The 42nd Golden Joystick Awards lit up the gaming world in London on November 21, 2024. With its iconic mix of fan votes and expert picks, this year’s event showcased the best games, performances, and innovations from the industry. Hosted by Ben Starr, the show was a star-studded affair featuring special guests and epic wins. Let’s break down the highlights, winners, and surprises that made this year’s Golden Joystick Awards unforgettable.
The Big Winners: Who Took Home the Gold?
Ultimate Game of the Year
Winner: Black Myth: Wukong
The highly anticipated Black Myth: Wukong claimed the ultimate prize, wowing audiences with its stunning visuals and innovative gameplay. It also bagged the award for Best Visual Design, cementing its position as a creative and technical marvel in the gaming world.
Major Categories: The Show-Stealers
Console Game of the Year
Winner: Helldivers 2
Arrowhead Game Studios struck gold with this action-packed co-op shooter. Its thrilling multiplayer gameplay also earned it the Critics’ Choice Award and Best Multiplayer Game, proving that teamwork truly makes the dream work.
PC Game of the Year
Winner: Satisfactory
For PC gamers, Satisfactory took the crown with its unique mix of exploration and construction gameplay. It showcased how complexity and creativity can go hand-in-hand.
Most Wanted Game
Winner: Grand Theft Auto VI
No surprises here—GTA VI is the gaming world’s worst-kept secret, and its hype only continues to grow. Rockstar’s magnum opus is already dominating conversations long before release.
Performances and Stories That Captured Our Hearts
Best Storytelling
Winner: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Square Enix’s beloved RPG captured imaginations with its deep narrative and unforgettable characters. The game also took home awards for Best Soundtrack and saw Cody Christian (Cloud Strife) and Briana White (Aerith Gainsborough) win Best Lead Performer and Best Supporting Performer, respectively.
Best Indie Game
Winner: Balatro
This quirky, innovative title brought fresh ideas to the table, earning not only Best Indie Game but also the Breakthrough Award for its unique approach.
Hardware and Innovation: The Tech That Shaped 2024
Best Gaming Hardware
Winner: Steam Deck OLED
The improved handheld by Valve really impressed gamers with the upgraded screen quality and performance, making it an ultimate portable PC for gaming purposes.
Honoring Long-Time Favorites
Still Playing Award (PC and Console)
Winner: Minecraft
It has been over a decade, and Minecraft has grown into a massive powerhouse of innovative creativity and community interaction. Truly timeless gaming.
Still Playing Award (Mobile)
Winner: Honkai: Star Rail
Along with its enthralling storyline, beautiful graphics, and strategic combat, MiHoYo’s Honkai keeps the most addicted mobile gamers within its snug confines.
The Creative Touch: Adaptations and Trailers
Best Game Adaptation
Winner: Fallout
The Fallout franchise moved to yet another ground, proving that the Wasteland magic does work off-screen.
Best Game Trailer
Winner: Helldivers 2
A meticulously done trailer can change it all, and Helldivers 2 aced it with a blockbuster cinematic sell that left fans craving to see more.
The Show’s Heart: Celebrating the Community
This year’s event wasn’t just about the awards; it was about celebrating the passion and creativity of the gaming community. From indie gems to blockbuster hits, the Golden Joystick Awards reminded us why we love gaming in the first place.
Catch the Replay
Cleanup and check online for the highlights and full show if you missed the event. Get ready for some jaw-dropping reveals and emotional speeches that really capture the essence of gaming.
The Golden Joystick Awards 2024 has given us such rich memories, shocking wins, and a lot more reasons to look forward to the future of gaming. Whether you’re replaying Minecraft or anticipating the eventual release of GTA VI, one thing is clear; this year proved further that the gaming industry is alive and as varied as ever.
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