Game Award Winner Predictions vol.2

 *And now for the 2nd year in a row and the only host at this point that will do these, put your hands together for your host Sam Harrison*

Hello again to all of you wonderful people to once again have a prediction from yours truly where today I will be doing a similar approach to last year where I will be giving a focus and come up with some of the predictions as to who I feel may have the most likely chance of winning big at this years upcoming now annually event of The Game Awards, hosted by the entertainment host himself of Geoff Keighley. Now in the likes of every year there is a lot of different categories, nominations and announcements that come from this event and in the basis as well there will be some of the awards that I will most likely skip over in the similar nature to the previous event which is with the likes of the choice on the e-sports and creator award choices (with probably only exception being with E-Sports Game) and with the ones that are taken out we are looking at providing my quick thought insights into what my predictions of the event will be and will see if my accuracy will be better or worse from last year or if it will be like this years Oscars where I got all but 1 right in accuracy but you never know with this event and I will wrap it up with a quick predictions on what may be unveiled or shown at said event but that will come at the end. But enough of the formal introductions and running down the events and let us get to talking about the predictions on The Game Awards 2024 and my choices for each of them.

Games to rage as a group to: Best E-Sports Game

So we start off the award predictions with the focus of one of the few topics that focus on the likes of the multiplayer aesthetic and that comes with the side of the epic games that would be seen on the massive world stage and that comes in the realm of the E-Sports and there is a selection of games that it comes down to deciding between which game will come out on top as the best game for this year in the realm of E-Sports. These nominees include

Counter Strike 2

DOTA 2

League of Legends

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang 

Valorant

So it is for sure there is a lot of choice with this category of games with all of them having a massive audience and appeal with many tournaments and mass audience on streams and many have a chance of winning. There is a case I feel that it may come down to at least 2 that have the most mass appeal from it all with one of them going off of an adaptation that may help appeal with it more and feel it may be the CSGO successor that has improved since launch not too long ago, the classic multiplayer MOBA that has seen a mass appeal from the recent Netflix series adaptation and I feel in that regards it will come down to either one cause it seems like they are the ones that are often on every E-sports event every year so it could be another straight win but strange things can happen when we least expect it, so we will see how it comes about.

Choice and Runner Up: Counter Strike 2 and/or League of Legends 

Games that will come eventually: Most Anticipated Game

Now of course we can have all the nominees for the games that have released over the last year that their is a lot of games that we may know about from the likes of upcoming or ideas of when we may see them happen in the future and while there is a lot more titles that could be a part of the selection here but there is the 5 titles that have seen a mass appeal or discussion since their unveiling and who we have an idea of when we may see them release and the nominees for anticipated game include:

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

Ghost of Yotei 

Grand Theft Auto VI

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Monster Hunter Wilds

So it is quite the choice and sure many of them have the 2025 release and one does have a release date for Late February, but I feel with this category there is clearly one winner of a game that has been hyped for over a decade, when the trailer dropped the internet lost its mind and it is always a case that people say the next hint of footage is in the moon of the previous title and that is the Next Grand Theft Auto title as it was going to be that one that sweeps this category. If it was not that one I would put my bets on the long awaited 4th Metroid title as a runner up as it has been a much longer wait for that one but its definitely going to be that games win overall

Winner/ runner up: GTAVI and Metroid Prime 4 Beyond

Why Play it when you can watch it: Best Adaptation

Now I have briefly mentioned with the likes of the first category, it is a case that we have seen a lot of projects in the past get adapted into a different format where instead of the games that are played on all the different consoles, we have the choice to watch them on the form of our Tvs or on the big screen and it looks like all the nominees for this years one are in the former option as we have had very little in film (besides one that is not out yet as of writing) and the other was a massive flop but in the basis of choice for the shows is pretty good and the nominees include:

Arcane (Netflix)

Fallout (Prime Video)

Knuckles (Paramount+)

Like a Dragon: Yakuza (Amazon Prime)

Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft (Netflix)

IN all the case I have not finished all of them yet but have seen most and they are all pretty good and if I had to choose which ones that it may come down to it will be the likes of Arcane and Fallout as both of them have been the most highly praised of all the shows for this year, they give so much respect for their projects, tell engaging stories and strong casts and if one faltered over the other it would help benefit each of them. I feel the likes that Arcane might get the slight advantage given it is its very last season but if anything it will be down to these 2 shows for sure.

