The future of gaming has officially arrived! The highly anticipated Game Awards 2024 lit up the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, celebrating outstanding achievements in the gaming industry and unveiling a slew of jaw-dropping announcements. While accolades like Game of the Year and Best Game Direction took center stage, the event was also a launchpad for trailers, surprises, and sneak peeks into what lies ahead.
From revivals of beloved franchises to fresh indie titles, the announcements ensured gamers have plenty to look forward to in 2024 and beyond. Let’s dive into the key reveals that had audiences buzzing all night long.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound Kicks Off the Night
The first explosive reveal came from Dotemu, Koei Tecmo, and The Game Kitchen—creators of Blasphemous. They’ve joined forces for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a brand-new chapter in the iconic Ninja Gaiden franchise. Fans can expect to see the next evolution of fast-paced, brutal action when Ragebound releases in 2025.
A new hero, Kenji Mozu, emerges in NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound. The story picks up in Hayabusa Village after Ryu Hayabusa heads to America to avenge his father’s death, as told in the NES version of NINJA GAIDEN. Suddenly, the veil between the human and demon worlds has torn, opening a doorway to darkness in Hayabusa Village. Kenji Mozu, a young ninja of the Hayabusa clan, throws himself into battle, determined to protect his village and its people from a looming demonic threat in this dark and dangerous era.
One Move Away: A Quiet, Thoughtful Journey
Breaking away from the bombast, One Move Away brought a reflective touch to the showcase. Developed by Ramage Games and Playstack, this first-person experience centers around packing up your life and starting fresh in a new home. Offering a meditative approach to storytelling, One Move Away will release on Steam in 2025.
Slay The Spire 2 Returns to the Deck-Building Throne
Fans of the indie phenomenon Slay The Spire received a major surprise with the reveal of Slay The Spire 2. Developer Megacrit showcased a gameplay trailer for the highly anticipated sequel, promising to build on the addictive roguelike deck-building mechanics that made the first game a hit. Slay The Spire 2 will enter early access in 2025, setting the stage for another round of strategy-filled adventures.
Dave The Diver: In The Jungle Ventures to New Horizons
Everyone’s favorite deep-sea diver is swapping the ocean for the jungle. The trailer for Dave The Diver: In The Jungle teased lush environments and new mysteries, but the nature of the release—whether a sequel or expansion—remains under wraps. What is certain, however, is the excitement for this 2025 adventure.
Thick As Thieves: A Multiplayer Stealth Masterpiece
Closing out the biggest announcements, legendary game designer Warren Spector (known for Thief and Deus Ex) unveiled Thick As Thieves, a multiplayer stealth game that oozes creativity. Players will choose unique archetypes like The Hood, The Spider, and The Chameleon, each offering distinct playstyles for team-based infiltration missions. With Spector’s pedigree, Thick As Thieves is one to watch.
The Stage Is Set for 2025 and Beyond
The Game Awards 2024 not only celebrated the best of the year but set the tone for the next chapter in gaming. From the return of legendary franchises to fresh storytelling experiments, the future promises variety, creativity, and bold new ideas. As gamers eagerly mark their calendars for 2025 releases, one thing is clear—the next generation of unforgettable adventures has only just begun.
Stay tuned for more updates as these titles progress toward release.
And others were upset when three of five nominations for the Player’s Choice prize – the only award entirely voted for by fans – went to free-to-play mobile games including Genshin Impact. The rest of the winners are decided by a panel of industry experts and a fan vote which counts for 10% of the final score.
