The evening of December 12, 2024, marked a momentous occasion for the gaming community. Geoff Keighley took the stage to celebrate the 10th annual Game Awards, receiving a warm welcome from viewers worldwide. Historically, the show has faced its share of criticism for prioritizing commercials over the game developers who should take center stage.
Last year’s event had its own share of awkward moments, with a teleprompter message famously urging winners to “Please Wrap it Up,” sparking a viral debate. This year, however, The Game Awards team seemed to have taken that feedback to heart, tweaking their approach based on audience input.
The 2024 Game Awards turned out to be a delightful surprise from start to finish. Among the standout moments was the reveal of Elden Ring Nightreign, a fresh cooperative roguelike twist on FromSoftware’s signature souls-like gameplay. Other exciting announcements included Hazelight Studio’s Split Fiction, a cooperative journey weaving through diverse settings, reminiscent of their acclaimed 2021 title, It Takes Two. For those tuning in for groundbreaking reveals, this year did not disappoint.
But perhaps the most unexpected highlight was the newfound emphasis on giving developers and winners ample time in the spotlight. Swen Vincke, the Larian Studios CEO behind Baldur’s Gate 3—Game of the Year recipient in 2023—delivered a captivating speech reflecting on what makes a game truly resonate with players. His perspective offered a candid critique of the industry’s shortcomings, sparking conversation across social media platforms, including a notable clip shared on X by @Rurikhan.
Another monumental moment was the crowning of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Astro Bot as the Game of the Year 2024, edging out titans like Black Myth: Wukong. This victory not only highlights the game’s appeal but also serves as a reminder to competitors like Microsoft and Xbox about the importance of diverse gaming experiences.
Astro Bot, a masterfully designed platformer inspired by Nintendo’s iconic Mario series, brought its unique charm to life. Playing it feels like a delightful mix of Super Mario 3D World with elements of Sunshine, even incorporating collectible Bots reminiscent of Pikmin-style gameplay. Throughout its levels, the game pays homage to classic PlayStation franchises, creating a nostalgic celebration of Sony’s storied history.
While Sony has excelled in producing cinematic action-adventures, Astro Bot offers a refreshing take that prioritizes fun and accessibility for players of all ages—a variety Microsoft and Xbox could benefit from incorporating themselves.
Despite Microsoft’s impressive roster of studios and franchises, there remains a noticeable gap in their portfolio for major third-person platformers. Classics like Banjo-Kazooie, a beloved Rare gem, could easily fill this void, appealing to fans’ nostalgic sentiments. Alternatively, Conker could be explored, drawing on its mix of mature content or leaning towards its family-friendly beginnings.
The potential is vast, and the inclusion of Banjo and Kazooie in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate rekindled interest in these characters. Microsoft and Rare’s unique catalog places them in a prime position to either revisit these beloved series or start fresh with a new adventure.
Additionally, with Double Fine in their ranks, Microsoft has shown they can support standout platformers, as evidenced by the success of Psychonauts 2. With investment in the right projects and creative freedom, another hit title could emerge, perhaps rivalling Astro Bot’s acclaim.
Moreover, with partners like Toys for Bob—having revitalized titles like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro—Microsoft could further explore new avenues for appealing, family-friendly content. Whether continuing a beloved franchise or forging a new path, the opportunity is ripe.
Astro Bot’s success also highlights the power of nostalgia. If Microsoft aimed to create their own mascot-centric game, immersing fans in a journey through Xbox’s history could be a masterstroke. By drawing on characters like Master Chief and Tracer, such a game would celebrate Xbox’s legacy in a playful, engaging manner.
In light of these possibilities, it becomes clear that there is untapped potential for Microsoft in the platforming genre. Capitalizing on nostalgia while also innovating could pave the way for memorable gaming experiences, celebrating their rich history in a creative, family-friendly format.
