The PlayStation Game of the Year 2024 awards recently concluded, marking an exciting time for gamers worldwide. This year’s awards saw an impressive turnout, with over 1.6 million votes cast globally, reflecting the passion and enthusiasm of the gaming community. The awards spanned 19 categories, and the winners were determined solely by the popular votes of PlayStation fans. The event celebrated not only the winning titles but also the creativity and hard work of the developers and teams behind these games, whose efforts have been enjoyed by players on PlayStation consoles across the globe.
Understanding the Categories
Before delving into the winners, it’s essential to comprehend the guidelines that shaped each category:
- Best Multiplayer Experience: This category focused on games released in 2024, spotlighting titles that offered exceptional multiplayer experiences. In contrast, the Best Ongoing Game category recognized games that received substantial new content or transformative updates over the past year.
- Best Rerelease: This category included games that primarily featured upgraded visuals and quality of life improvements, remaining faithful to their original versions. Full-scale remakes of older titles were not part of this category; instead, they were eligible for Game of the Year consideration.
- Eligibility: Some titles were not included due to the poll closure date, but they will be considered in the following year’s awards. Additionally, any title that secured a Platinum Trophy in a category in previous years was excluded from the same category this year, allowing new titles to shine. For instance, Grand Theft Auto VI was not included in The Most Anticipated Game of 2025 and Beyond category, as it previously earned the Platinum in 2023’s Awards.
A hearty congratulations goes out to everyone who released titles this year, contributing to a vibrant and diverse gaming landscape.
Best New Character
In the Best New Character category, the top contenders emerged from a pool of characters that resonated with players. The largest number of write-in votes were received in this category, highlighting the passionate fanbase behind these characters. The standout winner was Eve from Stellar Blade, earning the Platinum Trophy. The Gold Trophy was awarded to Jane Harrow from Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, while Emmrich Volkarin from Dragon Age: The Veilguard received the Silver Trophy. Ryoma Sakamoto from Rise of the Rōnin rounded out the category with the Bronze Trophy.
Best Story
The Best Story category presented fierce competition. This year’s titles included captivating narratives from Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Stellar Blade, alongside unforgettable remakes like Silent Hill 2 and Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth. The race for the top position was incredibly close. Ultimately, Silent Hill 2, with its surreal and haunting narrative, took the top spot. The remake by Bloober Team and Konami successfully captured the dreamlike essence of the original, enhanced with high-fidelity graphics that added depth to the story.
Best Graphical Showcase
In 2024, players were treated to breathtaking visuals that pushed the boundaries of what is possible in gaming. Stellar Blade and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth showcased realistic styles, while Astro Bot captivated players with its vibrant and playful worlds. However, it was Black Myth: Wukong that claimed the Platinum Trophy for Best Graphical Showcase. The game impressed players with its stunning environments, including towering mountains, dense forests, and glistening snowfields, demonstrating the visual prowess of the PS5.
Best Art Direction
The Best Art Direction category celebrated games that brought top-tier artistic visions to life. Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, and Silent Hill 2 were notable contenders. Ultimately, Team Asobi’s Astro Bot took the top prize. The game’s clever design paid homage to classic game characters and featured inventive stages with unique visual elements, earning it the Platinum Trophy.
Best Audio Design
Astro Bot also led the way in the Best Audio Design category. The game’s rich soundscape, from Astro’s footsteps to the dynamic audio of his power suits, created an immersive auditory experience. Silent Hill 2, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and Stellar Blade also delivered exceptional audio designs that enhanced their respective atmospheres.
Best Soundtrack
Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth secured the Platinum Trophy for Best Soundtrack, continuing the legacy of its original game, which is celebrated for its iconic music. The game’s tracks were beautifully enhanced with broader instrumentation, captivating players once again.
Best Use of DualSense
Developers made excellent use of the DualSense controller’s features in 2024, adding depth to gaming experiences. Astro Bot, the winner of the Platinum Trophy for Best Use of DualSense, showcased how the controller’s capabilities can enhance gameplay, making the adventure even more engaging.
Best Accessibility Features
Accessibility in gaming is crucial, and Team Asobi’s Astro Bot excelled in this area, winning the Platinum Trophy. The game’s design incorporated high contrast visuals, an Access Controller-friendly control scheme, and innovative haptic feedback, ensuring a wide range of players could enjoy the adventure.
Best Multiplayer Experience
Helldivers 2 emerged as the winner in the Best Multiplayer Experience category, offering players thrilling cooperative gameplay. Whether teaming up with friends or working with strangers online, the game provided an engaging and dynamic multiplayer environment.
Best Ongoing Game
Fortnite secured the Platinum Trophy for Best Ongoing Game, continuing to captivate players with its constant updates, innovative content, and endless possibilities. The game has become a cultural phenomenon, offering diverse experiences that keep players coming back for more.
Best Expansion
Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansion claimed the top spot for Best Expansion. It introduced a wealth of new content, including challenging boss fights, a new map to explore, and numerous gameplay enhancements, enriching the already expansive Elden Ring universe.
Best Sports Game
EA Sports FC 25 dominated the Best Sports Game category, earning the Platinum Trophy. The game’s new features, including the FC IQ and 5v5 Rush mode, offered players strategic control and engaging gameplay, making it a standout in the sports gaming genre.
Best Rerelease
The Last of Us Part II Remastered took the Platinum Trophy for Best Rerelease, delivering impressive visual enhancements and new challenges that made it a definitive version of the game.
Best Independent Game
Balatro, a unique roguelite game that reimagines poker, won the Platinum Trophy for Best Independent Game. Its engaging gameplay and innovative mechanics captivated players, securing its spot as a fan favorite.
Best PS VR2 Game
Resident Evil 4 VR Mode claimed the top prize in the Best PS VR2 Game category, offering an immersive horror experience that resonated with players. The game successfully adapted the thrills of the franchise for virtual reality, delivering an unforgettable experience.
Best PS4 Game
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 emerged as the winner in the Best PS4 Game category, offering a gripping campaign, the return of Zombies mode, and exciting multiplayer action that captivated players on the platform.
Best PS5 Game
Astro Bot secured the Platinum Trophy for Best PS5 Game, providing a delightful platforming adventure that resonated with players. Its immersive gameplay and charming design made it a standout title in 2024.
Studio of the Year
Team Asobi earned the Platinum Trophy for Studio of the Year, captivating players with their work on Astro Bot. The studio’s dedication to creating engaging and innovative gaming experiences was recognized and celebrated by fans.
Most Anticipated Game of 2025 and Beyond
Ghost of Yōtei claimed the Platinum Trophy for Most Anticipated Game of 2025 and Beyond. As players look forward to a new year of gaming, this title, along with other exciting releases like Marvel’s Wolverine and Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, promises thrilling adventures and unforgettable experiences.
In conclusion, the PlayStation Game of the Year 2024 awards celebrated the creativity, innovation, and passion of the gaming industry. The diverse range of categories highlighted the exceptional talent and dedication of developers and teams worldwide, whose efforts have enriched the gaming experience for players around the globe. As we look forward to the future of gaming, the anticipation for upcoming titles and continued innovation remains as strong as ever.
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