The 2024 Game Awards: Winners and their Web3 Alternatives
8 - 10 minutes
The Game Awards 2024 celebrated the best in gaming, from blockbuster titles like Astro Bot and Baldur’s Gate 3 to groundbreaking indie hits such as Balatro. This article not only highlights the award winners but also explores their Web3 alternatives, showcasing how blockchain gaming is reshaping the industry. Dive in to discover the most innovative games of the year, exclusive reveals, and the Web3 titles pushing the boundaries of creativity and ownership.
The 2024 Game Awards held last December 12th
Over the past decade, The Game Awards has grown into one of the most influential events in the gaming industry, drawing millions of viewers each year. The 2024 edition broke records with an astonishing 154 million global livestreams, a 31% jump from 2023’s 118 million, cementing its status as gaming’s premier celebration.
Beyond honoring the year’s best games, The Game Awards have become a spectacle for live performances and highly anticipated game trailer debuts. This year featured major announcements, including The Witcher 4, Borderlands 4, Elden Ring: Nightreign, and Naughty Dog’s latest project, The Heretic Prophet.
With teasers and trailers fueling the excitement, 2024 became the event’s most successful year yet. But how do these celebrated titles compare to their web3 gaming counterparts? Let’s dive into the award winners and explore how blockchain technology is shaping the future of gaming.
Astro Bot - Game of the Year, 4 Awards#Copy URL to this article section
Awards Won:
Game of the Year
Best Game Direction
Best Action/Adventure Game
Best Family Game
Developer: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Platforms: PlayStation 5
Astro Bot is a celebration of gaming history, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge innovation. Players guide Astro, a robot protagonist, through PlayStation-themed worlds filled with iconic characters like Joel and Ellie (The Last of Us) and Nathan Drake (Uncharted). The game received a stellar 94 on Metacritic, praised for its polished gameplay, creative level design, and charm.
Why It Stands Out#Copy URL to this article section
Astro Bot captures the essence of gaming fun without the distractions of microtransactions. Its creative level design, accessible gameplay, and homage to PlayStation's legacy make it a must-play for all ages. The seamless balance between nostalgia and innovation sets it apart from competitors.
Web3 Alternative#Copy URL to this article section
The Sandbox offers a similar focus on creativity and exploration but takes it a step further with blockchain technology. Players can build, own, and monetize virtual worlds, enabling a true sense of digital ownership. While Astro Bot immerses players in pre-designed levels, The Sandbox empowers them to create and shape their own gaming experiences.
Check out The Sandbox on BeamHub.
Astro Bot wins Game of the Year at the Game Awards 2024, with The Sandbox as its creative Web3 alternative.
Balatro - Best Mobile Game, 3 Awards#Copy URL to this article section
Awards Won:
Best Independent Game
Best Debut Indie Game
Best Mobile Game
Developer: Meowza Games
Platforms: PC, Mobile
Balatro is a poker-roguelike deck builder that redefines card-based strategy. Players combine traditional poker hands with joker cards to create synergies, progressing through increasingly challenging levels known as "blinds." Its innovative mechanics and strategic depth earned it recognition as one of the most creative indie games of 2024.
Why It Stands Out#Copy URL to this article section
Balatro combines the familiarity of poker with roguelike mechanics, offering a fresh take on card-based gameplay. Its ability to balance strategy, luck, and skill makes it an exceptional experience for casual and competitive players alike.
Web3 Alternative#Copy URL to this article section
Parallel transforms the trading card genre through sci-fi themes and blockchain integration. Like Balatro, it emphasizes strategy but introduces digital ownership of cards, allowing players to buy, sell, and trade their collections in a decentralized marketplace.
Check out Parallel on BeamHub.
Balatro takes Best Mobile Game at the Game Awards 2024, with Parallel offering a blockchain-powered alternative.
Metaphor: ReFantazio - Best RPG, 2 Awards#Copy URL to this article section
Awards Won:
Best RPG
Best Narrative
Developer: Atlus
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Metaphor: ReFantazio is a story-rich fantasy RPG created by the team behind Persona. Players embark on an epic quest to break a royal curse, guided by the protagonist and their fairy companion, Gallica. The game’s unique Archetype system allows players to combine job classes, creating endless strategic possibilities while building relationships with party members.
