The Golden Joystick Awards 2024 have revealed nominations across more than ten categories, featuring an exciting new classification dedicated to independently developed and published indie games.
Golden Joystick Awards 2024 Nominees
Recognizing gaming excellence since 1983, The Golden Joystick Awards returns for its 42nd edition on November 21, 2024, honoring titles released between November 11, 2023 and October 4, 2024. This year showcases remarkable achievements from smaller studios, with standout titles like Balatro and Lorelei and the Laser Eyes securing multiple nominations.
The 2024 ceremony features 19 categories, headlined by a groundbreaking new classification celebrating self-published indie developers. This special recognition acknowledges games created without publisher support from smaller development teams. Organizers explained: "This award reflects the expanding indie gaming landscape, specifically highlighting teams operating without major publisher backing and those introducing innovative gaming experiences."
Explore this year's nominees across key categories:
Best Soundtrack
- A Highland Song
- Astro Bot
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Hauntii
- Silent Hill 2
- Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
Best Audio Design
- Astro Bot
- Balatro
- Robobeat
- Senua's Saga: Hellblade II
- Star Wars Outlaws
- Still Wakes the Deep
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
Most Wanted Game
- Assassin's Creed Shadows
- Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
- Grand Theft Auto VI
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Monster Hunter Wilds
- Skate.
Voting Period
Public voting for the Golden Joystick Awards 2024 is currently active, with nominees selected by an expert panel including representatives from PC Gamer, GamesRadar, and Edge magazine. The Ultimate Game of the Year finalists will be announced November 4, with voting continuing through November 8, 2024. Titles releasing between October 4 and November 21 remain eligible for Best Performance and Ultimate Game of the Year honors.
Voters receive exclusive perks including complimentary ebooks from curated selections such as:
- 100 Retro Games to Play Before You Die
- The History of Videogames
- Ultimate Guide to Roblox
Controversy Surrounds Notable Omissions
The gaming community has expressed disappointment over several high-profile exclusions from preliminary Game of the Year considerations, particularly Black Myth: Wukong, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2.
Awards organizers responded to criticism via social media: "We appreciate all inquiries regarding nominee selections. Please note our Ultimate Game of the Year shortlist will be finalized November 4."
