We’ve heard another awards present can also be making an attempt to steal our thunder and muscle in on our territory at this time, however who desires to journey to Los Angeles for a star-studded occasion anyway? The actual motion, and the true appropriate opinions, are proper right here.
2024 has been a fairly good 12 months for video games, hasn’t it? There’s been some absolute bangers – although as with the final couple of instances we’ve written this text, that must be famous with an acknowledgement that it’s additionally been a disastrous 12 months for job losses and with it huge losses of expertise from all angles of the trade: sport improvement, publishing and advertising, and even our colleagues within the media. That bit continues to suck.
However there’s a lot to acknowledge this 12 months. Right here, we have a look again on the issues that stood out to us. When you’re achieved, why not take somewhat journey down reminiscence lane with our illustrious 2023 winners?
The Nostradamus Prize: Change 2 Clout Chasers
“Nintendo might lastly give followers a have a look at the Change 2 throughout an imminent Direct convention,” one mainstream newspaper web site breathlessly reported again in 2024. The article mined tweets from varied influencers and media podcasts. One analyst went as far as to peg a date vary on the announcement; these dates dutifully handed unmarked. When the fabled direct didn’t materialize, one other outlet known as it “the start of the top”.
The primary spherical of Change 2 launch leaking got here in simply the second week of January, saying the machine can be revealed quickly and out in September. By September, we had been nonetheless studying leaks. Months after that, a YouTuber speculatively declares, “Nintendo will point out the Change 2 this week”, a daring prediction certainly when monetary updates are due and even them saying ‘We’ve no updates on the successor to the Nintendo Change’ counts as a ‘point out’ that may be desperately mined for YouTube views. It’s a sample that has repeated just about all 12 months.
Commenters arrive at a savage conclusion: “Don’t you get uninterested in mendacity for clout?” one asks. “These so-called leakers throw 50 darts at a dartboard, 1 hits a bullseye and abruptly they’re ‘respected’,” snarls one other.
That is the uncommon occasion the place the offended commenters are proper, . The Change is exhibiting its age although, and persons are completely determined for information a few successor. However that’s additionally led to this 12 months being an absolute banner 12 months for the carnival of silly that’s individuals making educated guesses dressed up as ‘leaks’ that prove to not be that educated, straight-up mendacity, and simply typically exhibiting their arse on-line searching for a little bit of clout.
As we’ve opined earlier than, admittedly in barely completely different circumstances, the entire leaker tradition is silly. And being falsely edged for a complete 12 months that Change 2 data is imminent isn’t going to get it in your palms any sooner or make the nut any sweeter when you possibly can lastly purchase one – so can all of us simply take heed to all these things much less in 2025, please?
Greatest Style: Remasters
Are remasters a style? Pay attention, shut up, who cares. For the needs of this award we’re saying they’re, and we make the foundations. The purpose is 2024’s gaming line-up was carried largely by some nice rereleases of wonderful bygone video games, and since no-one “critical” goes to offer them any awards, we’re right here to be unserious however trustworthy about some video games we have liked enjoying in 2024. We’re courageous sufficient to inform the reality, you see.
It is troublesome to spotlight the very best remaster of 2024, as a result of there have been as many must-play rereleases this 12 months as there have been must-play releases within the olden days the place video games weren’t out there digitally on-demand and in addition the trade wasn’t on fireplace. We’re not speaking about your Silent Hill 2s or your Closing Fantasy 7s right here – nothing so fancy as a whole reimagining – simply video games that obtained a recent coat of paint and perhaps a shiny new picture mode or one thing earlier than they discovered their manner onto the newest consoles. Hey, not less than taking one other cross at a online game for brand new {hardware} 20 years down the road is smart from a preservation perspective, in contrast to another media we might point out. (Image our collective arduous stare at each early 2000s sitcom that introduced a reboot this 12 months.)
Not like at sure different awards ceremonies that shall stay anonymous, no person this is going to pointedly begin enjoying music over the affectionate shout-outs, however we’re conscious that this has already gone on for a bit, so (deep breath in) what a 12 months it was to play high-quality rereleases of Ace Lawyer Tomb Raider Damaged Sword MySims Little Large Journey Till Daybreak Useless Rising Lollipop Chainsaw Luigi’s Mansion 2 Clock Tower Paper Mario Marvel Vs Capcom Destiny/keep evening Persona 3 Braid Brothers The Factor I really like you mum and pa goodnight!
