This year has been bittersweet. On one hand, we’ve had phenomenal games that pushed the boundaries of storytelling, visuals, and gameplay. On the other, 2024 saw an unprecedented wave of layoffs, with beloved studios shuttering and talented developers losing their jobs. What went wrong? It’s a combination of factors.
The pandemic gaming boom in 2020 saw an explosion of sales as people turned to games for escapism. Companies invested heavily to capitalize on this surge, but as life returned to normal, sales plummeted, leaving many studios overextended. Compounding this, the way we consume games has fundamentally changed. A decade ago, players would dive into a new release every few weeks, finish it, trade it in, and move on to the next. Now, with digital distribution dominating, trading games is a thing of the past. Many players wait for sales instead of buying at full price, putting more pressure on developers to recoup costs.
Then there’s the rise of live-service games like Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Valorant. These games demand players’ attention week after week, often at the expense of new releases. Add in battle passes, skins, and other microtransactions, and it’s easy to see how they monopolize both time and wallets.
For someone like me who loves AAA gaming, this shift stings. Big-budget games are becoming rarer, and even when they do launch, they often struggle to break even in a market dominated by “games-as-a-service.”
The year also brought significant changes in the rivalry between Sony and Microsoft. Microsoft made waves by announcing that their first-party titles, like Halo and Gears of War, will no longer be Xbox exclusives. While timed exclusivity might still happen, these games will eventually land on PlayStation. On paper, this sounds great—more players get access to amazing games. But I can’t help but wonder if this will have long-term repercussions.
Consider the last console generation: After losing to the Xbox 360, PlayStation came out swinging with the PS4, delivering a blockbuster first-party title almost every six months. This generation, however, Sony seems to be coasting, with fewer major exclusives to speak of. Yes, rising development costs are part of the issue, but if Sony truly felt under pressure, they’d likely have found a way to deliver more consistently.
Looking ahead, if Microsoft’s games are playable on PlayStation—and with Xbox Game Pass potentially expanding—why would anyone invest in an Xbox console? It’s a valid question, and one that could reshape the industry.
Of course, Sony hasn’t been flawless this year either. The release (and rapid demise) of Concord, a AAA title that lasted just 13 days before being shut down and refunded, was one of the most shocking failures in gaming history. The entire studio behind it was closed.
Despite all this doom and gloom, I remain optimistic. Gaming has always been an evolving medium, and I’m confident it will adapt and thrive. Plus, there’s plenty to be excited about in 2025: a new Grand Theft Auto, a next-gen Nintendo console, and hopefully more surprises.
Before we dive into what’s next, let’s take a moment to celebrate the highlights of 2024. Here are my favorite games of the 2024!
Three Amazing Games That Just Missed the Cut
The Last of Us Part II Remastered
If there’s one word to describe The Last of Us Part II, it’s "masterpiece." This game is a brutal, heart-wrenching rollercoaster of emotions that I absolutely adore. If you haven’t played it yet, you’re missing out on one of the best experiences gaming has to offer. So, why didn’t it make my list? Simply put, it’s a remaster of a four-year-old classic, and I wanted to shine a light on some of this year’s newer releases. But make no mistake—this is still an essential game for any fan of storytelling and immersive gameplay.Star Wars Outlaws
Calling all Star Wars fans! Star Wars Outlaws is a love letter to the galaxy far, far away. It’s packed with charm, lore, and thrilling moments that any longtime fan will appreciate. I had a great time exploring its universe, but I’ll be honest—my playthrough wasn’t without its hiccups. A few bugs and annoyances took some of the shine off my experience. The good news? Recent updates have reportedly squashed those issues, so your journey through the Outer Rim will likely be smoother than mine. It’s a fantastic game that I wholeheartedly recommend, even though it narrowly missed the cut this year.Harold Halibut
Harold Halibut is unlike anything else I’ve played this year. Sure, it’s a slow burn where not much happens on the surface, but the story of a stranded group of people trying to return home from a bizarre alien planet is nothing short of captivating. The real magic lies in the game’s craftsmanship—every character and environment is painstakingly hand-sculpted out of clay. It took the developers a decade to bring this project to life, and the result feels like stepping into a playable Wallace and Gromit film. While it didn’t quite make the final cut, it’s a remarkable labor of love that deserves your attention.
