The Game Awards 2024 are here, and anticipation is running high for this highly influential event. Set to take place on December 12 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, this year's event marks the 10th anniversary of the awards, which celebrate the year's greatest achievements across gaming. Hosted by Geoff Keighley, the Game Awards have become more than just an awards ceremony; they are now viewed as the ultimate showcase of gaming culture and innovation.
For gamers who are eager to tune in, there are numerous ways to get involved. If you're lucky enough to be near Los Angeles, you can attend the event live. With tickets still available as of this writing, it’s the perfect opportunity for die-hard fans to experience the excitement firsthand. But for those unable to travel, fear not; you can catch all the action online. The Game Awards 2024 will be live-streamed on major platforms such as YouTube, Twitch, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook Live, Instagram, and TikTok, ensuring global access for audiences everywhere.
The festivities kick off early this year with the pre-show, known as the "Opening Act," beginning at 4:30 PM PST. During this half-hour segment, some awards—often focusing on esports and sports categories—will be presented, along with exciting game reveals and trailers. Following this, the main show starts at 5 PM PST, 7 PM CST, and 8 PM EST. Past shows have featured premiere trailers for hit games, so fans can expect to be treated to several of these announcements throughout the night.
What can you expect from the awards themselves? Well, this year boasts some fierce competition, particularly for the prestigious Game of the Year award. Nominees include titles like Astro Bot, Balatro, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, with some games boasting as many as seven nominations. Notably, Baldur’s Gate III swept multiple awards last year, leaving many eager to see which game will steal the spotlight this time.
Aside from the awards, The Game Awards have become famous for their celebrity presenters and performers. This year, figures like Aaron Paul, Laura Bailey, and Hideo Kojima are set to present various awards. Adding to the evening's star power, musical performances by artists including Snoop Dogg and Twenty-One Pilots will punctuate the proceedings, infusing the event with energy and excitement.
Of course, amid the revelry, the tenth anniversary will also be reflective, with Keighley hinting at some surprises. The production team is set to incorporate more LED technology than ever before, potentially heightening the visual experience of the show and showcasing this vibrant medium's storytelling capabilities.
This year, the show will not come without its challenges. The current SAG-AFTRA strike poses questions about the participation of certain segments of the industry, particularly around generative AI. Keighley and the production team are staying informed about the situation and plan to respect the choices of performers who may decide not to participate due to the strike.
While The Game Awards has risen to prominence, its commitment to remaining accessible is laudable. By airing for free on platforms like YouTube and X, it allows fans from around the world to celebrate the past year’s gaming achievements. The event has proven to be more than just awards; it embraces the entire gaming community, spotlighting new titles and celebrating established ones, creating treasured moments for fans everywhere.
Looking forward, this Game Awards promises many surprises, not just for hardcore gamers but also for casual viewers who enjoy entertainment. Whether it's the nostalgia of beloved franchises, the thrill of new announcements, or the excitement of unexpected collaborations, The Game Awards 2024 seems poised for another historic night.
So mark your calendars for December 12, gather your friends, and don’t miss out on one of gaming’s most exciting nights!