On December 3rd, we marked a major milestone: PlayStation’s 30-year journey in the gaming world. To celebrate this, Sony Interactive Entertainment put together the 2024 PlayStation Partner Awards in the Japan Asia region, acknowledging the remarkable games and talented developers whose creations have graced PlayStation throughout this part of the world.
This year, the awards not only applauded the achievements of 2024’s PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 releases (from October 2023 to September 2024), but they also paid homage to standout games by Japanese and other Asian developers that have lit up the legacy PlayStation platforms over the past three decades. We’re talking classics that found homes on the original PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, and PlayStation 4. Let’s dive into the games that snagged awards at this prestigious event.
Excellence Award
This accolade goes to a game from the Japan/Asia region that’s consistently made its mark over the past three years through significant impact and commercial triumph.
- Genshin Impact by HoYoverse
Grand Award
Presented to the top three games developed in Japan and Asia with the largest global sales within the past year.
- Black Myth: Wukong by Game Science Interactive Technology
- Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree by FromSoftware, Inc and Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth by Square Enix Co. Ltd
Partner Award
Recognizing the top-selling titles from Japan/Asia, these awards celebrate impressive global success and noteworthy feats.
- Dragon’s Dogma 2 by Capcom Co., Ltd.
- Honkai: Star Rail from HoYoverse
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth by Sega
- Persona 3 Reload by Atlus Co., Ltd
- Tekken 8 from Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
- The First Descendant by Nexon
- Zenless Zone Zero by HoYoverse
Special Award
Given to PS5 titles developed with SIE’s collaboration outside the Japan/Asia region that have achieved exceptional results within this area.
- Rise of the Ronin by SIE, developed by Koei Tecmo
- Stellar Blade by SIE, developed by Shift Up
Users’ Choice Award
With input from users, this award highlights the top five titles launched in Japan/Asia, as chosen by player votes and based on gameplay duration.
- Black Myth: Wukong from Game Science Interactive Technology
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth by Square Enix Co. Ltd
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth from Sega
- Rise of the Ronin by SIE, developed by Koei Tecmo
- Stellar Blade by SIE, developed by Shift Up
PlayStation Generations Awards
Recognizing standout titles from each PlayStation era—spanning the original console through PS4—all have previously received the “PlayStation Partner Award.”
- Final Fantasy VII graced the PlayStation Generations (1994 and beyond) by Square Enix Co. Ltd.
- Final Fantasy X with PlayStation 2 Generations (2000 and beyond) by Square Enix Co. Ltd.
- Monster Hunter Portable 3rd with PlayStation Portable Generations (2004 and beyond) by Capcom Co., Ltd.
- Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots under PlayStation 3 Generations (2006 and beyond) by Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.
- Persona 4 Golden in PlayStation Vita Generations (2011 and beyond) by Atlus Co., Ltd
- Elden Ring for PlayStation 4 Generations (2013 and beyond) by FromSoftware, Inc / Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
It’s also worth noting that Sony Interactive Entertainment considered various factors, such as player numbers, when selecting nominees. The listed publishers are from the Japanese PlayStation Store.
We also have some heartfelt messages from the “Excellence Award” and “Grand Award” recipients to you, the players.
Genshin Impact (HoYoverse)
"A big heartfelt thank you to our players and PlayStation! Receiving this award is a huge milestone in our four-year adventure, highlighting the cherished moments and strong partnership we’ve forged. Genshin Impact’s world is brimming with possibilities, and this year’s exploration of Natlan in Teyvat has brought fresh adventures. We promise to keep delivering new, exciting content, all thanks to your unwavering support and attention."
– Dai Wei, Game Designer, HoYoverse
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (FromSoftware, Inc / Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.)
"To all the gamers immersing yourselves in Elden Ring, thank you so much. We’ll keep working hard to bring more thrilling and meaningful experiences your way."
– FromSoftware, Inc, Elden Ring development team
"Receiving this prestigious award feels incredible. It’s been a longer wait for Shadow of the Erdtree compared to previous DLCs, but knowing so many of you have embraced this new piece of the story is amazing. Your support has kept Elden Ring’s world and community alive nearly three years past its main release. We’re grateful to every player—thank you deeply."
– Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc., Elden Ring development team
Black Myth: Wukong (Game Science Interactive Technology)
"What an incredible honor to take home the Grand Award! It’s thanks to the hard work of our team, our partners’ support, and the enthusiasm from players across the globe. Taking inspiration from the legendary Journey to the West, we’ve woven China’s cultural richness with advanced gaming tech to present an action RPG that’s as beautiful as it is grand. We’ll keep pushing forward, gathering your feedback and exploring new technologies to craft even more captivating stories."
– Feng Ji, Founder & CEO, Game Director, Game Science
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (Square Enix Co. Ltd)
"I’m over the moon that Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has been recognized with the Grand Award, following in the footsteps of its predecessor. Huge thanks to all the fans who’ve backed us and made this possible. As we approach the final part of the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy, we’re dedicated to creating a fulfilling conclusion, hoping for your continued support."
– Naoki Hamaguchi, Director, Square Enix Co. Ltd