The 24th Annual Game Developers Choice Awards (GDCA) and Independent Games Festival (IGF) Awards highlight major achievements in gaming. This year, during the Game Developer Conference in California, they recognize key contributors to the industry’s growth.
Set against the backdrop of San Francisco’s digital landscape, the awards will honor luminaries like Yoko Shimomura with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her impactful game music compositions in titles such as Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy XV. Fawzi Mesmar will receive the Ambassador Award for his influential work across the global gaming industry, emphasizing his role in mentoring and expanding accessibility in game development.
Alanah Pearce and Trinidad Hermida are set to bring fresh perspectives to the ceremonies, promoting diversity and inclusion through their leadership. The awards will showcase 2024’s top games, including Baldur’s Gate 3, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Hi-Fi Rush, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, highlighting a year of diverse and innovative gaming experiences.
By celebrating the contributions of individuals and games that push creative and inclusive boundaries, the GDCA and IGF Awards aim to inspire a future where gaming continues to be a dynamic, inclusive, and influential medium.
Award Show Details
The 24th annual GDCA awards ceremony will take place during the 2024 Game Developers Conference (GDC) on Wednesday, March 20, and is held in conjunction with the Independent Game Festival (IGF) awards. Recipients of the Lifetime Achievement and Ambassador Awards were chosen by this year’s Game Developers Choice Editorial Committee, following suggestions from the International Choice Awards Network (ICAN). All GDC 2024 pass-holders will be able to watch both award ceremonies in-person at San Francisco’s Moscone Convention Center. The GDCA and IGF award shows will also be livestreamed on the official GDC Twitch channel.
Honoring the Best Games of 2023
The 2024 Game Developers Choice Awards (GDCA) feature a diverse range of categories, each highlighting different facets of gaming excellence. From the Audience Award, determined by public vote from all main category finalists, to specific recognitions like Game of the Year, Best Audio, and more, these awards celebrate the pinnacle of game development and design.
Audience Award
A unique category where the public selects their favorite from the finalists across all main categories, emphasizing community engagement and player preferences.
Game of the Year
Finalists span various genres and studios, showcasing the industry’s best:
- Baldur’s Gate 3 (Larian Studios): A deep RPG experience with rich storytelling.
- Cocoon (Geometric Interactive / Annapurna Interactive): An innovative puzzle-adventure game.
- Dave the Diver (Mintrocket): A unique blend of diving simulation and restaurant management.
- Dredge (Black Salt Games / Team17): A maritime horror exploration game.
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (Insomniac Games / Sony Interactive Entertainment): An action-packed superhero adventure.
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Nintendo): The latest in the legendary adventure series.
Best Audio
Recognizes outstanding sound in gaming, with finalists like Baldur’s Gate 3, Hi-Fi Rush, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and Venba demonstrating exceptional sound design and musical composition.
Best Debut
Celebrates the best first release from new studios, highlighting fresh talents such as Cocoon, Dave the Diver, Dredge, Venba, and Viewfinder for their innovative gameplay and storytelling.
Best Design
Acknowledges games with exceptional gameplay mechanics and design, with Baldur’s Gate 3, Cocoon, Dredge, Hi-Fi Rush, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom leading the nominations.
Best Narrative
Honors games with compelling storytelling and narrative depth. Nominees include Alan Wake II, Baldur’s Gate 3, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and Venba.
Best Technology
Focuses on games that push the envelope in technology, featuring Alan Wake II, Baldur’s Gate 3, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Starfield, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom as finalists.
Best Visual Art
Celebrates exceptional art direction and visual storytelling in games. Finalists are Alan Wake II, Cocoon, Final Fantasy XVI, Hi-Fi Rush, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
Innovation Award
Highlights games that offer unique and innovative experiences. Nominees include Baldur’s Gate 3, Cocoon, Hi-Fi Rush, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and The Making of Karateka.
Social Impact Award
Acknowledges games that contribute positively to society or deliver a meaningful social message. Finalists are A Space for the Unbound, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Baldur’s Gate 3, Terra Nil, and Venba.
Each category and its nominees showcase the breadth of creativity, technical excellence, and social consciousness within the gaming industry, reflecting the diverse ways games can entertain, inspire, and make an impact.
