The 2024 TIGA Games Industry Awards celebrated the best in gaming, with winners spanning categories from innovative gameplay to excellence in business and education. Held at Shoreditch Town Hall, the event recognized talent and contributions across studios, developers, publishers, service providers, and educational institutions. Here’s an in-depth look at the major highlights and awardees.
Game Awards Highlights
Game of the Year
- Winner: Helldivers 2 by Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Runners-Up: Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Stellar Blade (both by Sony Interactive Entertainment)
- This cooperative action shooter shined for its innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and seamless integration of multiplayer mechanics. Its win also solidified its reputation with accompanying awards for Best Visual Design and Best Technical Innovation.
Best Action & Adventure Game
- Winner: Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II by Ninja Theory
- Runners-Up: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre by Sumo Nottingham and American Arcadia by Out of the Blue Games
- Ninja Theory’s haunting portrayal of mental health in a Norse-mythology setting earned accolades for both gameplay and its commitment to representation, evidenced by its Diversity in Games win.
Best Casual Game
- Winner: Paper Trail by Newfangled Games
- Runners-Up: Little Cities: Bigger! by nDreams
- This charming puzzle game impressed with its innovative paper-folding mechanic and compelling story, winning both Best Casual Game and Creativity in Games.
Best VR/AR Game
- Winner: Assassin’s Creed: Nexus VR by Ubisoft Reflections & Ubisoft Leamington
- Runners-Up: PowerWash Simulator VR by FuturLab
- Ubisoft delivered a deeply immersive experience that translated the Assassin’s Creed franchise into the VR space, redefining interactivity and exploration.
Best Narrative in Games
- Winner: The Last of Us Part II Remastered by Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Runners-Up: Jusant by DON’T NOD
- The narrative’s emotional depth and meticulous remastering highlighted Sony’s ability to evolve beloved stories for new audiences.
Studio & Business Awards
Best Small Studio
- Winner: Dlala Studios
- Renowned for its indie hits and collaborative spirit, Dlala Studios exemplifies how smaller teams can create impactful games with big ideas.
Best Large Studio
- Winner: Rebellion
- Rebellion’s consistent contributions to gaming, from sniper epics to creative collaborations, solidified its place as an industry leader.
Publisher of the Year
- Winner: nDreams
- A trailblazer in virtual and augmented reality, nDreams was recognized for its strategic publishing and innovation.
Commitment to ESG
- Winner: Room 8 Group
- Honored for its environmentally conscious practices and dedication to social responsibility.
Commitment to Workplace Wellbeing
- Winner: Rocksteady Studios
- A leader in fostering a positive work environment, Rocksteady demonstrated the value of supporting its employees at all levels.
Educational Contributions
Best Educational Institution
- Winner: Staffordshire University
- Runners-Up: Norwich University of the Arts and Bournemouth University
- The university’s forward-thinking programs and industry partnerships have trained a generation of game developers.
Outstanding Leadership
- Winner: Simon Iwaniszak of Red Kite Games
- Recognized for his vision in steering Red Kite Games toward both commercial success and creative excellence.
Special Recognition
The evening also featured awards for Outstanding Individual of the Year (Patrick Buckland of Stainless Games) and recognition for Employer of the Year. These awards emphasized contributions beyond game creation, celebrating leadership, employee satisfaction, and the larger ecosystem of gaming.
The Bigger Picture
The TIGA Awards 2024 not only celebrated exceptional games and services but also highlighted key themes shaping the industry:
- Inclusion and Diversity: Recognized through dedicated awards and the focus on underrepresented voices in gaming narratives and studios.
- Technological Innovation: Acknowledged through multiple categories, such as Helldivers 2’s and Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR’s awards.
- Community and Education: Universities like Staffordshire and industry-leading organizations demonstrated the importance of cultivating future talent.
The event reaffirmed the dynamic nature of the gaming industry, where creativity and innovation continue to drive success.
For more details, visit the official TIGA Website.
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