The Game Awards, run and hosted by Geoff Keighley, have announced their Game of the Year nominees. What's surprising (and controversial) is that it even includes DLC this time around, with Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree announced as one of the nominees alongside Astro Bot, Balatro, Black Myth: Wukong, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Metaphor: Refantazio.
Other nominees for Best RPG, Games with Impact and Best Art Direction were also announced, and Game of the Year nominees were featured in several other categories.
If you've fallen behind in playing video games this year for whatever reason but want to see what the fuss is about before casting your vote, here's how to find and play all of Game of the Year 2024 nominees.
How to play all of the Game of the Year 2024 nominees
Described as a "supersized adventure," Astro Bot celebrates the PlayStation console and its 30-year history. You'll meet PlayStation legends like Kratos and Aloy and enjoy some of the best platforming we've ever seen.
Astro Bot is a PS5 exclusive, so you won't be able to play it on any other platform.
An indie from developer LocalThunk and publisher PlayStack, Balatro is a poker roguelike that can grab your attention with its gameplay, only for you to look up and realize you've been playing for several hours. Mesmerizingly fun, it's not hard to see why it became such a loveable pastime.
Balatro is available to play on PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, iOS, Android, Mac and Xbox Series X/S.
Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG rooted in Chinese mythology. The story is based on the Chinese literature tale of the Journey to the West and you, the player, take on the role of the Destined One who ventures out to find out the truth behind a fabled legend.
Black Myth: Wukong is available to play on PC and PS5.
The Game Awards 2024 shocked everyone by selecting Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, a DLC, as a Game of the Year nominee. That doesn't stop it from being one of the most beautiful additions to Elden Ring, changing the game so stunningly that it feels incomplete without it.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is available to play on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. You must have Elden Ring, the base game before you can play it. Here's a complete guide on how to start the DLC.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth picks up directly after the beloved Final Fantasy VII Remake, thrusting players back into the shoes of Cloud. Keeping true to the original, this game sought to create its own identity and succeeded for the most part. It is a timeless classic and one not to miss.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is available to play on PS5.
Metaphor: ReFantazio is undoubtedly one of Atlus's most stylish and innovative games to date. When it was released this year, it was a delightful surprise for RPG fans. Set in a fantastical world where the throne is vacant, the game explores the chaos that this emptiness brings to the land. Atlus's latest title highlights why their games are so beloved by players.
Metaphor: ReFantazio is available to play on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S and PC.
What are The Game Awards 2024 Game of the Year Nominees?
- Astro Bot
- Balatro
- Black Myth: Wukong
- Elden Ring: Shadow of Erdtree
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Metaphor: ReFantazio