My Picks and Prediction winner: Arcane or Fallout

Gaming expanding for every: Best innovation in accessibility

One aspect that has definitely seen some massive improvements over the years is the element of being more open and having so many more games be more accessible to those that may have a little bit more difficulty when it comes to games such as sight or hearing issues as well as other elements like colour blindness, in game functions to help get an idea of where things may be and many more for each game and it seems to be these 5 nominations that have seen the most appeal in having the best in terms of their accessible methods.

Call of Duty Black Ops 6

Diablo IV 

Dragon Age the Veilguard

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Star Wars Outlaws

So what I have learned overtime while I was looking at the likes of how well games do Accessibility, it seems that even while the likes of their reputation and appeal has massively dropped over the last few years, the one company that seems to do it very well is with the studio of Ubisoft, which probably explains why 2 of the nominees are their titles of a return to a dromant series in a stylish 2.5D game and the other being a new open world game based on the galaxy far far away and I feel the likes as well as what I have seen online that its the top choice most will go towards as a possible safe bet but unless the likes of Biowares Dragon Age or Diablo has added something that changes the game and becomes the new head honcho for accessibility then I am willing to see how it turns out. Sure in a case I do not know too much on the likes of using these features usually but I feel either one may have a clear chance

Winner Prediction: Prince of Persia

Runner Up: Star Wars Outlaws

Teamwork may make the dream work: Best Multiplayer

Now on the category that I would be more then willing to try a bit but its a case that I either don't have the time, the games or many people to play them with and that is with the likes of the Multiplayer genre, where there is plenty of variety to go with from fighting each other to fighting for democracy or proving who is the ultimate Superstar and the choices below are the five that stood out as the best of the year in terms of Multiplayer.

Call of Duty Black Ops 6

Helldivers 2

Super Mario Party Jamboree

Tekken 8

Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2

As you can see on the likes of these choices that their is a bit of a variety to go through from earlier this year to more recent, but if there is a title that had the biggest pop off and appeal for most of this year, I feel it may be the reign of the win for democracy as it is a case that the game has seen the biggest mass appeal to a project over the last year that has died down a little since its peak from launch to about April/May that even with an issue of a dumb concept by Sony, it still managed to be a mass appealing game and I feel the likes of the award will go to them but never say never if people want to see the classic Run and Gun series take the award or a game that causes more conflicts and ending of friendships and relationship over the likes of one f***ing coin

Winner Prediction: Helldivers II

Digital Sports: Best Sports / Racing game

As for a section I do not have the most appeal or play in is the aspect of the concept of the games based on sports / racing or similar style of games and it usually seems close to how every year looks in general but who is to say we cannot at leas bring us the mention as to the nominees of Best Sport or Racing Game

F1 24

EA Sports FC 25

NBA 2K25

Top Spin 2K25

WWE 2K24

Now on the likes of this category, one that I am aware of is the only game my brothers play the one game every year which is mainly with the EA FC games, though I find with them to be the similar pattern of play at launch, they get bored, say its not as good as the previous entry, and will either trade the game in or continue playing it until the next entry and the cycle continues, but if its a case as to one title that seems to be an agreement online for most, it is the game with the focus of more physical contact and that is the WWE which has had a bit of a bumpy few years but has turned it all around in the end to where it is the best reviewed of the titles here and just cause it is not my best to judge on my own personal choices, I think I will go with the one that tells me its time to play the gaaaaammmmmeeeeee!!!!!!

Winner prediction: WWE 2K24

Plan it out ahead of time: Best Sim / Strategy

While some of the games here have that element of being the ones of big action to simple party or something for the whole family to enjoy but in this instance it all comes down to the likes of the strategy methods that it comes down to planning ahead and making sure it works in success and victory over defeat and this comes from the realm of the sim or strategy game and in the basis of the 5 chosen ones above it comes to the best of the best from the year of battles ,strategy and appeal to a massive crowd with those nominees being.

Age of Mythology: Retold

Frostpunk 2

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess

Manor Lords

Unicorn Overlord

Now many of them have some form of the unique type of approach and have their appeal from the high fantasy, anime or post apocalyptic for many different areas of appealing audiences. While I may not have played much in the area of this category I feel off of the appeal of many that it could be the appeal of all of these anime style games may have the proper chance of winning. Sure I probably don't have much of the best explanation for these games but I will give it as much as I can and go with those choices.

Winner Prediction: Unicorn Overlord or Kunitsu-Gami

Has a little something for everyone: Best Family Game

Have you felt that things are a little too crazy and over the top and you want something a bit more casual and something the whole family can enjoy then they have that covered too as we have a select few choices to come from the family game nominees that will be fun for you, your sibling, parents, aunts, uncles, pets and everyone else in between and the 5 here show some of the best too offer from this year.

