As we bid farewell to 2023, it's time to reflect on a year filled with blockbuster game releases, epic showdowns, and some delightful surprises in the world of video games. The grand finale of this gaming extravaganza was, of course, The Game Awards, where top-notch games battled for recognition and a slew of exciting game announcements got everyone buzzing about what's next in the gaming world. Let's dive into the highlights of this spectacular event:
Big Wins at The Game Awards:
- Baldur's Gate 3: This epic RPG stole the show by winning a whopping six awards, including the coveted Game of the Year title and Best Performance, which went to Neil Newbon.
- Alan Wake 2: Not to be outdone, Alan Wake 2, with the same number of nominations as Baldur's Gate 3, walked away with three awards and wowed the audience with a live performance featuring the Herald of Darkness.
- Indie Hits: Indie games like Cocoon and Sea of Stars also earned their moment in the spotlight by clinching awards in their respective categories.
- Forza Motorsport: Despite flying under the radar, the racing game managed to secure two well-deserved wins.
Exciting Game Announcements That Got Everyone Talking:
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake: The evening kicked off with a bang as it was revealed that the beloved indie game from 2013 is getting a remake, slated for release on February 28, 2024. This announcement marked the return of Josef Fares, the creator who previously snagged a Game of the Year award for "It Takes Two."
Pony Island 2: Panda Circus: Daniel Mullins Games, known for their award-winning hit Inscryption, dropped a surprise announcement during The Game Awards pre-show. The trailer left us intrigued, promising some retro gaming nostalgia, and even featured SungWon Cho (ProZD).
Windblown: Motion Twin, the creators of the acclaimed Dead Cells, left the gaming world stunned with their new game, "Windblown." This roguelike adventure is set to arrive on PC via early access on Steam in early 2024. In this game, players take on the role of a Leaper, defending their home while exploring dangerous open worlds, all within the roguelike genre.
God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla DLC: Kratos' voice actor, Chris Judge, not only presented the Performer of the Year award but also surprised us with news of a free DLC for the award-winning blockbuster, God of War. This DLC will introduce roguelike elements to the franchise while retaining the essence of a classic God of War game. What's more, it's releasing incredibly soon, on December 12, 2023, for both PS4 and PS5.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2: After a haunting musical performance, The Game Awards treated us to new footage from "Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2." This highly-anticipated game was first announced alongside the Xbox Series X|S in 2019 and is now set for a 2024 release, available on day one on Xbox Game Pass.
Sega's Surprising Move: Sega decided to keep it concise and announced five games in one go. While details are scant, we can look forward to new entries in the Shinobi, Crazy Taxi, Streets of Rage, Golden Axe, and Jet Set Radio series. These games are expected to launch over the next several years.
The Casting of Frank Stone: Supermassive Games, known for their narrative-driven horror titles like Until Dawn, surprised us by partnering with Behaviour Interactive, famous for Dead by Daylight. Together, they're working on "The Casting of Frank Stone," a single-player adventure set in the Dead by Daylight universe. While not much is known about it yet, it's set to release sometime in 2024.
Kojima's Eerie Revelation: Hideo Kojima, famous for Silent Hills, continued to intrigue us with a collaboration featuring Oscar-winning director Jordan Peele and others. "OD," his latest project, which had leaked late last year, was officially unveiled in a spine-chilling trailer featuring an impressive cast that includes Hunter Schafer (Euphoria) and Udo Kier (Blade). Kojima's signature enigmatic style shrouds the game's storyline, but in an onstage interview, he hinted at creating a whole new medium by merging video games and film.
Marvel's Blade: The renowned studio behind the Dishonored series and Deathloop, Arkane Studios, introduced us to "Marvel’s Blade." This game stars the iconic daywalker, Blade, and is set in the picturesque backdrop of Paris. While details are scarce, it promises to retain the unique Arkane touch. It joins a lineup of exciting Marvel projects, including Insomniac's Wolverine and Black Panther from Cliffhanger Games.
Hello Games' Ambitious Vision: Sean Murray, the managing director of Hello Games, graced the stage not only to celebrate a decade of No Man’s Sky but also to unveil the studio's upcoming game, "Light No Fire." While it shares similarities with No Man’s Sky, this game features a procedurally generated Earth as a vast open world. Murray envisions a project that will continue to receive updates even a decade from now.
Final Fantasy 16 Expansions: "Final Fantasy 16" received its share of the spotlight, not just as an award recipient but also with two DLC announcements. "Echoes of the Fallen" is already available on PS5, while "The Rising Tide" is set to arrive in spring 2024.
The Finals: A surprise announcement revealed that "The Finals," a free-to-play combat arena battle shooter from Embark Studios, had officially left beta and was now available across platforms. Developed by former Battlefield alumni, it promises a unique experience with fully destructible environments.
Monster Hunter Wilds: In the final "World Premiere" that left the audience in awe, Capcom unveiled "Monster Hunter Wilds," the latest installment in the beloved Monster Hunter series. The first trailer showcased a desert transforming into a lush, vibrant landscape. While the release is scheduled for 2025, more details are expected to be revealed this summer.
As we eagerly anticipate the gaming adventures that lie ahead in 2024, these announcements have set the stage for an electrifying and diverse array of titles. Whether it's the nostalgic revival of cherished classics or the bold innovations that push the boundaries of gaming, the future of gaming promises to be nothing short of thrilling.
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