Astro Bot and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth lead the shortlist for the Golden Joystick Awards 2024, nudging out Helldivers 2 and Balatro for the most nominations

Who wins? You decide

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Have you ever disagreed with Game of the Year lists? Well, now is your chance to help shape them. GamesRadar+ is happy to confirm that voting is live for the 42nd Golden Joystick Awards – where your input will help create conversations around the best video games of the year.

Voting is now live in 19 categories,including ‘Console Game of the Year,’ ‘PC Game of the Year,’ ‘Best Multiplayer Game,’ and more. If you want to have your say, you’ve got until Friday, November 1, to make your opinions heard. This year, new categories have been introduced, such as ‘Best Soundtrack,’ ‘Best Audio Design,’ and ‘Best Indie Game – Self Published,’ as we look to celebrate a wider range of releases from 2024.

Click to vote in the Golden Joystick Awards 2024!

There’s plenty to get through, but here are some highlights you might find interesting. Astro Bot and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth lead the shortlist with five nominations each, followed by Helldivers 2 with four nominations and Balatro with three nominations. Naturally,Dragon’s Dogma 2andElden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtreemade the shortlist, as well as scores of other amazing games.

If you’re wondering where ‘Ultimate Game of the Year’ is, don’t worry. That shortlist will go live on Monday, November 4, with voting in that category opening the same day. The winners for all the categories will be revealed in a star-studded award ceremony in central London and live-streamed globally on Thursday, November 21, 2024.

You can check out the full Golden Joystick Awards 2024 categories and shortlists below, and then be sure to head over to the official page to cast your votes. It’s well worth doing – not only will you make your voice heard in the world’s longest-running public-voted games awards show, but you’ll also be able to claim a free gaming ebook created by our friends here at Future.

Golden Joystick Awards 2024 nominations

Best Storytelling

Best Multiplayer Game

Best Visual Design

Best Indie Game

Best Indie Game - Self Published

Still Playing Award - PC and Console

Still Playing Award - Mobile

Studio of the Year

Best Game Expansion

Best Audio Design

Best Soundtrack

Best Lead Performer

Best Supporting Performer

PC Game of the Year

Console Game of the Year

Best Early Access Game

Best Gaming Hardware

Best Game Trailer

Most Wanted Game

Additional category winners – including ‘Breakthrough Award’ and ‘Critics Choice Award’ will be selected by a panel of journalists from brands including gamesradar.com, pcgamer.com, FGS, Edge magazine and Retro Gamer, plus Future’s trusted network of freelance writers. These winners will be revealed on the night.

Josh West is the Editor-in-Chief of GamesRadar+. He has over 15 years experience in online and print journalism, and holds a BA (Hons) in Journalism and Feature Writing. Prior to starting his current position, Josh has served as GR+’s Features Editor and Deputy Editor of games™ magazine, and has freelanced for numerous publications including 3D Artist, Edge magazine, iCreate, Metal Hammer, Play, Retro Gamer, and SFX. Additionally, he has appeared on the BBC and ITV to provide expert comment, written for Scholastic books, edited a book for Hachette, and worked as the Assistant Producer of the Future Games Show. In his spare time, Josh likes to play bass guitar and video games. Years ago, he was in a few movies and TV shows that you’ve definitely seen but will never be able to spot him in.

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