Greatest Silly Identify that Really Makes Sense: Useless Rising Deluxe Remaster
When Capcom introduced Useless Rising Deluxe Remaster with a valiant however inevitably doomed try and get #DRDR trending, it appeared solely proper and pure to react to the sport’s identify with a roll of the eyes. We get a variety of this kind of phrase soup in video games; at a sure level it simply washes over you.
It’s true, to be honest, that the ‘Deluxe’ bit was solely added to this identify as a result of a cheap-and-cheerful ‘right here’s the unique at the next decision and steady fps’ model of the unique sport already launched again in 2016 and remains to be out there on retailer fronts. However what? ‘Deluxe Remaster’ is definitely an awesome moniker for what Capcom’s second Useless Rising re-release is.
Trapped between a rock and a tough place, the place ‘remaster’ speaks to that cheaper launch and ‘remake’ conjures up pictures of the plush Resident Evil reimaginings, Capcom invented a brand new class. Useless Rising is the best-looking remaster of the 12 months, and a extra cynical writer would have simply known as it a remake. However I might truly see this one having some legs. Okami Deluxe Remaster, anybody? Avenue Fighter 4?
Technological pioneer award: Ubisoft
What a 12 months for Ubisoft. However, look previous the present information surrounding a possible buyout and also you’ll see this 12 months has been an bold 12 months of technical innovation for the corporate. It confirmed off an early construct of an AI NPC-powered sport expertise the place you possibly can inform a vibrant forged of characters about your background as an Olympic pole vaulter and your means to interrupt right into a two-story constructing by hovering by way of the sky. This, in fact, ends in a digital clean stare and monotone amazement at your athletic capabilities.
Or what about its NFT sport – Champion Ways! A sport so scorching sizzling on the NFT development that it was launched with out a lot fanfare, being dominated by a sole participant. Initially thought to have been a cheater, it turned out that an in-game bug funneled gamers his manner crowning the man as some pseudo Sephiroph determine. An unbeatable rival blessed by the crypto gods to by no means lose.
Additionally price mentioning as a facet word is that Ubisoft was additionally the primary ever writer to launch a quadruple A sport this 12 months! Cranium and Bones shocked the world with its long-awaited launch and definitely gained hearts and minds with its boundary-pushing design and visible constancy. By no means earlier than has scavenging from a derelict ship been so participating.
Ubisoft just isn’t the one writer to chase such tendencies in fact, firms like Sq. Enix have exclaimed loudly their intention to embrace the controversial tech, however few firms have proven as clearly the deserves of doing in order the French big. To this, we should provide applause, until in fact one in every of these tasks one way or the other manages to make a billion {dollars}, wherein case we’ll sit right here somewhat perplexed by the entire ordeal. Better of luck!
Greatest Sport for Folks with Again Issues: Fantasian
Video video games have been round for some time now, and which means a few of us are extremely aged. Closing Fantasy is pushing ever nearer to forty years outdated, and even for those who hopped on board bright-eyed and bushy-tailed within the sequence’ PS1 heyday, you’re now possible pushing 40 your self.
Fantasian is a wonderful love letter to old-school RPGs. The evaluations had been somewhat far and wide, and it’s straightforward to see why: for those who come to those Japanese-style RPGs for story and vibes, Fantasian in all probability is fairly common – however for those who’re an outdated, nerdy git who likes actual crunchy RPG techniques, it’ll blow your rattling thoughts, which is why our specialist nerd buddies over at RPG Web site named it their 2021 GOTY when it was an Apple Arcade unique, thereby solely aimed on the restricted venn diagram centre of ‘uber saddos’ and ‘iOS consumer. Now, it’s on all the things, for everybody.
Simply as crunchy because the RPG fight for these people is the brittle bones of their backbone. However because the sciatica radiates and cripples, you possibly can not less than accomplish that whereas having fun with a number of the greatest turn-based fight round in a sedentary place. One of the best of each worlds!
Life imitates artwork award: Bethesda dropping a nuke on Fallout London
Fallout is a sequence in regards to the hubris of mankind, doomed to destruction by its ceaseless pursuit of revenue and progress – but additionally its unbreakable will to outlive within the face of overwhelming adversity. The irony of this lesson in mild of Fallout: London’s tumultuous 2024 shouldn’t be misplaced on anybody.
