Quick Links
With 2024 winding down, we've been putting our noses to the grindstone and wading through the hundreds of releases in order to identify the standout titles. We were blessed with another strong year of games, which ultimately makes the process of whittling down said GOTY lists all the more arduous. But don't cry for us, we're already dead, we do it for the love of the game(s).
TheGamer Game Of The Year Hub - 2023
This is the landing page for all the GOTY lists written by TheGamer's team. Behold our dazzling opinions!
2023 saw Baldur's Gate 3 take home the lion's share of GOTY nominations. If we're being honest with ourselves, that was probably an inevitability. This year feels less certain. It feels like there are a ton of great games duking it out for the top spot. Not only are there a number of excellent Triple-A titles vying for a prime spot on everyone's lists, but some excellent independent games have made a real impact this year. Watch the deliberations unfold as this hub updates with every new GOTY list daily.
-
Meg Pelliccio, Executive Editor
Overseer of TheGamer's guiding efforts, Meg has cultivated a refined taste in games. That's readily apparent in her GOTY list, which features a grab bag of everything from adventure titles to humble indie hits to massive JRPGs. This is a varied list lined with some extremely classy picks. If that's not enough to entice you to give it a read, I'll let you in on a secret: she?may give the Majima Goro a shoutout or two. Shocking, I know.?
Game Of The Year Editor’s Pick, 2024 - Meg Pelliccio -
Sam Woods, Senior Editor
Sam Woods is an editor extraordinaire at TheGamer, and?he's brought us a GOTY list that strikes the perfect balance between indie darlings and Triple-A hits. Whether it be an RPG, platformer, FPS, or something that steps outside the typical bounds of a genre, you'll find that Sam has a place for it in his heart. The real question is does he have a place for it on this list? Only one way to find out!?
Game Of The Year Editor’s Pick, 2024 - Sam Woods -
Hilton Webster, Staff Writer
Hilton is one of the newest staff writers at TheGamer, and he's already distinguished himself as being an insightful, charismatic voice with the best kind of weeby taste in games. On his GOTY list, you'll find lots of anime-adjacent goodness, a sprinkle of spookiness, and just a dash of
Game Of The Year Editor's Pick, 2024 - Hilton Websterdegeneracy?Sonic. It is a must-read list with a voice! -
Ryan Thompson-Bamsey, Executive Editor
Ryan is the second-in-charge of guides at TheGamer, so he's used to putting out fires and rallying the troops. It shouldn't come as a surprise, then, that Ryan's list features beefy RPGs that see you manage cadres of demons and assemble armies of rebels, while the rest of it is packed with games where you'll perform problem-solving of one type or another. He really does take his work home with him, eh? Give his piece a read and witness its majesty for yourself.
Game Of The Year Editor's Pick, 2024 - Ryan Thompson-Bamsey -
Andrew King, Editor
Andrew is a seasoned editor at TheGamer known for his love of the silver screen and independent video games. The latter half of that description bears fruit here, as he has provided us with a delightful list of killer indie games! This highly varied list has everything from spooky throwbacks to the horror titles of a bygone era to frenetic action-based titles that put their best foot forward. Check it out, and you will most likely find out about a cool game or two you've never heard of.?
Game Of The Year Editor's Pick, 2024 - Andrew King -
Vaspaan Dastoor, Editor
Vaspaan is one of the most seasoned editors at TheGamer, but given his GOTY list, we should probably say that he is among the most battle-hardened. If his GOTY list is any indication, if he ain't shootin' something, he's stabbin' it. If a word pops up on the screen, Vaspaan's going to do his best to riddle it with holes. He's a man of action, and his GOTY list reflects that. Ultimately, that makes it the list to turn to if you value games that crank up that adrenaline and smash your worries away.?
Game Of The Year Editor’s Pick, 2024 - Vaspaan Dastoor -
Harry Alston, Senior Staff Writer
Senior Staff Writer Harry Alston is one of TheGamer's most outspoken champions of free-to-play titles. From MOBAs to survival games to hack and slashers, you'll find a wide range of free-to-play gems represented on Harry's list. Hell, even the games that aren't free-to-play are mostly indie titles that'll only cost you a few bucks. This makes for a list that looks wildly different from every other GOTY list you'll encounter. If you game on a budget, this is the list for you.
Game Of The Year Editor’s Pick, 2024 - Harry Alston -
Zo? J. Osik, Staff Writer
Zo? is one of the most prolific staff writers at TheGamer. Given how much work she produces, I guess it shouldn't be surprising that the games she gravitates towards are cozy as hell. I suspect we won't see a list this year that does a better job of representing the incredibly diverse list of comfy games that were released this year. The degree of specialization makes this GOTY list a must-read - especially if you are looking for a recommendation for a game that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Game Of The Year Editor’s Pick, 2024 - Zoe J. Osik -
Gabrielle Castania, Staff Writer
Gabrielle is a venerated staff writer who tends to gravitate towards cozy games and narratively inclined titles. However, this year Gabrielle has clearly been more focused on massaging her brain, as nearly all her entries involve a puzzle-solving component. Even her Metroidvania entry is largely just a puzzle game in disguise. Though, a Mario Party game also made her list, so the next puzzle she'll likely need to solve is the mystery of her fractured friendships.?Give her GOTY list a read to get another unique take on the best games to release in 2024.?