Astro Bot

Princess Peach Showtime

Super Mario Party Jamboree

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

The Plucky Squire

Now if there is one thing to say over all of the titles with this category was that it was always going to be a more Nintendo heavy category and all of their titles seems to have some fair share of appeal and success from fantasy adventures, party games and even a title with the leading Princess of the Mushroom Kingdom, but I do wonder that even with all of them having a high chance of winning, will they be overthrown for this year by a little robot who could from a competitor console as it may seem like it could be the year of the Astro Bot with I think the closest competitor from Nintendo is Zelda's newest adventure but it could be all to play for so we shall see.

Prediction: Astro Bot or The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

Let out the Aggression: Best Fighting Game

Sometimes you can have your multiplayer games that just can be the simple competitive nature, but then you can have that form of it being 1 v 1 and getting more personal of duking it out in a brawl as no matter the concept, there is always a time to prove who the top fighter is in the best of the best with the fighting games for every year and those nominees include.

Dragon Ball: Sparkling Zero

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising

Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics

Multiversus

Tekken 8

So all of these titles give a difference in appeal of going back to the retro days, a game similar to the massive franchise from Nintendo focused on IPs of the WB, the ultimate Sayian Battles and continue stories that have transpired over the last few years and it feels like it is anyone's game, but if going off the most popular it may come down to the classic roundup of Marvel vs Capcom of the restoring and respect of the collections of the past or the continued legacy that the Tekken series has had over the last 20+ years and feel it may come down to those titles fighting it out to be the overall victor of the spoils.

Prediction winner: Tekken 8 or Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection

The Realms of High Fantasy: Best RPG

So moving on from Fighting games to the realm where you may have to fight to survive in a strange and dangerous world in front of you and that comes presented to us in the realm of the RPG titles where the 5 games that are chosen here each have something that they brought to the table this year in the appeal, choice and variety that comes from these titles which include these nominee options

Dragon's Dogma 2

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Metaphor: Refantazio

It is to say that it may be come down to the likes of the 3 titles that have also found itself in the GOTY category as they seem to be the one seen across multiple categories but it could be more down to the continued remake of the Final Fantasy's most beloved entry or a new title from Atlus Studio that has the DNA and appeal for the beloved series of Persona that may not be that series, but will still have the heart and soul of that franchise seeped in every part of that title. While I would also say Elden Ring, I think that due to the likes of its original game dominating these categories just 2 years ago, it may be a bit of a jump but would have that as probably top 3 but it will be more down to those last 2 entries.

Winner Prediction: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth or Metaphor: Refantazio

Take you on a journey: Best Action / Adventure Game

So these next 2 categories do have a similar tone and form of nature to it all that the only distinct difference with this one is that while things can get exciting and action packed, there is an extra element to it that comes in the form of the Adventure narrative that comes packed with these titles with the 5 nominees having that rising action and then the likes of being mixed with the massive adventure that comes along with it.

Astro Bot

Prince of Persia The Lost Crown

Silent Hill 2

Star Wars Outlaws

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

All of these titles bring a wonderous sense of adventure to their games and blending with the genres of Sci-fi adventure, Horror revivals, high fantasy or ancient culture, they all have something that appeals to different audiences. If there is a case that may have the slight advantage it may be with the Astro Bot game going off its mass appeal and reception as an excellent platformer and a legacy title for PlayStation's 30 years, there is one other title that also saw great appeal and success very early in the year and could have that chance to get the win and that is with the new Prince of Persia that deserves a bit more of the love. I am sure with the likes of those 3 other titles they have their chances in the other categories but I feel it may come down to the Prince and the Robot.

Prediction Winner: Astro Bot or Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

A lot more fighting and explosions: Best Action Game

Now just taking the focus out of the adventure blend, we just focus on the one aspect piece here and that is with the focus to action that while you may have some story narrative or objectives, its all the case of reaching those objectives but shooting, fighting and blowing things up and it comes down to the appeal of the titles that represent the action the best from the year, which include:

Black Myth: Wukong

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Helldivers 2

Stellar Blade

Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2

SO its a case we have some familiar faces from some other categories and the first for I believe 2 of them and I think personally it will come down to those 2 new editions with the likes of Wukong being in the realm of the soulslike gaming experience that is bolstered by the element of fantastic visuals and great use of setting and legends and mythology and being a surprise success for the start of the gaming fall season (with the  only form of drama was with the weird email talking on what not to talk on while playing the game if streaming it) and the likes of Stellar Blade having that element of the 3D hack and slash that also has some elements to the Nier series (which did get DLC for it) and the likes of bringing appeal to the games (even if it did have something of a "boobie Gate" over some costume alterations) but I think overall it will come down to one of these choices in general I think personally as they were the ones I felt stood out for this category where the other 3 may appeal in the other categories. 