Why It Stands Out#Copy URL to this article section
Metaphor: ReFantazio excels in blending a compelling narrative with innovative gameplay mechanics. Its Archetype system and emphasis on character relationships elevate it beyond typical RPGs, delivering a deeply immersive experience.
Web3 Alternative#Copy URL to this article section
ArmourX takes RPG mechanics into the future by combining action-packed missions with blockchain-based rewards. Like Metaphor, it focuses on strategic gameplay and party dynamics but introduces Play-and-Earn mechanics, letting players gain real-world value from their adventures.
Check out ArmourX on BeamHub.
Metaphor: ReFantazio earns Best RPG at the Game Awards 2024, paired with ArmourX as its Web3 counterpart.
Helldivers 2 - Best Multiplayer Game, 2 Awards #Copy URL to this article section
Awards Won:
Best Ongoing Game
Best Multiplayer Game
Developer: Arrowhead Game Studios
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5
Helldivers 2 is an action-packed cooperative third-person shooter set in a brutal galactic conflict. Players form squads of up to four and take on strategic missions across hostile alien worlds, combining fast-paced combat with tactical teamwork.
Why It Stands Out#Copy URL to this article section
Helldivers 2 delivers intense co-op gameplay with a focus on teamwork and strategy. Its ongoing updates and thriving community have made it a standout title for multiplayer enthusiasts.
Web3 Alternative#Copy URL to this article section
EgoVersus offers a different take on science fiction by combining fast-paced combat with blockchain-powered digital ownership. While Helldivers 2 emphasizes cooperative gameplay, EgoVersus focuses on PvP in a dystopian urban setting, giving players control over their in-game assets.
Check out EgoVersus on BeamHub.
Helldivers 2 secures Best Multiplayer Game at the Game Awards 2024, with Egoversus as its Web3 PvP alternative.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth - Best Score and Music#Copy URL to this article section
Awards Won:
Best Score and Music
Developer: Square Enix
Platforms: PlayStation 5
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the second chapter in Square Enix's ambitious remake project. The game follows Cloud and his companions as they explore vibrant locations, including the Grasslands and Cosmo Canyon, while pursuing Sephiroth. The soundtrack enhances the journey, blending iconic themes with new compositions.
Why It Stands Out#Copy URL to this article section
The game's blend of real-time action and strategic combat, coupled with its breathtaking score, creates an unforgettable experience. Its Synergy abilities introduce spectacular team-based attacks, making battles feel cinematic.
Web3 Alternative#Copy URL to this article section
Metabolts explores similar RPG mechanics in a post-apocalyptic setting. Unlike Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, it offers rogue-like elements and blockchain-enabled character progression, allowing players to collect and trade in-game assets.
Check out the official website of Metabolts.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth wins Best Score and Music at the Game Awards 2024, with Metabolts providing a Web3 RPG alternative.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 - Best Audio Design, 2 Awards #Copy URL to this article section
Awards Won:
Best Audio Design
Best Performance (Melina Juergens as Senua)
Developer: Ninja Theory
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S
Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 continues the journey of Senua, a Celtic warrior battling external foes and internal demons. Set in 10th-century Viking Iceland, the game combines psychological depth with cinematic visuals and immersive sound design.
Why It Stands Out#Copy URL to this article section
The game's focus on mental health, realistic soundscapes, and Melina Juergens’ powerful performance elevate it to a masterclass in storytelling. Its visceral combat and atmospheric world immerse players like never before.
Web3 Alternative#Copy URL to this article section
Haunted Space pushes boundaries with its space exploration mechanics and blockchain integration. While Hellblade 2 offers an intimate narrative, Haunted Space focuses on futuristic battles and deep space immersion.
Check out Haunted Space on BeamHub.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 wins Best Audio Design at the Game Awards 2024, compared to Haunted Space as its Web3 alternative.
Baldur's Gate 3 - Best Community Support#Copy URL to this article section
Awards Won:
Best Community Support
Developer: Larian Studios
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Baldur's Gate 3 delivers a deep, choice-driven RPG experience inspired by Dungeons & Dragons. With its intricate storytelling and continuous updates, the game has fostered a strong and supportive player community.
Why It Stands Out#Copy URL to this article section
Baldur's Gate 3 sets the bar for RPGs with its meaningful player choices, robust character interactions, and dedication to community engagement. Regular updates ensure a continually evolving experience.
