Steam’s 2024 Awards are here, with voting open until December 4th during the Autumn Sale. There are 11 categories like Game of the Year and Most Innovative Gameplay. Winners will be revealed on December 31st, so hop over and getcha votes in.
Shuhei Yoshida, a beloved PlayStation icon, will depart Sony on January 15, 2025, after nearly 32 years. Known for championing indie games, Yoshida reflected, “when I hit 30 years, I was thinking, hmm, it may be about time for me to move on.” He also quietly supported Australia’s dev scene throughout his tenure, and leaves a legacy unmatched.
It’s hard to decide if the 2014 post-irony packaging is nostalgic or cringe, but the movement and gunplay genuinely surprised me - fun, smooth, responsive, and far more… legit than I expected. The absurdity is relentless, though whether that’s good or bad depends on your tolerance for (admittedly self-aware) dated memes.
SULFUR is a roguelite extraction shooter that offers surprisingly tight gunplay, inventive weapon customisation and an awesome, striking artstyle. Though not everything fully clicks, it’s a fun, amusing and engaging experience that oozes passion and creativity. It’s just super cool.
GMTK’s Mind Over Magnet is a polished and charming little game; its mechanics are introduced smoothly, and it has some clever moments. Overall though, its core feels a bit uninspired, and its lack of depth keeps it from rising beyond the feel of a project to learn the craft rather than a passionate execution of a vision. Still, it’s an admirable achievement worth checking out.
Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth took four wins, including Best Storytelling and Best Soundtrack. HELLDIVERS 2 secured Critics’ Choice and Console Game of the Year. Black Myth: Wukong claimed Ultimate Game of the Year, but really, the headline is Balatro winning two major prizes (Best Indie Game and the Breakthrough Award)! See the full roundup here.
PROXIMATE is a brilliant blend of cosmic horror, corporate satire and very clever gamedesign. The navigation mechanic ramps up the tension, complemented by sharp writing and immersive sound design. Short but impactful, it’s a funny, haunting experience that lingers.
Sony is reportedly in talks to acquire Kadokawa Corp., a major Japanese publisher known for its manga, anime, and gaming IP, including a majority shareholding in developer FromSoftware. The deal could close in weeks, per Reuters. Sony declined to comment, while Kadokawa say “nothing has been decided at this moment.” Bandai Namco shares fell sharply amid speculation.
The Game Awards 2024 nominees are up. Balatro picked up five nominations, while Astro Bot and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth also dominate across categories. Other standouts include Black Myth: Wukong and, controversially, the Elden Ring DLC. Getcha votes in before December 11, with winners revealed during the ceremony on December 12.
A triumph for platforming fans, blending nostalgia with fresh and ridiculously creative mechanics. Team Asobi’s clever level design and charming PlayStation callbacks make for smile after smile. A polished, joyous, heartwarming adventure that’s hard to put down.