Did we actually assume that Bethesda and Xbox would let an enormous funds, main streaming service adaptation of one in every of its greatest identified and greatest properties cross with out a recent replace to its final good Fallout sport? Console Warfare by no means modifications.
And so, with the Prime sequence sextupling The Commonwealth’s inhabitants nearly in a single day, the long-awaited next-gen 4K and efficiency improve patch for Fallout 4 dropped, and promptly broke just about each mod going, simply two days earlier than the scheduled launch of Fallout: London after 5 years of improvement.
When it lastly emerged from the wreckage two months later, mutated with additional arms and glowing just like the Canary Wharf skyline it so painstakingly recreates, Fallout: London stunned us all.
Regardless of all the things, it was nonetheless among the finest video games of the 12 months – and simply retains getting higher with patches of its personal. Sure, it was buggier than an entomologist’s backpack and boasted an set up course of so bewildering that you just obtained a BTEC in pc science when you hit the title display. However once you’re lastly enjoying, it has an immersive, genuine power that nearly wholly captures the basic Bethesda RPG really feel that Fallout 76 rejected and Starfield overlooked.
So, if you need a correct Fallout expertise, simply with extra Wombles, baked beans and soccer hooligans, make a journey to buggy London city – if ya assume yer ‘ard sufficient.
Greatest Supporting Actor(s): Barret & Yuffie, Closing Fantasy 7 Rebirth
In a optimistic transfer for the trade, we’re speaking about and acknowledging the actors behind online game characters increasingly more now, celebrating voiceover and movement seize performances – however generally, it’s good to additionally discuss in regards to the holistic complete
Barret & Yuffie are, in a manner, the hidden stars of FF7 Rebirth, although the story beats and narrative nature of the pair within the sport signifies that these behind the characters are unlikely to be nominated for any ‘main’ awards. However by way of a mix of good movement seize, nice care in hand-animated particulars, and beautiful voice performances in each English and Japanese, they quietly steal a bunch of the scenes they’re in.
Barret is the grumpy dad of the group; Yuffie the plucky child. Opposites entice, however they’re additionally the identical: two individuals bonded by a visceral hatred, solid in loss, of sure gamers in FF7’s story. Usually, as different characters do the necessary stuff in FF7 Rebirth’s lavish cutscenes, this pair are enjoying round on the edges. In case you take your eye off the foreground, you’ll typically subtly see their relationship growing nearly however not fairly off-camera.
They’re nearly all the time as much as one thing, forging this twisted revenge-driven father-daughter relationship. A lot of this, I think about, has been completed by cutscene animators by hand – and it’s an consideration to element few video games have. I watch background performances like this typically in movie and TV – however seldom in video games. In Rebirth, this unlikely duo catch my eye – as a result of they’re pitched brilliantly.
Most Improved: Summer time Video games Fest
Credit score the place credit score is due: Summer time Video games Fest started to really feel a bit extra like a very worthwhile occasion this 12 months. Nearly all of VG247’s workers are within the UK – and which means it’s various journey to get out to the large video games showcase in LA. We attended both manner, clearly – however in 2023 it didn’t actually really feel price it. In 2024, although, it… kinda slapped? Publishers confirmed up, Keighley’s individuals had organizationally taken on suggestions… it was considerably higher each for followers on-line and for these of us on the bottom.
Perhaps time is a flat circle. There was a time when E3 turned unwieldy, unfriendly, and too costly for enterprise, improvement, and media organizations alike. However now, it does really feel somewhat like we’re coming again round to a ‘lite’ model of E3 once more, with bigger exhibits, separate showcases, and never only a handful of stands however a number of mini ‘campuses’ dotted across the Higher Los Angeles space. Xbox particularly actually channeled the ‘basic’ E3 power with their big providing, whereas a spread of publishers really introduced their A-game to the principle SGF Campus.
Certain, it’s nonetheless in an space of city the place for those who wander a block or two within the flawed course you would possibly get caught with a grimy hypodermic. However that’s LA, child! Get straight in a cab and inform them to drive quick. However the video video games – the video video games component felt manner higher this 12 months. We’ve missed the summer season showcases, and if it is a glimpse on the future trajectory, it would simply be that they’re again for actual.
CEO of the Yr: Intel’s Pat Gelsinger
Intel has had an unimaginable 12 months. And by unimaginable, we imply they’ve been an unmitigated catastrophe. The corporate has had a spread of cock-ups, though the very best by far is its 14 sequence CPUs, which have routinely been burning out and failing. Intel blamed motherboard suppliers for clocking too excessive, these suppliers blamed Intel, and players who’d spent lots of on high-end CPUs watched them overheat and die, steadily delivering increasingly more soul-crushing blue screens till they turned nugatory.