Web3 Alternative#Copy URL to this article section
Angelic explores the RPG genre in a dark sci-fi universe. Like Baldur’s Gate 3, it focuses on narrative depth but integrates blockchain technology, allowing players to own in-game assets and influence the game’s development.
Check out Angelic on BeamHub.
Baldur’s Gate 3 wins Best Community Support at the Game Awards 2024, with Angelic as a narrative-driven Web3 alternative.
Batman: Arkham Shadow - Best VR/AR Game#Copy URL to this article section
Awards Won:
Best VR/AR Game
Developer: Rocksteady Studios
Platforms: PC, PlayStation VR2
Batman: Arkham Shadow reimagines the iconic series for virtual reality, placing players in Bruce Wayne’s cowl to face off against the Rat King and early versions of classic villains. Its immersive combat and gadget-based gameplay bring Gotham City to life in VR.
Why It Stands Out#Copy URL to this article section
Arkham Shadow sets a new standard for VR gaming with its innovative mechanics and engaging narrative. The ability to explore Gotham through a first-person perspective offers an entirely new way to experience the Batman universe.
Web3 Alternative#Copy URL to this article section
The Bornless combines horror elements with multiplayer battle royale gameplay, leveraging blockchain technology for digital ownership. While Batman: Arkham Shadow focuses on VR, The Bornless emphasizes competitive multiplayer with unique horror twists.
Check out The Bornless on BeamHub.
Batman: Arkham Shadow earns Best VR/AR Game at the Game Awards 2024, alongside The Bornless as its Web3 horror alternative.
Black Myth: Wukong - Best Action Game #Copy URL to this article section
Awards Won:
Best Action Game
Developer: Game Science
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Black Myth: Wukong reimagines the classic Journey to the West tale as an action RPG. Players take on the role of the Destined One, exploring breathtaking landscapes inspired by Chinese mythology and mastering a versatile combat system featuring staff techniques, spells, and transformations.
Why It Stands Out#Copy URL to this article section
The game offers a perfect balance of accessibility and depth in its action mechanics. Its stunning visuals and rich storytelling rooted in Chinese mythology have set a new benchmark for action RPGs.
Web3 Alternative#Copy URL to this article section
Blade of God X takes inspiration from Norse mythology while integrating blockchain mechanics. Like Black Myth: Wukong, it focuses on mythological storytelling but adds cross-platform accessibility and AI-powered gameplay to enhance player experience.
Check out Blade of God X on BeamHub.
Black Myth: Wukong wins Best Action Game at the Game Awards 2024, with Blade of God X as a mythological Web3 counterpart.
Tekken 8 - Best Fighting Game#Copy URL to this article section
Awards Won:
Best Fighting Game
Developer: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Tekken 8 brings the legendary fighting series into a new era with stunning visuals and aggressive gameplay mechanics. The game continues the Mishima saga with a roster of 32 fighters, 16 destructible stages, and the innovative "Heat System" that rewards offensive strategies.
Why It Stands Out#Copy URL to this article section
With its next-gen visuals, revamped combat system, and compelling storyline, Tekken 8 captures the essence of fighting games while pushing the genre forward.
Web3 Alternative#Copy URL to this article section
Eternis: Death Match introduces a futuristic twist on fighting games by combining historical figures with cybernetic enhancements. It’s free-to-play and leverages blockchain technology, allowing players to own and trade in-game characters.
Check out Eternis: Death Match on BeamHub.
Tekken 8 wins Best Fighting Game at the Game Awards 2024, with Eternis: Death Match as its futuristic Web3 alternative.
Frostpunk 2 - Best Sim/Strategy Game#Copy URL to this article section
Awards Won:
Best Sim/Strategy Game
Developer: 11 bit studios
Platforms: PC
Frostpunk 2 builds on its predecessor's survival strategy formula, taking place 30 years after a catastrophic blizzard. Players must navigate the challenges of an eternal winter while managing resources, political factions, and the demands of a growing metropolis.
Why It Stands Out#Copy URL to this article section
The game’s moral dilemmas and deep resource management mechanics create a gripping and thought-provoking strategy experience. Its focus on survival in a harsh, post-apocalyptic world sets it apart from other strategy games.