My Top Ten Video Games of 2024
10. Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2
As someone who spent my teenage years staging epic battles across kitchen tables and living room floors with Warhammer 40k miniatures, Space Marine 2 felt like stepping into a vivid childhood fantasy. This game perfectly captures the brutal, larger-than-life energy of the Warhammer 40k universe. Think Gears of War, but faster, heavier, and without cover mechanics. Every weapon feels satisfyingly destructive, and the 10-hour campaign is packed with bombastic action. Add in robust PvP and PvE multiplayer modes, and you’ve got a complete package that left me hopeful for the future of this series. A must-play for fans of sci-fi carnage.
9. Hellblade 2: Senua’s Saga
Stunning doesn’t even begin to describe Hellblade 2. Visually, it’s one of the most jaw-dropping games I’ve ever played. Its six-hour story is a dark and harrowing journey into Norse mythology, where Senua battles both physical enemies and the psychological toll of her mission. The combat is intense, and the puzzles are clever, but what really stands out is the game’s atmospheric horror. One sequence, in particular, had me on edge for hours. If you love Vikings or films like The Northman, this tightly-crafted experience is well worth your time.
8. Metaphor: ReFantazio
Metaphor: ReFantazio is a JRPG that grabbed me and refused to let go. From the team behind Persona, it takes the beloved formula and tightens it up in all the right ways. The game’s medieval world, filled with dragons, goblins, and political intrigue, is a delight to explore. I’m obsessed with the flexibility of its job system, which lets you freely customize your characters’ classes on the fly. At 20+ hours in, I haven’t finished it yet, but I’m loving every moment. If you’re a fan of turn-based combat and deep storytelling, this is one to check out.
7. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Infinite Wealth is pure joy. Set in Hawaii, the game introduces a colorful cast of new characters alongside series legend Kiryu, whose farewell arc ties up loose ends in a way that’s both nostalgic and heartfelt. The revamped combat and exploration systems breathe fresh life into the series. While the stakes aren’t as high as in Like a Dragon, and the story feels a bit restrained, it’s still a fantastic entry in the franchise. I can’t wait to see where they take this series next.
6. Thank Goodness You’re Here
I’ve never laughed harder while playing a video game. Thank Goodness You’re Here is a slapstick comedy masterpiece, set in the fictional Yorkshire town of Barnsworth. As someone who grew up in Yorkshire, the humor and cultural references hit especially hard. From chimney hijinks to hilarious chip shop encounters, every moment had me in stitches. It’s a wonderfully absurd experience that’s brimming with charm and wit. If you’re a fan of British humor, do yourself a favor and play this gem.
5. Astro Bot
Astro Bot is platforming perfection. Every level bursts with PlayStation nostalgia, offering surprise after surprise. It’s fun for all ages, but playing this with my son made it even more special. The fact that it’s fifth on my list just shows how strong this year was, as in any other year, it would easily have taken the top spot. If you love 3D platformers, this one is an absolute must-play.
4. Silent Hill 2 Remake
Playing the Silent Hill 2 Remake felt like willingly stepping into a nightmare. Every corner hides something horrific, every save point feels like a reprieve you desperately need. The oppressive atmosphere, chilling story, and visceral gameplay made it one of the most emotionally draining experiences I’ve ever had. Revisiting this game as an adult, the themes of grief, trauma, and mental health hit much harder than they did when I first played it years ago. It’s a terrifying yet profoundly moving masterpiece that everyone should experience—if they can handle it.
3. Valorant
When Valorant hit consoles this year, it completely hooked me. It’s Overwatch meets Counter-Strike, blending intense hero-based tactics with nail-biting gunplay. My friends and I dove into it during the beta, and it quickly became a staple of our gaming sessions. The competitive nature of the game is addictive, and now I’m even following Valorant esports, complete with my own team merch. This game isn’t just a pastime—it’s a new obsession.
2. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is everything I’ve ever wanted from an Indiana Jones game. It captures the feeling of being the legendary archaeologist like no game has before. The puzzles are intricate, the exploration is immersive, and the storytelling is pitch-perfect. I spent countless hours uncovering secrets, solving side quests, and poring over Indy’s notebook to crack mysteries. It’s a thoughtful, methodical adventure that I’ll be talking about for years to come.
1. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth isn’t just the best game of 2024—it’s one of the best games I’ve ever played. The sheer depth of its combat system, the emotional weight of its story, and the seamless, loading-screen-free open world are nothing short of revolutionary. The way the game builds on the relationships between characters, both narratively and mechanically, is genius. The ending left me stunned, and I’ve spent hours piecing together theories with the community. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original or new to Final Fantasy, this is a journey you cannot miss.
2024 has been an incredible year for gaming, and these ten games have made it unforgettable. Let me know which of these you’ve played—or which ones you’re adding to your must-play list!