Uncovering the Hidden Gems and Snubs of the 2024 Game Awards

Innovation in Accessibility: BioWare's The Veilguard

The Game Awards' voting jury showed some interesting decisions when it came to BioWare's latest game. While The Veilguard secured one nomination for Innovation in Accessibility, it was notably absent from key categories where it might have been expected to compete. With a Metacritic rating of 82, a Game of the Year nomination seemed out of reach, even though it was one point higher than Black Myth: Wukong, which did make the cut. This raises questions about the jury's priorities and the perception of the game.

Moreover, The Veilguard did not score nominations in areas where BioWare games typically excel, such as Best Narrative and Best Performance. It also missed out on the Best Role-Playing Game category, which was exceptionally strong this year. Three of the five nominees in this category (Metaphor: ReFantazio, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree) also secured Game of the Year nominations, while the other two (Dragon's Dogma 2 and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth) are unconventionally excellent. BioWare and publisher EA must have been disappointed after a decade of development.

Sports/Racing Games: EA Sports College Football 25

It was a surprise not to see the much-loved EA Sports College Football 25 score a nomination in the Sports/Racing Game category. Given the broad international makeup of the jury, this might be a factor. However, the absence of this game from the nominations is notable, as it has a passionate fan base and high review scores. It's possible that other games in the category simply stood out more to the jury.

The Sim/Strategy Game category also had some omissions. Satisfactory and Tactical Breach Wizards, two games with dedicated fan bases and high review scores, were missing from the nominations. Either of these games might have taken the slot of the Age of Mythology remake. This highlights the competitiveness of the category and the difficulty of getting nominated.

Indie Games: A Deep Dive

The intensely competitive indie categories always present a challenge, as it's impossible to please everyone. But with 15 games nominated across Independent Game, Debut Indie Game, and Games for Impact, there are some hidden gems to be found. Games like Arco and 1000xResist offer unique experiences that might not be as widely known.

However, it's important to note that not all indie games make the cut. Some games with great potential are overlooked, while others rise to the top. This highlights the importance of having a diverse jury that can appreciate the full range of gaming experiences.

Surprises and Notables

There were several surprises among the nominations. Four nominations for Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 was unexpected, as the game has largely disappeared from the discourse since its May release. Four nominations for DLC in the form of Shadow of the Erdtree is without precedent, showing the growing importance of downloadable content in the gaming industry.

Black Myth: Wukong breaking through in the Game of the Year category despite its comparatively weak critical reputation is definitely noteworthy. It shows that there is more to a game than just critical acclaim, and that popularity and fan support can play a significant role.

Finally, the five nominations for one-man-band card game Balatro are a testament to the creativity and talent in the gaming industry. It's inspiring to see such a small team achieve such recognition.