul (Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad), and even Muppets Statler and Waldorf. The list continues to grow, with additions like actresses Ella Purnell (Jinx in Arcane) and Isabela Merced (Dina in The Last of Us Season 2), and game director Todd Howard (The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Fallout 4).
Adding to the excitement, The Game Awards will feature musical performances by artists with strong gaming connections. Confirmed performers include Twenty-One Pilots, d4vk, and Royal and the Serpent (all featured in Arcane Season Two), alongside hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg (featured in Fortnite). The Game Awards Orchestra, led by composer Lorne Balfe, will also return, featuring the renowned flautist Pedro Eustache.
World Premiere Reveals and Highly Anticipated Updates
The Game Awards serves as a platform for unveiling upcoming games and providing updates on highly anticipated titles. Confirmed reveals and announcements include a look at the final Year One season pass character for Tekken 8, the first gameplay trailer for Borderlands 4, a full reveal of Mafia: The Old Country, an announcement from creative director Rebb Ford regarding Warframe: 1999, a glimpse at the next project from Hazelight Studios (led by Josef Fares, director of Game of the Year winner It Takes Two), announcements for Palworld, Dying Light: The Beast, and STALCRAFT: X, and a special trailer for Hunt: Showdown: 1896 & Post Malone’s Murder Circus.
Further announcements remain shrouded in secrecy, but speculation is rife. With the tenth anniversary of The Game Awards, expectations are high for major reveals. Given past collaborations, appearances from companies like Microsoft and Nintendo are possible, along with announcements from previously nominated studios. With E3’s absence, The Game Awards has become a crucial venue for showcasing upcoming games. Last year saw reveals of Death Stranding 2, Marvel’s Blade, Monster Hunter Wilds, Visions of Mana, and five remakes of classic SEGA games (Golden Axe, Jet Set Radio, Shinobi, Streets of Rage, and Crazy Taxi).
The Game Awards 2024 is shaping up to be a landmark celebration of gaming. Get ready for a night of awards, announcements, and entertainment.