Winner Prediction: Black Myth: Wukong or Stellar Blade

One Step Closer to the action: Best VR/AR game

Now on the basis of getting into the realm of getting closer to the game as we strap on the headsets and head into the world of VR and AR titles as putting you in the action a lot more closer then you may want to experience it and it has been seen that the VR experience have really advanced over the last year and these 5 have proven that their is a possibility that we have really untapped potential with this area of gaming

Arizona Sunshine remake

Asgard's Wrath 2

Batman Arkham Shadow

Metal: Hellsinger VR

Metro Awakening

Now they all have some unique approaches and methods of appeal but there is one that I know that personally and the opinion online is the clear indication and that is of course with the new Batman game as you can be Batman.... do I need to say more on this. But if I have to choose a runner up I feel it is best to go with the other recent title with Metro as I have heard a lot of decent praise and is worth getting the PSVR for to play but I think if choosing the winner it is becoming Batman has my pick.

Prediction Winner: Batman Arkham Shadows

Runner up: Metro Awakening

Games that will drain the battery: Best Mobile Game

So the next category is ones that will not have us sitting at the tv with a big console but rather with games that we will find on the small tech item we have on our persons all the time and that is with the element of Mobile games, where it has seen a massive stride in movement with advancements in the games and projects that have popped up on the phone and while a few are ports, these 5 have proven to be the most appealing in success and the most popular of the year with those nominees including

AFK Journey

Balatro

Pokemon Trading Card Game Mobile

Wuthering Waves

Zenless Zone Zero

All of these cover all forms of titles and elements that everyone will enjoy and I know that one of the titles is one someone I care for has been playing a whole lot of for the little while alongside with the popular game of Genshin Impact and would be in the top 3 of personal choice. But on the likes of the other games that I feel may be a bit of a contest with that first one will involve a lot of cards as it may be that it comes down to the indie success of Balatro or the game that has been popping off with some that I know with the Poke a mans giving the cards are already a success in physical that the digital form now is just as popular so if to give an idea for this I think it will be one of these 3.

Prediction winner or Runner Up Balatro or Pokemon TCGM or Wuthering Waves

coming together to keep a game alive: Best Community Supported game

Now there are games that come out every year that will just appear in the one years nominations and be like that but then its a case where there are titles from the past and present that will come along and provide a sense of extra substance that when the gamers are happy then everyone is happy that they can all come together and create something fun and provide many fixes and issues from the collective community and I think from these titles show just how much of the positive support can come from all of this with the nominees presented here

Baldur's Gate 3

Final Fantasy XIV

Fortnite

Helldivers II

No Man's Sky

It comes to the case of the appeal of the games and some of them like Fortnite and FF would be a regular appearance on this nominee but I feel it might be down to 2 more recent entries as we have the Game Awards darling and Game of the year of Baldur's Gate on the list and then we have the beloved Multiplayer game of Democracy as the top choices for the year. Now it may go with BG as while Helldivers would be the top option, I feel that little hiccup with the whole needing PSPlus on PC fiasco from early this year may affect it a little but besides all of that if any I feel it will come down to one of those 2 options in general.

Winner and Runner Up: Baldur's Gate 3 and or Helldivers II

Games that continue the adventure: Best Ongoing Game

When besides the likes of the games of great support from the community and team go hand in hand, it can also come to the likes of the appeal and outcome of the projects that have been ongoing since launch and be the shining examples of surviving the loss of appeal in gaming or dying on arrival or not given a chance to prove their worth but these ones have survived and continue to bring the appeal from the choice of nominations including:

Destiny 2

Diablo IV

Final Fantasy XIV

Fortnite

Helldivers II

Now in all fairness it seems like the one game that will always seem to take the crown of the award in this category is the Final Fantasy title as it has been the winner for the last few years, though I do feel it may have a bit of competition with the likes of the Helldivers game that it could be a evenly matched fight this year, but I guess it will all come down to the appeal of fantasy or Democracy

Winner Prediction: Final Fantasy XIV or Helldivers 2

Debut of future creatives: Best Debut Indie games

Now of course like any of those that want to make a career in the industry, they will at some point want to start off somewhere where they have the chance to make it happen and its always best to start off small as going big straight away can be a messy outcome and starting in the indie scene help to create some games that for some debut titles, they are quite impressive in scope, scale or appeal to the masses and these 5 nominees have proven that the debut title will lead to so many more big things in the future.

