The Game Awards 2024: How to Watch, Predictions, and Why This Year’s Event Matters

The Game Awards have been more than a show stage to hand out trophies; they are a celebration of gaming's cultural impact and a glimpse into the industry's future. As December 12 draws near, gamers, developers, and industry insiders eagerly await not just the accolades but the conversations that come with them. This year, it seems awards have taken an interesting turn, redefining what qualifies for recognition by including expansions, DLCs, and seasonal updates.

Could this change the way we think of "Game of the Year"? Let's break down why the 2024 installment is special and how you can watch one of gaming's biggest nights.

 

 

When and Where to Watch

The Game Awards will stream live on December 12, 2024, across several platforms, which should be able to reach fans worldwide. Here's when to watch, no matter where you're located:

• 4:30 PM PST – December 12
• 7:30 PM EST – December 12
• 12:30 AM GMT – December 13
• 9:30 AM JST – December 13
• 11:30 AM AEST – December 13

You can watch it on YouTube and Twitch or through Steam, TikTok Live, even Instagram Live. You can also co-stream on mainstream channels like IGN and GameSpot, so there's your choice of ways to participate.

What's Different About 2024?

This year's eligibility is opened up to allow consideration of full releases, expansions, DLCs, and game seasons. Content such as Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree should, for the first time ever, qualify for GOTY, right alongside standalone games. This therefore opens up broadened eligibility criteria to account for shifts in how games are developed and where increasing importance can be placed on post-launch content in forming player experiences.

Game Awards 2024 Predictions

Although official nominees are not being publicly announced until 18th November, a few breakout titles are already making their way onto the global gaming stage with designs and stories: 
 

• Astro Bot - New innovation on the platforming front.
• Metaphor: ReFantazio - A bold new RPG from Persona's creator.
• Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth - Ride that is equal parts nostalgia and transformative journey.
• Shadow of the Erdtree - Expanding the lore and gameplay of beloved Elden Ring.
• Black Myth: Wukong is a breathtaking take on Chinese mythology.

These predictions represent a diverse slate that shows how gaming is pushing the artistic and technical envelopes.

Broader View: Why It Matters

This year's Game Awards goes beyond mere praise; it is a reflection of gaming's progression. By embracing expansions and DLCs, the event heralds recognition of how players engage with games today: Post-launch content is no longer supplementary; often, it redefines the core experience, and maintains games in this game and ever-competitive industry.

This further shift encapsulates the wider inclusivity in gaming, and thus makes developers of lesser scope new avenues through which they may attain recognition. Small studios, making expansions or seasonal updates now equal players at AAA titans.

What to Do After the Show

The best part about The Game Awards is that it really gets people talking. As you watch on December 12, listen in on discussions on X (formerly Twitter) or jump into co-streams with other influencers and media outlets. Share your predictions, cheer for your favorites, and think of how this year's changes will impact the industry next year.

So mark your calendars and get ready for an evening when gaming's past, present, and future collide on a global stage. Who's going to win? More importantly, what does this year's show have in store for where the industry is heading?