Geoff Keighley's announcement of the Game Awards nominees for 2024 has sparked much excitement. While there's debate about the significance of these awards, they stand as the industry's most prominent showcase, especially with E3 no longer in existence. Let's delve into the nominations for Game of the Year 2024 and explore what made the cut and what didn't.

Uncover the Contenders in the Game Awards 2024

Astro Bot – A Platforming Masterpiece

Sony's Astro Bot emerges as one of the top contenders. This platforming love letter to PlayStation is a gem in the genre, celebrating not only PlayStation IP but the essence of gaming itself. Its innovative gameplay and charming visuals have captivated players worldwide. It's no wonder it finds itself nominated and could very well be the frontrunner. The attention to detail and the seamless integration of platforming mechanics make Astro Bot a standout. It offers a unique gaming experience that keeps players engaged from start to finish.

Metaphor: ReFantazio – A Late-Comer's Surprise

ATLUS's Metaphor: ReFantazio has taken the gaming world by storm. This new RPG entry from the makers of Persona fame launched with a bang, captivating audiences and instantly becoming a serious contender for Game of the Year. Its rich story, immersive world, and engaging gameplay have won over fans. The game's ability to draw players in and keep them hooked is truly remarkable. It shows that even a late-comer can make a significant impact in the gaming industry.

Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth – A Beloved Classic

Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth was always expected to make the nomination list. Loved by critics and fans alike, this game has set high standards. Its stunning visuals, deep story, and addictive gameplay have made it a must-play. While a win may not be a certainty, it's definitely in the running for the top spots. The game's ability to capture the essence of the original while adding new elements has been widely praised. It's a testament to the enduring popularity of the Final Fantasy series.

Black Myth Wukong – A Global Sensation

Black Myth Wukong has amassed a huge fan base and set explosive sales records. Its popularity extends globally, especially in China. The game's impressive gameplay and stunning visuals have won over players. Despite facing tough competition, it managed to secure a nomination and is now a top contender. Its success shows that there is a growing demand for high-quality Chinese games on the international stage.

Balatro – A Sleeper Hit

Unlike the other games on the list, Balatro has been a hidden gem all year. This brilliant card game has taken the gaming community by surprise with its unique gameplay and addictive mechanics. It's a multiplayer entry that has gained a loyal following. The fact that it managed to get a nomination is a testament to its quality and appeal.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree – A Drama-Filled Contender

In the last few days, there has been a lot of drama surrounding the nomination of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. The fact that DLC or expansions could be nominated for Game of the Year sparked a heated discussion. While some thought it was a sure bet for a nomination and even a win, it ultimately came down to the voters. Enough of them considered it worthy, and it now finds itself on the list. Could it actually win? That remains to be seen, but it has certainly stirred up some opinions.

Helldivers 2 – A Missed Opportunity

Helldivers 2 was an explosively popular game that shattered expectations. It showed that Sony could produce a successful live service hit. Despite its initial success and the love from players, it failed to get a nomination. This may be seen as a big "snub" given its popularity. The game's multiplayer aspect and the sense of adventure it offered were highly regarded.

Silent Hill 2 – A Remake Controversy

The remake of Silent Hill 2 was bound to be controversial, and it lived up to the hype. The game received a large number of nominations before the Game of the Year slate was announced. However, it did not make the actual Game of the Year nomination, which came as a surprise. The game's ability to capture the essence of the original while adding modern touches was impressive.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard – A Missed Chance

There was some speculation that game journalists would rally behind Dragon Age: The Veilguard and get it nominated. Despite receiving solid reviews and having a dedicated fan base, it didn't quite make the cut. It's not a product in the same league as the glory days of BioWare, but it still has its merits.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom – A Zelda Departure

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a departure from the traditional Zelda formula, which may have contributed to its omission from the Game of the Year list. While it's not a mainstream entry, it still offers a unique gaming experience. Nintendo's absence from the best game contender list is a bit surprising, given their track record.

Tekken 8 – A Niche Fighter

With a 90 metascore, Tekken 8 would normally secure a place on a list like this. However, being in the relatively niche fighting game genre means it often gets overlooked by most voters. Despite this, it remains a favorite for Best Fighting Game. Its fast-paced gameplay and intense combat make it a must-play for fighting game enthusiasts.Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, Bluesky and Instagram.Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.

The Supreme Court's stance on various legal matters often holds significant implications. In a recent development, on Monday, the Supreme Court declined to review a challenge to Alaska's Ballot Measure 2. This voter-approved law brought about several changes to Alaska's election system, aiming to enhance transparency in campaign donations.

Unraveling the Impact of Alaska's Campaign Finance Law

Alaska's Election System Transformations

Passed in 2020, Alaska's Ballot Measure 2 introduced a series of significant changes. Ranked choice voting was implemented, providing voters with more diverse options. Nonpartisan primaries were also introduced, ensuring a more inclusive electoral process. Additionally, stricter disclosure rules were put in place to address the issue of "dark money" - political spending by groups that withhold donor information. These rules require individuals or groups donating over $2,000 annually to political campaigns to report their contributions within 24 hours. It also mandates that organizations disclose the original sources of their funding, enabling voters to know the backers of campaign efforts. Furthermore, advocacy groups with significant out-of-state funding are compelled to include disclaimers in ads identifying their primary financial supporters.

This transformation of Alaska's election system was a significant step towards greater transparency and accountability in political campaigns.

Opposing Views and Legal Battles

Opponents of the law, including Alaskan residents and advocacy organizations represented by the Liberty Justice Center, raised concerns. They argued that these requirements violated First Amendment protections of free speech. They claimed that the law discouraged political participation and compelled groups to reveal sensitive donor information. The plaintiffs also challenged the provision requiring state-mandated disclaimers in ads, asserting that it infringed on their ability to communicate freely.

However, lower courts upheld the law, with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ruling that the requirements were "reasonably tailored to the state's important interests in keeping the public informed."

The Supreme Court's Refusal and Its Implications

The Supreme Court's refusal to hear the case left the law intact, marking a victory for advocates of greater campaign finance transparency. By choosing not to take the case, the Supreme Court potentially avoided implicating its 2010 Citizens United v. FEC precedent, which removed many restrictions on political spending and led to the increased influence of outside money in elections. On the other hand, Alaska's law aims to shed light on the funding sources behind political campaigns, despite facing criticism from groups like the LJC that claim it undermines free speech protections.

This decision by the Supreme Court will have a lasting impact on Alaska's political landscape and the future of campaign finance transparency.