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Astro Bot won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024, a ceremony that also looked ahead with major reveals: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio teased a new Virtua Fighter, Bandai Namco unveiled the Pac-Man-inspired Shadow Labyrinth, and Naughty Dog announced Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, with music by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.
What happened at The Game Awards 2024?
The ceremony took place on December 12, 2024, at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater. It paired awards for games released that year with trailers and announcements about future projects. Windows Central reported that the roughly three-hour show included 30 awards, announced between premieres and other reveals. Windows Central Gematsu
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Sackboy: A Big Adventure – PlayStation 5 | $31.96 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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DOG MAN: Misson Impawsible - PlayStation 5 | $23.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Star Wars Outlaws - Limited Edition (Amazon Exclusive), PlayStation 5 | $35.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Among the other prominent announcements were an Okami sequel and The Witcher 4. The new Virtua Fighter, Shadow Labyrinth, and Intergalactic stood out for taking different routes to audience attention: reviving a familiar fighting-game series, bending a recognizable character into a new genre, and introducing an original science-fiction world. The Game Awards 2024 archive VGC’s announcement roundup
Who won Game of the Year?
Astro Bot, developed by Team ASOBI and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, won Game of the Year. Gematsu’s winners list
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- Face thrilling, unpredictable challenges as you explore distinctive hand-crafted lands through deeply immersive and expressive controls.
- PERILOUS PLATFORMING EXPERIENCE - Explore here, there and everywhere as you utilize Sackboy’s cool, diverse move-set to face a huge variety of thrilling challenges, fierce enemies and startling surprises.
- RE-STUFFED. RE-STITCHED. RE-ZIPPED - Sackboy returns to the big time stuffed with fresh moves and game-changing gadgets in an awe-inspiring and downright fun 3D adventure in this new, but familiar world.
Was a new Virtua Fighter announced?
Yes. Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the team known for Like a Dragon, teased a new Virtua Fighter during the ceremony. VGC reported that a follow-up VF Direct was scheduled for December 13, 2024, but its initial report did not give the new project a release date. VGC’s Virtua Fighter report
This was a new game announcement, not the separately announced Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. Steam release. The reveal established that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio was working on a new entry; it did not establish when that game would launch.
What is Shadow Labyrinth, the Pac-Man-inspired game?
Shadow Labyrinth is Bandai Namco’s 2D action-platformer and an unconventional take on Pac-Man. Its announcement follows Swordsman No. 8, who must survive on a hostile alien world through exploration, combat, and consumption. The maze is part of the setting and the survival premise, rather than a promise of a traditional arcade-style Pac-Man game. VGC’s announcement report
Rank #2
- 50 Exciting Levels: Explore iconic locations from the Dog Man universe, including the City Hall, Giant Marshmallow Factory, and the Police Station. Each location offers platforming and puzzle-solving challenges.
- Teamwork: Switch between Dog Man and his Supa Buddies, each with their own special abilities, to overcome obstacles and defeat bosses. o Dog Man: Digs underground and glides through the air. o Li’l Petey: Hacks gadgets and fits into small spaces. o 80-HD: Pushes heavy objects and jumps long distances.
- Fun Gadgets: Unlock new gadgets and abilities as you progress, like a grappling hook, rocket boots and power gloves to navigate through the levels. Puzzles and Bosses: Use your brain to solve puzzles and defeat unique bosses. Each boss fight requires clever use of your team’s abilities.
- Humor and Action: Enjoy funny dialogue, amusing interactions, and non-stop action that keeps you engaged in Dog Man’s world. Rewards and Collectibles: Revisit levels with new gadgets to find secret areas, and rescue the missing Comic Club members.
- Art Style: Great animations inspired by the books, with comic-style sound effects that add a fun, cartoonish touch to the action.
Bandai Namco producer Seigo Aizawa later described how the team adapted maze navigation, simple-feeling controls, and the idea of Power Pellets for a larger action game. PlayStation Blog outlined three modes: Swordsman No. 8’s combat, Mini Puck’s exploration, and GAIA’s limited heavy-power mode. Aizawa called the project “bold new ground for the brand,” a promotional description from Bandai Namco rather than an independent assessment. PlayStation Blog, March 27, 2025
The initial announcement listed Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC through Steam, with a planned 2025 release. Bandai Namco’s PlayStation Blog later announced a July 18, 2025 PS5 launch, and PlayStation’s game page lists a PS5 edition. VGC PlayStation’s Shadow Labyrinth page PlayStation Blog
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is Trent Reznor doing for Intergalactic?
Naughty Dog revealed Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet at the ceremony. The first trailer showed early footage of the science-fiction game, and Naughty Dog credited its soundtrack to Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. No release date was provided in the initial announcement. VGC’s Intergalactic report
Rank #3
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- Discover a galaxy of opportunity. Explore distinct locations with bustling cities and cantinas. Race across sprawling outdoor landscapes on your speeder. Each location brings new adventures, unique challenges, and enticing rewards if you’re willing to take the risk.
- Experience an original scoundrel story. Live the high-stakes lifestyle of an outlaw. Turn any situation to your advantage with Nix by your side: fight with your blaster, overcome enemies with stealth and gadgets, or find the right moments to distract enemies and gain the upper hand.
- Embark on high-stakes missions. Take on high-risk, high-reward missions from the galaxy’s crime syndicates. Steal valuable goods, infiltrate secret locations, and outwit enemies as one of the galaxy’s most wanted. Every choice you make influences your ever-changing reputation.
- Jump into the pilot seat. Pilot your ship, the Trailblazer, as you engage in thrilling dogfights with the Empire and other foes. Find the right opportunities to chase, evade, and attack to get the upper hand.
The composers’ names were part of the reveal; the announcement did not establish how much of the score was complete or describe its sound. The project was presented as a future game announcement, not as a playable demo or a reviewed release at the ceremony.
Why these announcements defined the recap
The three reveals offered distinct kinds of hooks without suggesting they were at the same stage of development. Virtua Fighter pointed to a new installment in an established franchise; Shadow Labyrinth reworked a familiar icon into an action-platformer; and Intergalactic introduced an original science-fiction property with a notable composer pairing. Together with Astro Bot’s win, they illustrate the show’s two roles: recognizing the year’s games and building interest in what might come next.
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