Web3 Alternative#Copy URL to this article section
Medieval Empires takes strategy gaming into a historical setting, combining military tactics with economic development in 13th-century Turkey. Like Frostpunk 2, it challenges players to build thriving settlements, but it adds blockchain-powered player interactions and trade systems.
Check out Medieval Empires on BeamHub.
Frostpunk 2 wins Best Sim/Strategy Game at the Game Awards 2024, with Medieval Empires as its historical Web3 counterpart.
EA Sports FC 25 - Best Sports/Racing Game#Copy URL to this article section
Awards Won:
Best Sports/Racing Game
Developer: EA Sports
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
EA Sports FC 25 reinvents football gaming with innovative features like the 5v5 Rush mode and the Club Membership system, which rewards players with exclusive content. Tactical depth is further enhanced through the new FC IQ system, allowing unprecedented control over team strategy.
Why It Stands Out#Copy URL to this article section
The game’s fresh take on football simulation, combined with enhanced customization and gameplay mechanics, sets it apart as a standout title in sports gaming.
Web3 Alternative#Copy URL to this article section
Sorare bridges football and blockchain by combining fantasy sports with digital collectible cards. Players can trade and manage their teams while participating in global competitions, offering a unique angle on football gaming
Check out Sorare on BeamHub.
EA Sports FC 25 wins Best Sports Game at the Game Awards 2024, with Sorare offering a blockchain fantasy sports alternative.
Fallout (TV Adaptation) - Best Adaptation#Copy URL to this article section
Awards Won:
Best Adaptation
Developer: Bethesda (adaptation by Amazon Studios)
Platforms: Amazon Prime Video
The Fallout TV series brings the post-apocalyptic world of the games to life, focusing on survivors navigating the dangers of a radiation-ravaged Los Angeles. It captures the franchise’s dark humor, retro-futuristic aesthetic, and complex moral dilemmas.
Why It Stands Out#Copy URL to this article section
The adaptation stays true to the spirit of the original games, offering fans a fresh yet familiar perspective on the Fallout universe. Its success demonstrates the potential for video game stories to thrive in new media.
Web3 Alternative#Copy URL to this article section
Decimated takes the post-apocalyptic setting into multiplayer territory, offering an expansive cyberpunk world where players can collaborate or compete while managing resources and building settlements. Blockchain integration allows players to own and trade in-game assets.
Check out the official website of Decimated.
Fallout TV series wins Best Adaptation at the Game Awards 2024, with Decimated as its post-apocalyptic Web3 alternative.
Grand Theft Auto VI - Most Anticipated Game#Copy URL to this article section
Awards Won:
Most Anticipated Game
Developer: Rockstar Games
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Grand Theft Auto VI is set to redefine open-world gaming, featuring a vast map inspired by Florida and Vice City. The game introduces Lucia, the first female protagonist in the series, alongside her partner, Jason, in a modern narrative satirizing American culture.
Why It Stands Out#Copy URL to this article section
With its sprawling map, dynamic characters, and Rockstar’s signature storytelling, GTA VI promises to elevate the series while reflecting the digital age through its themes.
Web3 Alternative#Copy URL to this article section
HELIX offers a massive open-world experience with blockchain integration. Players can own and trade in-game assets like real estate and vehicles, creating immersive roleplay opportunities within its multiplayer ecosystem.
Check out the official website of HELIX.
Grand Theft Auto VI named Most Anticipated Game at the Game Awards 2024, with HELIX as its open-world Web3 counterpart.
Conclusion#Copy URL to this article section
The Game Awards 2024 celebrated the gaming industry's continuous evolution, highlighting excellence across genres and platforms. From Astro Bot's nostalgic tribute to gaming history to Baldur's Gate 3's exceptional community support, this year's winners set new benchmarks for creativity, accessibility, and player engagement. Established franchises like Helldivers 2 and Tekken 8 continued to evolve, while bold new IPs like Black Myth: Wukong pushed the boundaries of familiar genres.
The industry’s growing focus on accessibility and social impact was also evident, with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown pioneering inclusivity and Neva delivering a powerful environmental message. These themes underscore an industry that is expanding its horizons while addressing broader societal conversations.
As we look ahead to 2025, the anticipation surrounding titles like Grand Theft Auto VI promises yet another groundbreaking year for gaming. With a record-breaking 154 million livestream viewers, The Game Awards remain the definitive celebration of gaming’s creative and cultural impact, bridging traditional and emerging technologies.
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