The night of December 12, 2024, marked a captivating milestone in the gaming industry. Geoff Keighley, the charismatic host, brought to life the 10th annual Game Awards, receiving an enthusiastic wave of approval from online viewers. It’s worth recalling that the show used to face criticism for prioritizing advertisements over showcasing the talents of game developers, whom it was actually meant to honor.
In the previous year, an intriguing mishap occurred when a teleprompter in the theater boldly instructed award winners to “Please Wrap it Up.” This particular incident became the talk of the town, grabbing attention for all the right reasons. Keighley and his team at The Game Awards evidently addressed this feedback, tuning the show for a far more balanced presentation this year.
The Game Awards 2024 delivered a truly remarkable and entertaining experience from start to finish. Spectators were treated to jaw-dropping announcements, like Elden Ring Nightreign, which takes the much-loved Souls-like gameplay of FromSoftware into a new cooperative roguelike dimension. Equally thrilling was Hazelight Studio’s reveal of Split Fiction, a novel cooperative adventure blending inventive mechanics with diverse settings. Fans of their previous success, It Takes Two, which clinched Game of the Year in 2021, certainly have cause for anticipation.
A significant highlight of the show was the generous screen time allotted to developers and award recipients. Swen Vincke, Larian Studios’ Founder and CEO, known for the incredible Baldur’s Gate 3, delivered a thought-provoking speech that resonated deeply within the gaming community. His candid critique of industry shortcomings underscored a pressing need for introspection and evolution.
In perhaps one of the biggest surprises of the evening, Astro Bot by Team Asobi and Sony Interactive Entertainment nabbed the coveted Game of the Year 2024 award, outshining formidable competitors like Black Myth: Wukong, which itself made headlines by selling 18 million copies in a month. This victory makes it clear that Astro Bot struck a chord with both critics and gamers, leveraging familiar roots of the gaming industry. Meanwhile, it’s an invigorating prompt for Microsoft and Xbox to consider emulating Sony’s successful strategy.
Astro Bot is not just expertly designed; it’s reminiscent of the charm seen in Nintendo’s timeless classics like Super Mario Brothers. Its elegantly simple design belies a depth of gameplay where players navigate diverse environments, collecting Bots that embody both iconic and lesser-known characters from Sony’s illustrious history, such as Kratos or Raiden.
As Sony continues to excel with its cinematic third-person adventures, Astro Bot shows that delight comes in various forms, providing an engaging experience for players of any age. This variety is something that Microsoft and Xbox seem to be lacking, despite their extensive array of genres and vast number of game studios.
Even as Microsoft carries forward niche franchises like Age of Empires and Wasteland, the absence of a major third-person platforming title leaves a gap in their repertoire of offers, especially considering the nostalgic treasure they have at their fingertips.
Possibilities for revitalization abound, especially with favorites like Banjo-Kazooie and Conker. These beloved series could see a renaissance under Microsoft’s wing, each with unique challenges and loyal fanbases eager for revival. Banjo and Kazooie delighted fans when announced for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate back in 2019, sparking hope for their series’ return. Similarly, Conker holds potential, albeit a riskier bet with its mature themes.
The torch, however, could be carried forward by Double Fine, acquired in 2019, with its successful Psychonauts 2 demonstrating potential. With Microsoft’s backing, Double Fine crafted a top-tier platformer, and they’re poised for future projects that could shine brightly on the Xbox horizon.
Recent partnerships, like with Toys for Bob, further enhance Microsoft’s capacity to tap into nostalgia and creativity. As creators of recent popular remakes, they are well-placed to infuse fresh life into iconic brands like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon.
Spyro especially, having not seen a fresh adventure since 2008, could soar again, either continuing its original narrative or embarking on a reimagined journey, catering to all ages. With these rich resources, Microsoft has a golden opportunity to revel in their gaming legacy akin to Astro Bot’s celebration of PlayStation’s history.
Drawing inspiration from Astro Bot, Microsoft could craft a new platformer, rich with references and nostalgia, filling the void in the all-ages category while celebrating its rich tapestry of gaming milestones. This could be their chance to forge a new icon, possibly by giving Master Chief a platforming twist or revisiting locations steeped in Xbox heritage.
Ultimately, reflecting on the vast 25-year legacy of Xbox, a concerted effort to celebrate this history could prove immensely rewarding, inviting fans to indulge in a heartfelt journey through the games that shaped their incredible story.