Animal Well

Balatro

Manor Lords

Pacific Drive

The Plucky Squire

So most conversations and discussions I have witnessed from the Information superhighway seems to point towards 2 titles for both of the Indie categories taking the win and it comes down to Roguelike Card game Balatro and the new Metroidvania from one developer of Animal Well that show some unique methods of strategy and appeal and entertainment value with such replayability. Sure there could be some other ones like the one that makes the top 3 is the Manor Lords title but I feel it will come down to one of those 2 games sweeping the indie section or getting one a piece.

Winner prediction: Balatro or Animal Well

Games on small budgets and Big creative ideas: Best Indie Game

SOmetimes with those games that have started out or made a jump to the big leagues in the scene that some will come back with proving that their niche and appeal comes from the realm of the Indie scene and some of the games have seen a double nominee this year and some from developers who have had titles in the past may be up to prove that they were not a one time success

Animal Well

Balatro

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes

Neva

UFO 50

Now like I mentioned in the previous category that it seems like the 2 big competitors of these Indie Categories is with Animal Well and Balatro, but with this one, there has been one other title that has made the rounds that could affect and shake up the win and that is with the title of UFO 50, one that covers all genres and shakes it up on the likes of a fictional console and showing impressive feat of technology from the development, but it is a case that there is so many amazingly developed titles in this category that it could be a free for all in both but I would be surprised that the 2 from both categories be the ones to fight it out to see who is overall victorious.

Winner Prediction: Animal Well, Balatro or UFO 50

Games that give the feels: Games for Impact

Now of course you can have titles that may have the sense of providing escape from reality for a bit of time which is what the realm of entertainment and media does, but it also has a sense where many games can also provide a much deeper message and impact to all those that play them and these nominations will prove that there is many that provide an impact in many different ways then they may think or want to tell to an audience

Closer the Distance

Indika

Neva

Life is Strange: Double Exposure

Senua's Saga: Hellblade II

Tales of Kenzera: Zau

So many of the titles of both Triple A and Indie can have the sense that they can provide the appeal of many different factors and elements that can leave a deeper impact during the game and long after the credits have rolled. If I have to go off of my intuition for this years nominees, I think the one that may stand out as a deeper connection of parental care and environmental messaging (similar to one of the best films of this year) is with Neva, and to choose a runner up that tells a more personal tale of the life and passing of his father and legacy with Tales of Kenzera. I know some of the other ones may have their appeal with others like the deeper messaging on Religion with Indika, but I feel in all the others there may be a mixed appeal on some of the messaging and that may be the titles of choice that might take the appeal overall.

Winner Prediction: Neva or Tales of Kenzera: Zau

Performing for their lives: Best performance

Now of course with a lot of titles as of recent memory that have that form of big budget titles or even the likes of the Indie title, sometimes it can be heightened with the use of voice work and talent to bring a character to life or even help to bring an appeal to a project giving a new coat of paint and provide a more enhanced form of something familiar and these were the 5 nominees were seen as the best selection for this years games with performances

Briana White (Final Fantasy VII Rebirth)

Hannah Telle (Life is Strange: Double Exposure)

Humberly Gonzalez (Star Wars Outlaws)

Luke Roberts (Silent Hill 2)

Melina Juergens (Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2)

Each of these performances have brought a sense of different range and appeal to their games that they have been cated in from Horror, fantasy, action, sci-fi and many other genres of games and stories that they find themselves in. It is hard to say as to who I think would be the most appealing, but there is a sense of all things that I may give it to be a little bit fair with one for the Final Fantasy title as Briana White brings so much more weight and charisma to the character of Aerith given her importance to the game of FF7 and while I am unsure of how many more titles there is for this extended reboot, I can tell her perfomance will hit so much more when it gets to the very ending of that title. Everyone else has a strong performance and all deserve the win but to choose one I will go with Aerith herself.

