The 2024 Game Awards take place on December 12th, announcing what title from specific nominations will win Game of the Year (GOTY), while other games could win awards from several other categories. Some people and organizations have been nominated as well for their contributions and influence to the gaming atmosphere. However, who or what earns an award is up for debate.

This year's Game Awards are under some controversy, as this is the first year when DLC or expansions are also being nominated for awards. This includes games that have won awards in the past, with the biggest case being the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion to Elden Ring. Since Elden Ring won GOTY in 2022, some feel that including DLC takes the spotlight away from games released in 2024.

The following list contains Screen Rant's predictions for what games or people may win every category in the 2024 Game Awards. These are NOT guarantees of what will win in each category based on voting from gaming fans.

29 Best Game Direction - Balatro

Innovation Through Addictive Design

The mobile card game Balatro is likely to win Best Game Direction due to how it innovates through an addictive core design. The countless hours you can sink into Balatro is a testament to just how fundamentally solid its core mechanics are, even as you play repeatedly. The scoring system is unique to other online card games, forming Balatro's identity into something much different than what has been seen before in its genre.

The widespread appeal of this game, which still has a dedicated fanbase, can be attributed to how compelling its design is. The indie aspect of Balatro makes its direction even more impressive, as it was not a huge AAA production but rather the work of a smaller, focused vision. Combine that with how easy Balatro is to pick up and play, and it more than deserves this award.

28 Best Narrative - Metaphor ReFantazio

Immersive And Familiar Storytelling

In an environment full of sequels, expansions, and DLC nominations in The Game Awards, Metaphor ReFantazio is an original story that stands out. This game is made by developer Atlus, whose work on the Persona series in the past is known for its immersive narratives. Similar to those titles, Metaphor ReFantazio's expansive story takes place during a limited time on a calendar, forcing you to make choices regarding your schedule.

On top of this, each character you assemble for your party has deep customization tied to their developing stories. Personal side quests with specific NPCs help you learn more about them, adding to the connections you can make. When combined with an interesting overall plot that is rooted in fantasy rather than Persona's typical high-school setting, you have the recipe for a Best Narrative winner.

27 Best Art Direction - Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree

The Land Of Shadow's Haunting Brilliance

Shadow of the Erdtree is one of FromSoftware's most ambitious DLCs ever made, with enough content to be considered a game larger than many others on its own. The new map included in the expansion is enormous, with multiple places your character can go to. Every area is breathtaking, from the dark Scadutree to the red lightning and windswept Jagged Peaks.

Another game with a good chance of winning Best Art Direction is Neva, whose striking color palettes and highly detailed art style have made it shine among recent indie titles.

The open world nature of Shadow of the Erdtree makes the art direction far easier to interact with at every moment you play. Locations that seem far off can be traveled to immediately, as there is no "right" path to follow or quest to pursue. The enemies, NPC characters, new armor and weapons, and, of course, bosses in Shadow of the Erdtree are also incredibly distinct and some of the most impressive visual work FromSoftware has ever done.

26 Best Score And Music - Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Beautiful Soundtracks For Every Situation

With 209 total tracks, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a juggernaut of music, from intense battle themes to unique soundtracks for a character's small introduction scene. Over 10 hours of music is present in this game, with 15 different composers and 26 arrangers compiling the score together. No two pieces of music sound the same and are constantly present in the game, whether you are fighting, exploring, or going through a cutscene.

25 Best Audio Design - Silent Hill 2

Slight Sounds Contribute To The Horror

Horror games are defined by how they sound, as the most disturbing titles have small nuances to their audio design to make you always afraid. Silent Hill 2 Remake is a perfect example of this, with scuttling noises of enemies around every corner combine with hollow echoes to create a haunting atmosphere. The titular town of Silent Hill comes alive due to how it sounds, making this game an unsurprising choice for this award.

24 Best Performance - Melina Juergens

A ionate Characterization In A Narrative-Driven Game

Although every performance nominated in 2024 is excellent, Melina Juergens in Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 goes above and beyond. Hellblade 2 is already a narrative-driven game, with the main character Senua being voiced and motion-captured by Melina Juergens. The dynamic performance is physical as well as emotional, with the story of the game being driven by the effort put in by this leading actress.

23 Innovation In Accessibility - Star Wars Outlaws

Taking Steps To Make Sure Everyone Can Play

Many strides forward to accessibility were made in Star Wars Outlaws is staggering. Gameplay, Colors, Vision, Hearing, and Cognitive options are all extremely customizable, allowing anyone to pick up and play the game.

22 Games For Impact - Tales Of Kenzera: ZAU

A Clear Vision That Leaves A Mark

Anyone who has listened to Abubakar Salim, the creative lead for Tales of Kenzera: ZAU, will be impacted by this game's clear vision alone. This title is a truly remarkable commentary on grief, inspired by Salim's loss of their father. This game is also directly inspired by Bantu cultures and tribal groups in South Africa, bringing an authentic cultural interpretation into this title's story, Metroidvania gameplay, music, and other elements.

The Legend of Vox Machina show on Amazon Prime Video.

21 Best Ongoing - Helldivers 2

Keep Sacrificing For Super Earth

Helldivers 2 was one of the most popular games of 2024, so it should be no surprise why it has been nominated for Best Ongoing Game. For a time, everyone was playing this game, fighting Automatons and Tyranids in explosive missions to aid in Super Earth's galactic liberation. The community aspect of this title is still going strong, with many fire teams of brave Helldivers sacrificing their lives to take control of planets.

20 Best Community - Baldur's Gate 3

Mods Make A New Campaign Adventure

Even before it was released, Baldur's Gate 3 had a strong community that ed it in early access. That community showed up again when BG3 won GOTY in 2023, and nearly every other award it was nominated for. With the inclusion of mods giving the game's continued almost completely into that community's hands, this game is a safe bet to add another award to its collection.