Game Of The Year Editor’s Pick, 2024 - Gabrielle Castania -
Santi Leguiza, Editor
The always magnanimous Santi is here to provide another excellent list lined with RPGs. Santi's RPG-heavy list does a magnificent job highlighting the diversity present in the genre. There are turn-based entries, action entries, hybrids, hack 'n' slashes, MMOs... it is a veritable cornucopia of RPGs! You'll find that a lot of our staff have lists filled with RPGs - it was just one of those years - but I doubt any will feature the kind of diversity that Santi's does.?
Game Of The Year Editor’s Pick, 2024 - Santi Leguiza -
Quinton O'Connor, Staff Writer
When it comes to JRPGs, Quinton is the foremost expert at TheGamer. That is a bold statement, as the entire staff is lined with JRPG fans. However, Quinton's the closest thing we have to a JRPG scholar. Needless to say, this was the year of Quinton. Which makes this GOTY list a near-essential read. Sure, we know 2024 was filled with excellent RPGs, but which of them does TheGamer's JRPG aficionado deem to be the best? Well, there's only one way to find out!
Game Of The Year Editor's Pick, 2024: Quinton O'Connor -
Trevor Ford, Social Media Manager
Trevor is TheGamer's social media guy, and you only have to glance at his GOTY list to see that it was a job he was born for. The majority of Trevor's games involve a social component of one form or another. If he isn't colonizing planets with pals, he's slacking off alongside them at the fictional office, or he's hunting mythical beasts with their pawns. He'll, one of the few single-player games that made the cut is all about bonds and friendship. This focus on community gives his GOTY a distinct identity and makes it essential reading. See, we aren't all anti-social goblins!?
Game of the Year Social Media Manager's Pick, 2024 -Trevor Ford -
Allyson Cochran, Editor
Ally is another one of TheGamer's exceedingly talented editors. Her GOTY list is the one that could best be described as being a "vibe". How do you feel about cats? Do you like cute stuff? What about robots? Look, it is an odd list, but it is gloriously odd, and unquestionably pawticular. It is another standout piece that celebrates the incredible diversity of gaming experiences available in the modern era. Do yourself a favor and give this GOTY list purrsonality a read.?
Game Of The Year Editor's Pick, 2024: Allyson Cochran -
Tom Hopkins, Staff Writer
Tom is the newest staff writer at TheGamer, and he's here to make a mark with a GOTY list that features a great deal of variety. From indie darlings to Triple-A behemoths, from shuffling decks to shooting zombies. It includes RPGs, adventure games, rogue-likes and more: Tom's list has a bit of everything. It's a well-balanced GOTY list loaded with a broad offering of the best games of the year across a wide spate of genres. Give Tom's list a glance to get a snapshot of 2024's gaming landscape as a whole.?
Game Of The Year Editor's Pick, 2024 - Tom Hopkins -
Johnny Flores Jr., Editor
Johnny is one of the newest editors to join the news team at TheGamer, and his GOTY list is here to pump you up! Johnny's list is a gun-pumping, sword-slashing, bone-crushing, fist-throwing, adrenaline-fueled celebration of the medium's more action-oriented side. If you are looking to let loose and go wild, Johnny's GOTY list is a great launching-off point. This list is an all-killer, no-filler affair.?
Game Of The Year Editor’s Pick, 2024 — Johnny Flores Jr. -
David Duffy, Editor-At-Large
David is among the most wizened members of TheGamer's team, and it is clear that his years of gaming wisdom have culminated in an excellent list lined with a whole spectrum of gaming goodness. There's a very healthy amount of RPG representation here, of course, but there are also puzzle games, platformers, and adventure titles. More than anything, there are good vibes. Give this one a read, and you'll receive a refined platter of different games that all deserve your attention. Don't allow his withered appearance to discourage you, David is still "hip" and "with it".
Game Of The Year Editor’s Pick, 2024 - David W. Duffy -
Jade King, Executive Editor
Jade runs the features team at TheGamer with an iron first, but when she isn't cracking the whip in the office, she's cracking skulls in games. Her list bounces between frenetic action, nuanced storytelling, and strategic warfare. Then it doubles back into balls to the wall action. One thing is clear from reading Jade's list: she has a lot of love for this medium. This is absolutely a GOTY list that deserves your attention.
Game Of The Year Editor's Pick, 2024 - Jade King -
Josh Coulson, Editor
Josh is another esteemed editor at TheGamer, and he's here to share his 2024 GOTY picks. We've got a decent range of games here. He's a man who enjoys his adventuring, platforming, and RPGing in equal measure. As such, you'll see a healthy balance of each in this well-structured GOTY list filled with some of this year's most colossal titans. He also managed to suppress his deviancy and keep Sonic off it, an honorable achievement in its own right. Surely you should reward his efforts by giving his list a read, right? You won't regret it.?
