Indie Brilliance Shines at Golden Joystick Awards 2024

The Golden Joystick Awards 2024: A Celebration of Gaming Excellence, with a Focus on Indie Titles

The Golden Joystick Awards, celebrating the best in gaming since 1983, returns on November 21st, 2024, for its 42nd year. This year's awards showcase games released between November 11th, 2023, and October 4th, 2024, with a notable emphasis on indie games. Titles like Balatro and Lorelei and the Laser Eyes have received multiple nominations.

A new category, "Best Indie Game - Self Published," highlights the growing impact of independent developers who handle both development and publishing. This category recognizes the efforts of smaller teams without the backing of larger publishers.

Here's a glimpse at some of the nominated titles across various categories:

Key Award Categories and Nominees:

• Best Soundtrack: A Highland Song, Astro Bot, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Hauntii, Silent Hill 2, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
• 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
• 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
• 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
• PC Game of the Year: Animal Well, Balatro, Frostpunk 2, Satisfactory, Tactical Breach Wizards, UFO 50
• Most Wanted Game: (A comprehensive list of nominees is available on the official website.)

(Note: A full list of nominees for all categories can be found on the official Golden Joystick Awards website.)

Fan Voting and Controversy:

Fan voting is currently open, with the nominees chosen by a jury of gaming experts. The voting period runs until November 8th, 2024. The omission of certain fan-favorite titles, such as Black Myth: Wukong, from the Game of the Year categories has sparked online discussion. The Golden Joystick Awards organizers have clarified that the Ultimate Game of the Year (UGOTY) shortlist, which will include these titles, is yet to be released.

Voting participants receive a free ebook as a reward.

The Golden Joystick Awards 2024 promises to be a thrilling event, celebrating the diversity and excellence within the gaming industry. Visit the official website to cast your vote and learn more.