The Golden Joystick Awards 2024: A Celebration of Gaming Excellence, with a Focus on Indie Titles
The Golden Joystick Awards, a prestigious celebration of gaming achievements since 1983, is back! The 42nd annual awards ceremony, taking place on November 21st, 2024, will honor games released between November 11th, 2023, and October 4th, 2024. This year marks a significant rise in recognition for indie games, with titles like Balatro and Lorelei and the Laser Eyes receiving multiple nominations.
A noteworthy addition this year is a dedicated category for self-published indie games, acknowledging the growing impact of smaller development teams working independently. This award specifically highlights studios without the backing of larger publishers, expanding the definition of "indie" within the gaming landscape.
Here's a glimpse at some of the nominated titles across various categories:
Key Award Categories and Nominees:
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Best Soundtrack: A Highland Song, Astro Bot, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Hauntii, Silent Hill 2, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
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Best Indie Game: Animal Well, Arco, Balatro, Beyond Galaxyland, Conscript, Indika, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, Thank Goodness You’re Here!, The Plucky Squire, Ultros
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Best Indie Game - Self Published: Arctic Eggs, Another Crab’s Treasure, Crow Country, Duck Detective: The Secret Salami, I Am Your Beast, Little Kitty, Big City, Riven, Tactical Breach Wizards, Tiny Glade, UFO 50
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Console Game of the Year: Astro Bot, Dragon’s Dogma 2, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Helldivers 2, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
(A full list of nominees across all 19 categories can be found on the official website.)
Voting and Controversy:
Fan voting is currently open, with nominees selected by a jury comprising prominent gaming publications. The voting period runs until November 8th, 2024. The Ultimate Game of the Year (UGOTY) shortlist will be announced later. The omission of several fan favorites, including Black Myth: Wukong, from the initial Game of the Year nominations sparked considerable online debate. The organizers clarified that the UGOTY nominees are yet to be revealed, addressing fan concerns.
Voting participants are eligible to receive a free ebook as a thank you for their participation.
This year's Golden Joystick Awards promise a thrilling conclusion, celebrating the breadth and depth of the gaming world, from established giants to burgeoning indie sensations.
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