Game Of The Year Editor's Pick, 2024 - Josh Coulson -
Sanyam Jain, Staff Writer
Sanyam is the staff writer at TheGamer who has devoted his mind and soul to the world of live service games. While his GOTY list does include a few single-player games here and there, his type is crystal clear. You'll find the who's-who of live service games presented boldly in Sanyam's list. ?You love to see a highly specialized entry, and we salute Sanyam, even if we fear that he must be losing a dozen hours a day to dailies. If you are looking to get got by a gacha, then this list has everything you need.
Game Of The Year Editor’s Pick, 2024 - Sanyam Jain -
Tessa Kaur, Editor
Tessa is a valuable member of the features team and a tireless advocate for narratively driven games. However, you don't need me to tell you that: their GOTY list features a number of beautifully articulated, elegantly crafted stories. Some of them are politically focused, others are deeply personal, but all of them are deftly told. This is a list packed with some of the best stories told in games in 2024 and a valuable resource for those who are similarly interested in strong storytelling. Oh, and there's also a card game in there somewhere too.?
Game Of The Year Editor's Pick, 2024 - Tessa Kaur -
Joe Parlock, Editor
Joe is an editor at TheGamer and our resident master of cardboard. He's also a man with a distinct taste in games. He likes what he likes, and he isn't afraid to tell you about it. This list has some of the usual suspects, but you'll also see a few games that you may have never heard of (or at least wouldn't expect to see on a GOTY list). Give Joe's piece a read; you'll be better for it.
Game Of The Year Editor's Pick, 2024: Joe Parlock -
Axel Bosso, Editor-at-Large
Axel is a vital member of the team and a man who wears many hats here at TheGamer. He's also a man who plays many games. His GOTY list is a mishmash of fighting games, rogue-likes, horror titles, RPGs, platformers, and other oddities. The boy loves games! And hey, who better to get an opinion on games from than someone who plays them all??
Game Of The Year Editor's Pick, 2024: Axel Bosso -
Sam Hallahan, Senior Video Producer
Sam is the driving force of TheGamer's video team and an all-round interesting guy. Needless to say, that has led to another?pretty interesting GOTY list. Sam's list is half-and-half critical darlings and indie deep cuts. How media affects an individual can be deeply personal, and we love seeing that individuality materialize in these lists. Give it a gander. You may just find your next favorite game.?
Game Of The Year Editor’s Pick, 2024 - Sam Hallahan -
Mike Drucker, Columnist
Mike is a regular columnist for TheGamer and an insightful critical voice in the industry at large. That insight is on full display in his GOTY list, which is comprised of games that run the gamut from pleasant and uplifting to grim and despair-inducing. As is the case with everything Mr. Drucker writes, this list is a great read. Come for the thoughtful analysis, stay for the jokes.?
Game Of The Year Editor’s Pick, 2024 - Mike Drucker -
James Kennedy, Staff Writer
James is a staff writer for TheGamer who writes guides and stuff like that. He's also me. I'm James. Give my GOTY list a read. I have thoughts about games and only your eyes can validate them. Give me your eyes, please.?
Game Of The Year Editor's Pick, 2024 - James Kennedy -
Joshua Robertson, Editor
Josh is one of the core editors for TheGamer's news team. When he's not breaking stories, he's playing a truly shocking number of games. Here's a little secret for you: while we all play a ton of games here, most of us are guiding them, reviewing them, or writing features about them. Josh plays more than most, and he does it all for the love of the game. It's a sickness, really. That dedication flows throughout his GOTY list, which makes an impassioned plea for each of the meticulously selected gems that line it. Give it a read, you'll walk away better for it.
Game Of The Year Editor’s Pick, 2024 - Joshua Robertson -
Mohamed El Ouardighi, Staff Writer
Medo is one of TheGamer's resident Souls enthusiasts. If a game has some form of bonfire, and a roll with invincible frames, then you know his heart will start to pump at an accelerated rate. While 2024 was not a year lined with souls-likes, there were still a few heavy hitters, and Medo found some other pretty damn good games to fill the rest of his time with. In a way, you could say that this list represents Medo's expanded horizons. It is a brave new world, and this GOTY list is the perfect example of that.
Game Of The Year Editor’s Pick, 2024 - Mohamed El Ouardighi -
Matt Arnold, Staff Writer
Matt is a staff writer at TheGamer who specializes in PC gaming in particular. You may scratch your head and think, "aren't all console games PC games and vis versa these days?" The answer is no. Absolutely not. If you want to know what a PC game looks like, give Matt's GOTY list a read. While there are some games that are available on consoles present, its focus is clearly on the best PC games to release in 2024. You love to see a specialized GOTY list!
Game Of The Year Editor's Pick, 2024 - Matt Arnold -
George Foster, Executive Editor