Prediction Winner: Briana White (Final Fantasy VII Rebirth)

Feel the Vibrations in your hands: Best Sound/audio

Now of course like with any game while you may have the sense of the pretty visuals that the amazingly talented developers have created, it also goes hand and hand in the area of the audio aspects that it helps to get the idea of playing to the strengths of getting those immersed into the worlds created and its with the chosen games in this category that help to really immerse anyone in their world created and escaped from our for a bit of time

Astro Bot

Call of Duty Black Ops 6

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2

Silent Hill 2

Now many titles can have the sense of pulling you into the worlds and all but it is always a case that for me in a way of some bias, I always think the one genre that helps it the most is when there is elements of Horror placed in the title and I feel it may be a duel between Hellblade and Silent Hill as I think if the audio and sound for this is done well and right then I think that it helps to put any player on edge and really make the goosebumps stand up on end when it comes to games that focus on or have elements of horror like themes and feel it may be a battle between the spooky titles.

Prediction Winner: Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 or Silent Hill 2

Great Games need great music: Best Score and Music

Similar in nature to the tone of the previous category, this one also has the element and use of sound in a certain way but it is more in the realm of the music score that is presented in points when needed from combat sections, unsettling moments to set the tone or even something nice to listen to while travelling about in the colourful world even if it is more minimized or not in decibel level and there is 5 games that have seen the most appeal from their music score from the year

Astro Bot

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Metaphor: Refantazio

Silent Hill 2

Stellar Blade

So in the sense where I would see the likes of the Horror titles being the fit more for the Audio and Sound category, I feel that if things are fast paced and full of action then it would be the more better choice on that front to be the better selection on things where I feel it may be a clash of 3 for this one with the likes of Final Fantasy, Stellar Blade or Metaphor being the ones it will all come down to in the end and feeling like going off the style and visuals it gives off I think the Refantazio could be the one that may go just that little bit above it in terms of its fast paced action, gameplay and tone that will make the music truly pop off in appeal, but who is to say where the other games may steal a win from it all and could prove the music is a lot more powerful in these games then we first thought.

Winner Prediction: Metaphor: Refantazio

Possible Runner-ups: FF7 Rebirth or Stellar Blade

Beauty to hang on a wall: Best Art Direction

So we have gone on this long now without bringing up the focus of one of the big aesthetics that many people would be quick to discuss about and that is with the visuals and graphics that bombard our eyes with so much colour and unique forms and provide something interesting in the way the art is presented to us in these games and it comes to these 5 that were chosen as some of the best in that they went about it.

Astro Bot

Black Myth: Wukong

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Metaphor: Refantazio

Neva

So all of these games have a distinct style to them with the likes of some from the Indie scene, some that give a sense of realism in a dangerous dark world, some have that appeal of the wonder to a 3D platformer and some with the influence of an anime style title with some unique visuals and to the extent of choosing ones myself I feel it may be the last 2 nominees mentioned of the Metaphor or Neva as the tough competition as Metaphors visuals that have a little mix of persona and blended with scenes that look like a bit of oil paintings in style or Neva beautiful simplistic but warm inviting colour filled world that comes to life as the title progresses is something I can see be the choice that it will come down down and not clear which one may be the overall focus. 

Winner Prediction: Metaphor: Refantazio or Neva

Driving the character forward: Best Narrative

Now with all the technical side of things out of the way, it comes down to one last element to that and this is with the focus of the narrative that we will find ourselves on for the point of multiple hours that will vary in appeal and tales that we will go on and the 5 games nominated this year seem to be taken that narrative in the best way it can possible go in terms entertainment and value.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Metaphor: Refantazio

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2

Silent Hill 2

So its a case of wondering if people are more interested in the win being given to a new narrative story or if the case that one of the 2 titles from this years that were remade or tell another part of the story to a long planned remake for one game and it seems to be the case that the latter option might be the more strongest for people to feel accustomed to and safe with over the others but it is hard to say and could go for any of the titles present, but I guess the story for this one will be foretold in due time

Winner Prediction: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth or Silent Hill 2

A clear focus in mind: Best Game Direction

While all the aspects of technical aesthetics are an important element to any project in general, it also comes down to the discussion that if not given the proper direction, vision or scope then everything will fall apart, but when you have the clear goal from the developers and creatives, you can help to make something that stands out and achieve so much in the realm of video games and the nominees have proven it can be truly possible

Astro Bot

Balatro

Black Myth: Wukong

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Metaphor: Refantazio

So all of these titles have something interesting and unique to bring to the table and offer a clear direction that help to make any of them stand out in many ways. Now I have been a little overlooking on one of the games and that is Shadow of the Erdtree as it has been a bit of a black sheep of this years nominees given it is a massive expansion pack DLC for the original Elden Ring but I will give it some love in particular for this category as the focus and direction to this is showing how you do an expansion the right way like some of the other DLCs of the last few years as well. I feel in all sense it may be one of the 2 soulslike titles in this category that may get the appeal of best direction as I find when its done right, it makes it worth the challenge and playthrough overall.

