The Game Awards 2024: Nominations, New Eligibility Rules, and How to Watch

The Game Awards 2024, set to take place on December 12, is gearing up to be a landmark event in the gaming industry. This year marks a significant milestone as the awards celebrate their 10th anniversary. The nominations for the 2024 awards will be announced on Monday, November 18, at 9:00 a.m. PT and 12:00 p.m. ET, kicking off the excitement for one of gaming’s biggest nights.

A notable change in this year’s eligibility criteria is the inclusion of expansions, DLCs, and seasonal updates in the nomination process. This means that content like Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, which is an expansive DLC for the 2022 Game of the Year winner Elden Ring, will be eligible for awards alongside standalone games. This shift reflects the evolving nature of game development and the increasing importance of post-launch content in enhancing player experiences.

The event will be streamed live across various platforms, including YouTube, Twitch, Steam, TikTok Live, and Instagram Live, ensuring global accessibility. Fans can also participate through co-streams on mainstream channels like IGN and GameSpot. The live stream will begin at 4:30 PM PST, 7:30 PM EST, 12:30 AM GMT on December 13, and other corresponding times in different time zones.

Public voting will play a crucial role, with fans able to cast their votes across all categories through the official Game Awards website. While public votes account for 10% of the total score, the remaining 90% will be determined by a global panel of over 100 media outlets. This blend ensures a balanced outcome reflecting both popular opinion and critical analysis.

Predictions for top contenders include titles like Astro Bot, Metaphor: ReFantazio, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and Black Myth: Wukong, showcasing a diverse slate of innovative and artistically compelling games. The inclusion of DLCs and expansions in the nominations is expected to spark interesting discussions and potentially redefine what constitutes a “Game of the Year”.

The Game Awards, hosted by Geoff Keighley, is not just about handing out trophies; it is a celebration of gaming’s cultural impact and a glimpse into the industry’s future. This year’s event promises to be a reflection of gaming’s progression and inclusivity, making it a must-watch for gamers, developers, and industry insiders alike.