The lights go on, the energy becomes electric, and the countdown begins. For gamers worldwide, December 12 is more than a date—it’s a moment—a moment of unity and revelry in the craft, innovation, and community that define gaming today. Welcome to The Game Awards 2024.

From humble beginnings to the Oscars of the gaming world, the Game Awards have found a special place in the heart of the industry. This event is hosted by Geoff Keighley, a Canadian video game journalist, television presenter, and face synonymous with gaming culture.

A decade of celebration

For its 10th anniversary, the Game Awards promise an unforgettable showcase. This year, the event will be held on December 13, 2024, from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm PT. It will be streamed across platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok, making it accessible to millions.

The event, which features categories ranging from Game of the Year to Best Esports Athlete, highlights the diversity of modern gaming. In addition to the awards, fans can expect exclusive game announcements, live musical performances, and appearances by gaming icons. 

The Game Awards always boast a stellar lineup of presenters, performers, and industry legends. In previous years, talent has been featured, such as actor Keanu Reeves, developer Hideo Kojima, and Imagine Dragons’ musical performances. This year promises more stunners, though names are secret for now.

A night of contenders

This year’s Game Awards have signaled several of the most innovative titles of 2024, each different in showing where the future of gaming can go. The main event is the Game of the Year award (GOTY). Last year’s winner was Baldur’s Gate 3, developed by Belgian software house Larian Studios.

Nominees for this year’s GOTY range in spectrums of many titles. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth continues the iconic RPG saga with a deep narrative and impressive visuals. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is only a DLC, but it has very expansive content and world-building, though its nomination raises questions about including expansions in this category. Metaphor: ReFantazio – unique RPG mechanics and profound philosophy. Black Myth: Wukong combines action RPG gameplay with Chinese mythology. Astro Bot is a VR-centered title that surprises with its innovative mechanics and charm. Lastly, the dark horse in this year’s nominees, Balatro, is a rogue-like deck-builder with a theatrical twist.

Anticipation and speculation

The Game Awards are also known for their surprises. World premieres, shocking announcements, and celebrity appearances make it a night to remember. Rumors about new footage of Grand Theft Auto VI or Death Stranding 2 have fans hyping.

Concurrently, the event’s inclusivity shines through categories like Games for Impact, while the Innovation in Accessibility category highlights how games reach out to new, broader audiences. Life is Strange could pride itself on some Games for Impact awards in the past, given how it powerfully handled emotional storytelling and complex characters, focusing on impactful themes such as mental health, identity, and personal choice.

Also, nominees for Best Ongoing Game at The Game Awards prove that live-service games continue to evolve years after release. Apex Legends and Fortnite are an able lot in that category, especially since the title requires them to remain fresh even after continuous updates. Apex is going strong due to its dynamic gameplay, seasonal updates, and new characters, keeping the battle royale experience exciting and ever-evolving. Meanwhile, Fortnite has framed a new paradigm of what live service titles should look and feel like, pulling off a nonstop stream of in-game events, collaborations, and crossovers that engage millions of players worldwide.

A legacy in the making

When the curtains rise on December 13, fans will be treated to a reflection of how far gaming has come as an art form. Whether a sprawling space adventure took the top prize, a nostalgic JRPG, or a haunting psychological tale, the night promises to honor the diversity and passion that keep the industry moving forward.

Get your controllers ready, mark the date, and tune in as the world discovers who will be etching their name in the gaming history at The Game Awards 2024.