Great Games From 2024 That Weren’t Nominated For The Game Awards

Key Takeaways

• Many standout indie games like
  Nine Sols
  and
  Mullet Madjack
  were left out of The Game Awards despite critical acclaim.
• Late releases like
  Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake
  and
  STALKER 2
  were overlooked, impacting their award nominations.
• Games such as
  Persona 3 Reload
  and
  Dragon Age: The Veilguard
  , despite high quality, were not nominated for major categories in The Game Awards.

The Game Awards is an annual event of great prestige in the video game industry, celebrating the achievements of the year’s most notable titles. Despite its relevance, the fierce competition among releases often forces the awards to make difficult choices, leaving out some games that stood out in quality and innovation throughout the year.

In 2024, among the standout titles the year saw released, many games were left out of The Game Awards nominations, although this doesn’t mean these releases weren’t any good. This situation reinforces how complex it is to try and accurately capture all the incredible gaming experiences that were produced over a single year at an awards ceremony. These games are just of few of 2024’s best that were snubbed at this year’s The Game Awards.

8 Nine Sols

One Of The Best Indies Of 2024

Nine Sols was one of the most acclaimed indie titles of 2024, standing out for various factors like engaging gameplay and hand-drawn art. This action-platformer, inspired by Soulslike games, combines Eastern mythology with refined gameplay mechanics, providing a unique experience that won over both fans and critics and solidified its position among the year’s best indie games.

Despite the recognition and positive reviews, Nine Sols was left out of The Game Awards nominations. This exclusion surprised the gaming community, who expected at least a nomination in the Best Independent Game category, but the title ended up being overlooked in favor of other releases.

7 Hades 2

Game Is Still In Early Access

Hades 2 is currently in Early Access, offering players an early glimpse of what to expect from the official release. Although The Game Awards doesn’t have rules excluding games still in development, the fact that Supergiant’s game isn’t complete yet may have hurt its chances of nomination. However, it was even left off of the Most Anticipated Game nominees list, surprising many.

Even so, Hades 2 continues to impress with its gameplay, expanding its Roguelike mechanics with new abilities and engaging challenges, now featuring a new protagonist. Additionally, the game once again nails the rich and detailed setting that immerses players in a mythological world inspired by Greek mythology, combining captivating storytelling with stunning visuals. These elements highlight Hades 2 as one of the most promising titles of the year.

6 Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake

This Game’s Artistic Direction Is Incredible

This game may have been hurt in the nominations due to its late release but deserves to be among the Best Art Direction group is Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake. Using Square Enix’s animation techniques, the developers managed to modernize this game’s graphics while still retaining the feel of the 1988 classic.

Furthermore, the game succeeds in capturing the vibe of playing one of the most classic JRPGs in the gaming industry and modernizing it for new audiences without disrespecting the original material. This goes beyond the graphics and the game’s entire artistic direction, as mechanics and even the soundtrack of Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D maintain the same quality.

5 Mullet Madjack

One Of The Highest-Rated Games Of The Year

One of the big highlights among indie games in 2024, Mullet Madjack attracted players’ attention with its frenetic and colorful gameplay. This FPS, inspired by ’90s anime and other boomer shooters, offers fast-paced action and a vibrant aesthetic to create a unique experience.

However, in a year when the indie genre also saw other major releases, Mullet Madjack was one of the games left out of The Game Awards nominations. Even without this recognition, the game proved to be one of the best indies of 2024, featuring some of the most fluid and fun gameplay around.

The Franchise’s Return (And Instant Success) Was Left Out Of The Game Awards

Although it’s a genre that rarely features among the year’s best releases, sports games are popular and have a loyal fan base, so much so that The Game Awards has a category just for them. However, College Football 25 was still left out of the Best Sports/Racing nominees.

After more than a decade off the market, College Football 25 presents authentic and detailed gameplay that captures all the essence and nuances of college football. With refined mechanics, improved graphics, and fun game modes, the franchise satisfies both longtime fans and new players, offering an engaging and realistic experience for those passionate about the sport.

3 STALKER 2: Heart Of Chornobyl

This Game Was Released Very Late In The Year

STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl faced various production problems, including delays and major challenges brought about by the war in Ukraine, where developer GSC Game World is based. Despite these difficulties, the game remained fun and consistent, offering one of the best settings seen in 2024 through an immersive and detailed atmosphere that captivated players and solidified its place as one of the year’s most memorable releases.

However, due to its very late November release, STALKER 2 ended up being a game left out of The Game Awards nominees. Despite having the quality to compete in some award categories, its late arrival didn’t allow enough time for the game’s qualities to be considered in the nominations.

2 Dragon Age: The Veilguard

BioWare’s Great RPG Was Overlooked By The Main Categories

One of the major releases at the end of 2024 was Dragon Age: The Veilguard, which, after more than 10 years of waiting, took players back to BioWare’s medieval high fantasy universe. Despite being a game that significantly changed the franchise’s formula in various respects, it still managed to please many players, including longtime fans.

However, these changes weren’t unanimously accepted by critics or fans, as the game was left out of The Game Awards’ main categories, like Best RPG and Best Action-Adventure. Nevertheless, The Veilguard wasn’t entirely forgotten in the nominations, as its excellent accessibility options placed it among the contenders for the Innovation in Accessibility award.

1 Persona 3 Reload

Atlus’ Remake Was Left Out Of The Game Awards Nominees

Persona 3 Reload brought back a timeless classic, enhancing graphics, gameplay, and presenting a renewed experience for both old and new fans of the game which set new standards for the franchise. As a remake, it managed to modernize fundamental elements of the original, preserving the emotional and narrative impact that established the game as a milestone in JRPG history.

Despite its undeniable quality, Persona 3 Reload ended up being left out of The Game Awards nominees, not receiving nominations in categories like Best RPG or even Best Score and Music. This absence was surprising, considering Atlus’ impact in 2024, but this new version remains indispensable for players who want to experience one of the developer’s best narratives with a modern touch.