Winner Prediction: Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree or Black Myth Wukong

The Big one: Game of the Year

We have now finally reached the big one, the one every studio and developer hopes to achieve and recieve a nominee or possible win for and that is of course Game of the Year. We have 6 massive titles that have proven themselves to be the best of the best from different genres, mass appeal, reception and even the way we may play games that have proven to work wonders in the realm of the different category nominees and now it will all come down to see which one may take the title which include

Astro Bot

Balatro

Black Myth: Wukong

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Metaphor: Refantazio

All of these titles have a distinct appeal and mass success over the year that spans from Triple A, the Indie scene and even the realm of DLC and many have a distinct chance of winning it. Now most say that the chance of winning goes off the highest scoring game of this year and it seems if that is the case then it may be the little Robot who could may take that title as it is the highest reviewed game of this year and I think it may be a worthy winner in that regards. But in the basis of choice of choosing one myself as well of going up against it, there is a part of me that is leaning towards the likes of the Wukong title as it came out of nowhere, has something unique and exciting for the mythos it uses and blending with a soulslike title and seems to be a favourite and more recognized entry from recent memory. Sure any of these games have a chance and deserving one at that to win it but I think it may come down to one of those 2 titles for me personally.

Winner Prediction: Astro Bot or Black Myth Wukong

My predictions and some issues I hope they will fix from last time or currently present.

So now with that predictions out of the way I will be wrapping up the whole ordeal with a focus on just the unpredictable ones of what games may be getting some new looks and footage at this years event but there is also one other thing I want to bring up and that is an element that of something I hope will be fixed this year that was a big dilemma and controversy from last year and that is the element of the acceptance speeches. So for those that may have forgotten from last year, one of the big drama was how little of the actual award show was dedicated to the actual award wins and winners speeches as in the 3 and a half hour show from last year only about 30 mins were made for the actual awards themselves and even in that case with the acceptance speeches, they were barely given any time to talk due to the usual stigma of award shows of "PLEASE WRAP IT UP" and then for the other 3 hours consisted of random ad breaks or giving more in depth discussions and talks from the new game announcements where sure you can give a little discussion to the game but at least let the actual award winners get a bit of time to talk and thank people and give their deep personal response to it all instead of cutting it short or rushing them off to give 20 minutes to a game that is probably a few years away. A part of this shortening was maybe due to the 8 minute acceptance speech from Christopher Judge (Kratos) from the previous year before last but in all instance while I like seeing the new game announcements, I think hearing the acceptance and thanks to those that gave their hard earn time and effort to make the nominees happen and not push them to the side (now even I am being told to wrap it up so lets move on).

So thats mainly my only gripe for this show that I hope they give a bit more time to for the actual award show instead of just acting like it doesn't matter, but now I will give my few hopeful predictions as to what titles we may hopefully see at this awards show. So in this case it can vary on what we may see get an announcement or release at this event and I have heard there was a leaked list of some of the announcements to come that some say is really underwhelming or lacking in substance but that may be an early phase one as this was a few weeks ago when this one was leaked to the masses so there could be a lot more. Now I am not going to give a massive prediction of every game cause it seems like one that if I did it will go on after the game awards, but I will give a few that seem more likely or possible and 1 or 2 that may be a bit of a stretch but one can hope.

On the basis of ones that seem like an actual possibility, I feel maybe it is about time that we get the first look at the upcoming Wolverine from Insomniac as it was announced back in 2021 along with their Spiderman sequel and feel it is time to give a spotlight to that game at this point and hope for a release in 2025 or early 2026. Another one I hope and will probably be a case is that we will finally get a release date for the new Metal Gear Solid Delta remake with my guess going for about Feb or March of next year or the latest be the summer around Kojima's Birthday. Speaking of Kojima I feel we will get either a new look or gameplay for the Death Stranding sequel and a release date for 2025 and maybe a proper look at gameplay or who else will be involved with his new horror title of OD but probably more of the former may be more likely. Another remaster I have heard about as of recent was a bundle collection of all the Greek era God of War games that would be the original trilogy, Ascension and the 2 PSP titles of Ghost of Sparta and Chains of Olympus that has been floating the rumour mill for the last few weeks. One more on the superhero front is the likes that I hope we can see more about that new Blade title they announced last year cause that one was interesting and may be worth a try when it does release. And as for the last 2 I feel it will be a focus from 2 big game companies (if one of them has been redeemed from the toxic fans that were against them a few years ago) and I feel at a push, maybe a 2nd trailer for the upcoming GTA 6 at the event and then the other would be we get an idea of what the newest game from naughty Dog is whether its that new IP they are working on, or go completely out of nowhere and be like the Playstation event almost a decade ago and end the show with a Last of Us Part 3 teaser but that last one may be a little bit of a stretch, but who knows.