Right here on VG247, one member of workers ended up working by way of two 14900K CPUs earlier than getting a 3rd that truly seems to now be steady long-term. It’s a complete mess, and if you need the total particulars you’re greatest off referring to absolutely the legends at Players Nexus, who break all of it down in unflinching element and have been chasing Intel’s spiral for fairly some time now.
The actual beneficiary right here is rival AMD, which is definitely seeing extra individuals flip to ‘Workforce Pink’ for his or her CPUs. After which there’s the Intel CEO, who has been compelled out of the corporate however little doubt with a parachute manufactured from stable gold. However, hey – not less than he’s excited about his workers.
“I might invite you to affix me in praying and fasting for the 100K Intel workers as they navigate this troublesome interval,” the not too long ago departed CEO not too long ago posted on X. On the time of printing, it’s not clear if the ability of prayer can do something to assist damaged CPU clocks – or if the fasting and prayers are additionally being prolonged to the 15% of Intel’s workforce which were reduce this 12 months.
Greatest Bounce Scare: Silent Hill 2 Remake truly being nice
The remake of Silent Hill 2 was introduced again in late 2022 to a blended reception. Many had been overjoyed to see Konami reviving its legacy IP, one which finally helped form the survival-horror style as we all know it, however others had little belief left within the writer to do the revival justice. In spite of everything, the Silent Hill sequence in recent times has been removed from good.
This was exacerbated when Bloober Workforce had been revealed because the developer of the remake. Recognized for Layers of Concern and The Medium most notably, many did not have the very best of hopes for the developer. For a lot of – us included – its video games didn’t evoke the identical kind of heightened concern required to make one thing like Silent Hill 2 work. Moreover, Silent Hill 2 was a product of the time when it was made. How might anybody try and recreate that magic in 2024?
Finally, the playing cards had been stacked in opposition to Bloober Workforce. So, when the press lastly obtained their palms on the sport – sharing glowing previews and high overview scores – within the lead as much as launch, the most important leap scare of the 12 months was that Bloober Workforce’s Silent Hill 2 was, truly, good. The developer defied all expectations – a few of them, admittedly, unfair – and delivered a greater remake than most Silent Hill followers might’ve ever imagined. It is a wholly new reimagining of the unique sport, but it surely managed to seize the tone and sheer terror of it is predecessor completely, whereas remaining extremely devoted – and additional enhancing – the story of James Sunderland.
Put it this fashion, no person will probably be doubting the capabilities of Bloober Workforce once more anytime quickly.
The Jim Trinca memorial Award for the Podcast with the Weirdest Vibes: Official Xbox Podcast
At VG247, we all know a factor or two about awkward podcasts. We’re house to Jim Trinca’s Greatest Video games Ever podcast, in spite of everything, and so this award exists in honor of Jim within the wake of his dying earlier this 12 months (he now works at Eurogamer, which is pretty much as good as lifeless to us).
Irrespective of how good at making issues awkward Jim is – or Tom for that matter, along with his bloody infinite tales – we couldn’t hope to take house the gong for the weirdest vibes in a online game podcast. At the least not this 12 months, when Microsoft plopped out a 22-minute dialogue amongst its executives – most of that are excruciating.
Amidst what definitely seemed to be a comms and messaging tailspin over what Xbox video games would come to different platforms, a slick manufacturing was laid on, the Xbox executives sitting in a snazzy void, peppered with well-reasoned questions from a journalist-turned Xbox worker. The execs shuffle of their excessive stools, the stench of company panic
“Let’s simply deal with the exclusivity query,” Spencer kicks off, revealing that 4 Xbox video games would go to different platforms. This was finally teasing issues like Pentiment coming to Change, with Spencer then noting that Indiana Jones was not one of many 4. Six months and 5 days later, Indy was confirmed for PS5 anyway.
We at VG247 genuinely just like the clear manner the Xbox staff operates, and there’s a variety of benefit to their given technique of pondering past the console. However this podcast simply felt bizarre. And on reflection, a variety of it simply appears like a lie. Not even a promise of long-term library preservation and next-generation Xbox {hardware} might actually put it aside. Actually, if it’s between this and listening to Jim speak about his oaxters… we’ll take the oaxters.
