Indie Games Dominate at Golden Joystick Awards 2024

The Golden Joystick Awards 2024: Indie Games Shine Bright

The Golden Joystick Awards, celebrating gaming excellence since 1983, returns on November 21st, 2024, for its 42nd year. This year's awards, recognizing games released between November 11th, 2023, and October 4th, 2024, showcase a strong showing for indie titles, with games like Balatro and Lorelei and the Laser Eyes receiving multiple nominations.

A new category, "Best Indie Game - Self Published," highlights the growing impact of self-developed and self-published indie games. This award specifically recognizes smaller teams lacking the backing of major publishers, expanding the definition of "indie" to include those working in less-established markets.

Here's a glimpse at some of the nominated titles across various categories:

Key Award Categories and Nominees:

• Best Soundtrack: A Highland Song, Astro Bot, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Hauntii, Silent Hill 2, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
• Best Indie Game: Animal Well, Arco, Balatro, Beyond Galaxyland, Conscript, Indika, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, Thank Goodness You’re Here!, The Plucky Squire, Ultros
• Best Indie Game - Self Published: Arctic Eggs, Another Crab’s Treasure, Crow Country, Duck Detective: The Secret Salami, I Am Your Beast, Little Kitty, Big City, Riven, Tactical Breach Wizards, Tiny Glade, UFO 50
• Console Game of the Year: Astro Bot, Dragon’s Dogma 2, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Helldivers 2, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
• PC Game of the Year: Animal Well, Balatro, Frostpunk 2, Satisfactory, Tactical Breach Wizards, UFO 50 (Full nominee lists for all categories are available on the official website.)

Fan Voting and Controversy:

Fan voting is now open on the official website. The voting period for the main categories runs from November 4th to 8th, 2024. A separate "Ultimate Game of the Year" award will be announced later. The omission of several fan favorites, including Black Myth: Wukong, from the initial Game of the Year nominations has sparked considerable online debate. Organizers have addressed this, stating the Ultimate Game of the Year shortlist is yet to be revealed.

Voting participants receive a free ebook.

The Golden Joystick Awards 2024 promises a thrilling conclusion, with the ultimate winner to be decided by both jury and fan votes. Stay tuned for the final results!