With the end of 2023 came many Game of the Year awards, the most popular being the official GOTY given by Geoff Keighley’s The Game Awards. There were loads of excellent options to choose from in 2023, with Baldur’s Gate 3, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Alan Wake 2, and many more phenomenal titles released last year. As we enter 2024, that begs the question, which new releases will be up for Game of the Year this time around?
It goes without saying that no one knows every single video game release happening throughout the course of 2024. There are always a few surprises, a few pushbacks, the rare push-forward and release sooner than originally announced, and even a shadow drop or two. So, with the knowledge we have as of the start of January 2024, what are some of the clear Game of the Year 2024 candidates? Here are some very early predictions.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
First, one of the most obvious choices for 2024’s Game of the Year is Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, which is set to release on February 29, 2024. Part 2 of the Final Fantasy 7 remake is expected to be as good, or better, than the first. Given that the previous release from a few years ago is often a favorite among gamers, it would be no surprise to see Rebirth at the top of many lists throughout 2024. The remake from 2020 has a very high score on Metacritic, 87, which is extremely impressive. Although nothing is certain, gamers can likely expect a complete video game with plenty of content, few bugs, a well-optimized experience, and fun gameplay with a compelling, or at least entertaining, story.
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Next, another Game of the Year candidate is Dragon’s Dogma 2, which comes out on March 22nd. For those who have played the first installment of the RPG, you already know what to expect. The first game is one of the more underrated RPGs of all time. It’s got everything most could ask for as far as exploration, story, combat, and loads of content. There’s lots to love about the original Dragon’s Dogma game, so there’s really no reason not to believe the second game won’t be far better. From what we’ve seen of the new release, it looks like a new and improved version, and one can only hope the developers have learned a lot from a few other highly successful open-world RPGs in recent years. However, one thing that might hurt this title’s chances at Game of the Year is popularity. As of right now, it’s not exactly mainstream, so the common player isn’t likely to pick it up, especially at release. There’s always a chance that it’s so good when it comes out the franchise sees a huge boom in popularity, though.
Black Myth: Wukong
Thirdly, Black Myth: Wukong is a bit of a dark horse for a Game of the Year candidate, though it’s entirely possible. It’ll depend on a few things which include the quality of the game, from performance to content, and how many other great games end up releasing over the course of the year. The action RPG is being developed by the Chinese studio Game Science and is slated for an August 20th release date. Back in 2021, the studio announced the game was moved to Unreal Engine 5, which gives a lot of gamers hope for its quality. Though this means it’ll likely look amazing, optimization is another story that’s yet to be seen. Although, it looks very promising in the gameplay videos the developer released to the public, which gained plenty of attention on YouTube. Being a new IP, it’ll suffer from the same problem as Dragon’s Dogma unless it’s reviews are so good it reaches mainstream popularity. One can only hope.
Hades 2
Hades 2 is a title we’re pretty confident will be incredible, and good enough to earn itself a spot on plenty of Game of the Year lists. Unfortunately, there is no official release date yet, but the developers did say it should come out sometime during 2024. Supergiant Games, a studio that makes nothing but absolute bangers, is sure to deliver with the sequel to its 2020 action roguelike. So far, it seems like Hades 2 is taking everything from the first game, which was amazing, and received a whopping 93 on Metacritic, and making it bigger and better. A new playable character, new abilities, new gods, new environments, new music, and so much more await us in the next iteration of one of the best roguelikes of all time. Fans of the genre, and Hades, will rejoice when this one comes out, and we’d be surprised if it wasn’t a surefire candidate for Game of the Year 2024.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
Another game without an official release date for the 2024 calendar year, Hellblade 2 will come out sometime in 2024, according to Ninja Theory. For those who haven’t played the original game, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, we highly recommend picking it up. The first game delivered one of the best horror atmospheres you’ll experience in a game. Additionally, it features phenomenal storytelling, challenging combat, fun-to-solve puzzles, and a stellar soundtrack. Moreover, voice and motion capture acting is top-tier for the first game, with Senua actress Melina Juergens receiving a few honors for her first performance. As with Hades 2 and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, we expect all of this and more from Hellblade 2. If Ninja Theory can deliver on all fronts, which everything we’ve seen so far screams that it will, it should be a frontrunner for a top-five spot on most gamer’s Game of the Year list.
Dark Horse Game of the Year 2024 candidates
- Skull & Bones (February 16th) – Do we trust Ubisoft to put out a new IP and have everything run smooth and better than it’s biggest competition, Sea of Thieves? Only time will tell for this one.
- Princess Peach: Showtime! (March 22nd) – Nintendo games are always an option because you never know when one will surprise you and just be an absolute 10 out of 10. This one would be a pleasant surprise.
- Hyper Light Breaker (TBA) – Hyper Light Drifter gives us no reason to believe this game won’t be incredible. How incredible will it be, is the real question.
- No Rest For the Wicked (TBA) – Moon Studios made the Ori games, which are both phenomenal. We expect nothing but high quality from them, and this new IP looks amazing so far.
- STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl (TBA)- Did you play the original STALKER game? Do you like really good first-person shooters? It’ll be good, but how good?
- Star Wars Outlaws (TBA) – Will this even come out in 2024? It’s supposed to, but don’t be surprised if it’s pushed back three more times. Or comes out in 2025. Or is canceled.
DLCs and Expansions of the Year
We’re not firm believers that DLCs and expansions of previously released games should count as Game of the Year candidates. However, it’s worth mentioning that there are a few slated for release that are surely going to be some of the best video game content to come out in 2024.
- Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (TBA) – Since the original game is a 10 out of 10, why wouldn’t this be? This should be on your most anticipated list over most new game releases if you’re an Elden Ring fan.
- Destiny 2: The Final Shape (TBA) – Is this the final expansion we’ll ever see for Destiny 2? Is Bungie dropping the franchise altogether? Whatever happens, Destiny fans have one more thing to look forward to.
- Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail (TBA) – Just like Destiny, if you’re a fan of the Final Fantasy 14 MMO, there’s no reason not to get excited about the next big expansion.
