Besides Game of the Year, the Most Anticipated Game category is one of the highlights of The Game Awards each year. For 2024, this category features five nominees that have sparked immense excitement within the gaming community, especially following their recent announcements and teasers.
The nominees for Most Anticipated Game at The Game Awards 2024 include Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yotei, Grand Theft Auto 6, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and Monster Hunter Wild. In this article, let’s dive into the details of these games to uncover what makes them so remarkable and eagerly awaited.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Developed by Kojima Productions and published by Sony, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a sequel to the iconic Death Stranding. Directed and written by the legendary Hideo Kojima, the game continues the story of Sam Porter Bridges, portrayed by Norman Reedus, as he embarks on another mission to save humanity from extinction.
Kojima revealed that the storyline for the sequel was originally conceptualized before 2020. However, the global impact of COVID-19 inspired him to reimagine the narrative, introducing fresh themes and ideas.
The nearly 10-minute trailer unveiled during the February 2024 State of Play showcased a vibrant, dynamic world that feels more alive than ever, thanks to significant advancements in technology. Fans can expect stunning visuals, enhanced animations, and expressive character emotions.
With promises of thrilling adventures, epic journeys, and a vast world to explore, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is poised to deliver a profound and meaningful narrative under Kojima’s masterful direction.
Ghost of Yotei
From Sucker Punch and Sony comes Ghost of Yotei, a spiritual successor to Ghost of Tsushima. Set in Hokkaido, Japan, in 1603—329 years after the events of its predecessor—the game follows Atsu, a protagonist seeking vengeance against insurmountable odds.
Unlike Ghost of Tsushima, which unfolded on the southwestern island of Tsushima during a Mongol invasion, Ghost of Yotei shifts focus to northern Japan, with Mount Yotei expected to play a central role in the storyline.
The trailer hints at significant graphical upgrades, maintaining the series’ hallmark hack-and-slash combat style with katana. Excitingly, new weaponry, including the kusarigama (chain-and-sickle) and tanegashima (matchlock gun), has been teased.
Grand Theft Auto 6
Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto 6 marks the eighth mainline entry in the iconic franchise, returning after a decade since GTA V (2013). Set in the fictional state of Leonida, inspired by Florida, the game revolves around Lucia, a female criminal, and her gang.
Players will revisit Vice City, a fan-favorite location last seen in Vice City Stories (2006). Beyond Vice City, the expansive map promises a wealth of new locations, adding depth to the game world.
The trailer reveals a revitalized Vice City, bustling with life and vibrancy. Fans anticipate nostalgic callbacks like the Malibu Club, Ocean View Hotel, and Little Haiti, alongside groundbreaking innovations that could eclipse the achievements of its predecessor.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has been a long-awaited title since its announcement at E3 2017. After initial development by Bandai Namco was halted, Nintendo restarted the project in 2019, placing it in Retro Studios’ capable hands under producer Kensuke Tanabe.
While specific plot details remain scarce, Sylux is confirmed as the primary antagonist, leading a band of Space Pirates in a daring attack on the Galactic Federation Research Facility.
The game retains the beloved elements of the series, blending exploration, puzzle-solving, and adrenaline-pumping combat. The trailer hints at the return of classic mechanics like the Scan Visor and showcases thrilling battles against Space Pirates using Samus’s iconic Laser Beam and Missile Launcher.
Monster Hunter Wild
Developed by Capcom, Monster Hunter Wild is the successor to Monster Hunter: World (2018) and is set to release on February 28, 2025. Players step into the role of a Hunter exploring the Forbidden Lands—a wilderness inhabited only by monsters—on a mission to locate a missing expedition team.
The gameplay stays true to the core mechanics of the series while introducing new systems, features, and creatures.
The game garnered significant praise during its Open Beta, particularly for Capcom’s improved character creation tools, RPG elements like dialogue options, and stunning visuals powered by the RE Engine. Many fans have hailed it as the best-looking game ever developed on this engine.
These five titles embody the innovation and creativity that make the gaming industry so captivating. Which one are you most excited for? Share your thoughts!