2024’s Game of the Year: Astro Bot
A Family-Friendly Sci-Fi Adventure
Video game "Astro Bot" has been named 2024’s Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024. This platform game, featuring the adventures of a small space robot, was also awarded "best family game", "best game direction", and "best action/adventure game" at the ceremony.
Sales and Accolades
The game has sold more than 1.5 million copies according to Sony, which owns the 65-person Japanese studio Team Asobi responsible for the mega-hit. Onstage at the Peacock Theater, Team Asobi’s French chief Nicolas Doucet praised the studio for designing a game that "put the user first".
The Game Awards: The Oscars of the Digital Entertainment Industry
As video games have exploded into the mainstream, The Game Awards have emerged as the industry’s most prestigious prize for developers. Last year’s ceremony garnered 118 million global livestreams, according to organisers. By comparison, the movie industry’s 2023 Academy Awards pulled in fewer than 19 million viewers, according to US media.
Other Winners
Medieval fantasy saga "Metaphor: ReFantazio" was another major winner on Thursday, taking the titles of "best role-playing game" and "best narrative". The game was also produced by a Japanese studio – Atlus – and published by gaming giant Sega. Poker game "Balatro" won "best mobile game" and "best independent game".
Celebrity Appearances and New Game Announcements
For their eleventh edition, The Game Awards invited celebrities including actor Harrison Ford and rapper Snoop Dogg, who performed a song from his new album "Missionary". The ceremony also announced new games, including "Intergalactic" by Naughty Dog studio, the developers behind "The Last of Us". Hazelight Studios founder Josef Fares – whose previous title "It Takes Two" won the highest award in 2021 and sold more than 20 million copies – announced a new sci-fi and fantasy game "Split Fiction".
Industry Challenges
Ceremony host Geoff Keighley also acknowledged the "sad reality" of widespread layoffs plaguing the industry. "Over the last three years we’ve lost more than 34,000 jobs," he said. "This has consequences. You can’t make great games without great people."
Conclusion
The Game Awards 2024 has recognized the excellence in the gaming industry, with Astro Bot taking home the top prize. The ceremony has also highlighted the challenges faced by the industry, including widespread layoffs. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how developers and publishers adapt to these challenges and continue to create innovative and engaging games.
FAQs
- What is The Game Awards?
The Game Awards is an annual ceremony that recognizes excellence in the gaming industry. - Who won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024?
Astro Bot, a family-friendly sci-fi adventure, won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024. - How many copies has Astro Bot sold?
According to Sony, Astro Bot has sold more than 1.5 million copies. - What other awards did Astro Bot win at The Game Awards 2024?
Astro Bot also won "best family game", "best game direction", and "best action/adventure game" at The Game Awards 2024.