And as for the ones that may have a bit of a chance but seem a very very slim chance of announcements but one can dream I have 3 hopeful announcements. The first is that after being dormant and quiet for over 5 years at this point, we get an update or a new trailer for the sequel to Beyond Good and Evil as it has been mentioned recently back in late October that the game is still coming along and hit a recent milestone, even under some new creative director after the tragic and sudden passing of the original director, so maybe we can get a small tease from it. Speaking of the same studio, one that I always ask and wish for for the better part of a decade at this rate is the announcement of a new Rayman game, either a 4th title after Hoodlum Havoc or a follow up to Legends cause I think it is tie for the limbless hero to return at this point. Finally this one seems like a bit of a stretch and they may do in their own event but I hope that maybe we can get the unveiling of what the Switch Successor will look like or even the name for the product itself and an idea of when we can expect it out as Nintendo has been quiet about it and I feel they may have one planned for the unveiling in probably January or something like that but it could be a good place to unveil and go more into detail at a later date. But with that, I think I'll leave it as is with the predictions and what I hope may be fixed for this award show but I guess we'll see how it comes along.

Closing comments

So this shall wrap everything up and I want to congratulate all of those that have found a success with their games and the nominees for this year and even in the case that some that missed out on the opportunity or were overlooked or judged from the get go, may be worth a chance to give a go or may have some fans no matter how big or small the audience and want to congratulate all of them for putting the time and effort into those entertainment pieces in a time when things may be a little grim, layoffs are a determent and all other issues that go against it that they can find a way to appeal to some and become something that many will enjoy in the future and look forward to playing the games to catch up on from the last year and in the future. So to wrap it up I will place all the predictions for winners below in one place as a reminder of my choices that may either be some accurate and some with a bit of a miss:

Best Esports Game: Counter Strike 2 and/or League of Legends 

Most Anticipated Game: GTAVI and Metroid Prime 4 Beyond

Best Adaptation: Arcane or Fallout

Best Innovation in Accessability: Prince of Persia (Runner Up: Star Wars Outlaws)

Best Multiplayer: Helldivers II

Best Sports/ Racing Game: WWE2K25

Best Sim/ Strategy: Unicorn Overlord or Kunitsu-Gami

Best Family Game: Astro Bot or The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

Best Fighting Game: Tekken 8 or Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection

Best RPG: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth or Metaphor: Refantazio

Best Action / Adventure Game: Astro Bot or Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Best Action Game: Black Myth: Wukong or Stellar Blade

Best VR/AR Game: Batman Arkham Shadows (Runner up: Metro Awakening)

Best Mobile Game: Balatro or Pokemon TCGM or Wuthering Waves

Best Community Supported Game: Baldur's Gate 3 and or Helldivers II

Best Ongoing Game: Final Fantasy XIV or Helldivers 2

Best Debut Indie Game: Balatro or Animal Well

Best Indie Game: Animal Well, Balatro or UFO 50

Games for Impact: Neva or Tales of Kenzera: Zau

Best Performance: Briana White (Final Fantasy VII Rebirth)

Best Sound and Audio Design: Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 or Silent Hill 2

Best Score and Music: Metaphor: Refantazio (Possible Runner-ups: FF7 Rebirth or Stellar Blade)

Best Art Direction: Metaphor: Refantazio or Neva

Best Narrative: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth or Silent Hill 2

Best Game Direction: Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree or Black Myth Wukong

Game of the Year: Astro Bot or Black Myth Wukong

And now with all of that this is all I have to say on this event and I would love to know your own thoughts and opinions doe this event and ask what games would you pick for each of these categories as your top choice, what is your game of the year and what announcements and trailers do you hope to see from this event. Let me know your thoughts below in the comments as I love to hear those predictions. Anyways I shall leave it as such and I hope you all stay being wonderful people and have a great day everyday and I shall see you all very soon.

Take Care, Keep being you, signing off

Sam H :)