Summary of "The Game Awards Predictions 2024 - Kinda Funny Gamescast"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Kinda Funny Gamescast: Video Game Podcast
- Host/Authors: Tim Geddes, Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, Blessing Adeoye, and Andy Cortez
- Episode: The Game Awards Predictions 2024
- Release Date: November 18, 2024
Introduction
In this highly anticipated episode of the Kinda Funny Gamescast, hosts Tim Geddes, Greg Miller, Blessing Adeoye, and Andy Cortez delve into their predictions for the winners of various categories at the Game Awards 2024. Departing from previous episodes, this session focuses solely on forecasting the nominees across all recognized categories, excluding predictions for announcements or trailers.
Methodology
The team utilizes a comprehensive spreadsheet containing every Game Award category and its respective nominees. Each host individually selects their predicted winner for each category, discussing their reasoning and insights before locking in their choices. Notably, six categories—Best Esports Event, Best Esports Coach, Best Esports Team, Best Esports Athlete, Best Esports Game, and Content Creator of the Year—are initially set aside due to the hosts feeling unequipped to make informed predictions in these areas.
Category Predictions
-
Best Esports Event
- Nominees: Triskets Bowl, League of Legends, Fortnite Championships, Overwatch League, etc.
- Predictions:
- Greg Miller: Triskets Bowl
- Andy Cortez: Chicago Fire (humorously)
- Tim Geddes & Angie Hicks: Miscellaneous mentions without firm predictions
- Notable Discussion:
- The hosts joke about the unpredictability of esports events and express skepticism about their personal expertise in this category.
-
Best Esports Team
- Nominees: Gen G, NAVI, Counter-Strike T1, Team Liquid, Dota 2, etc.
- Predictions:
- Greg Miller: Chicago Fire
- Andy Cortez, Tim Geddes, Angie Hicks: No strong consensus; playful banter ensues.
- Notable Discussion:
- The choice of Chicago Fire is made in jest, reflecting the casual approach to some categories.
-
Content Creator of the Year
- Nominees: Alana Pierce, Ky, Jelly, etc.
- Predictions:
- Greg Miller: Alana Pierce
- Angie Hicks: Expresses confusion over nominees
- Andy Cortez: Skeptical about content creator nominees
- Notable Discussion:
- The hosts express uncertainty regarding the nominees' alignment with gaming content, questioning their relevance.
-
Most Anticipated Game
- Nominees: Death Stranding 2, Ghost of Yote, Grand Theft Auto 6, Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, Monster Hunter Wild
- Predictions:
- All Hosts: Predominantly favor Grand Theft Auto 6
- Greg Miller: Slight preference for Monster Hunter Wilds
- Angie Hicks: Close interest in Death Stranding 2
- Notable Discussion:
- The consensus leans heavily towards GTA 6, with discussions on its longstanding popularity and excitement surrounding its release.
-
Best Adaptation
- Nominees: Arcane, Fallout, Knuckles Like a Dragon, Yakuza, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft
- Predictions:
- Tim Geddes: Fallout
- Greg Miller: Fallout
- Angie Hicks: Arcane
- Andy Cortez: Fallout
- Notable Discussion:
- The hosts debate the merits of Arcane versus Fallout, ultimately leaning towards Fallout for its successful translation from game to mainstream media.
-
Best Multiplayer
- Nominees: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, Hell Divers 2, Super Mario Party Jamboree, Tekken 8, Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2
- Predictions:
- All Hosts: Majority favor Hell Divers 2
- Notable Discussion:
- Despite acknowledging the popularity of Call of Duty, the hosts praise Hell Divers 2 for its unique gameplay and community engagement.
-
Best Sports/Racing Game
- Nominees: F1 24, EA Sports FC 25, NBA 2K25, Top Spin 2K25, WWE 2K24
- Predictions:
- Tim Geddes, Andy Cortez, Greg Miller: EA Sports FC
- Angie Hicks: EA Sports FC
- Barrett Courtney: Confusion over Top Spin's reception
- Notable Discussion:
- The hosts express surprise over the nomination of Top Spin, discussing its mixed reception and the dominance of EA Sports FC in this category.
-
Best Simulation/Strategy Game
- Nominees: Age of Mythology, Path of the Goddess, Manor Lords, Unicorn Overlord, Frostpunk 2
- Predictions:
- Tim Geddes: Unicorn Overlord
- Greg Miller: Frostpunk 2
- Angie Hicks & Andy Cortez: Manor Lords
- Notable Discussion:
- The debate centers around the innovative aspects of these titles, with Manor Lords gaining favor for its strategic depth and community engagement.
-
Best Family Game
- Nominees: Astrobot, Princess Peach Showtime, Super Mario Party Jamboree, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, The Plucky Squire
- Predictions:
- All Hosts: Favor Astrobot
- Notable Discussion:
- Astrobot is lauded for its polished gameplay and appeal across age groups, making it a unanimous favorite.
-
Best Fighting Game
- Nominees: Dragon Ball Sparking Zero, Grand Blue Fantasy Versus Rising, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection, Arcade Classics, Multiverses, Tekken 8
- Predictions:
- All Hosts: Favor Tekken 8
- Notable Discussion:
- Despite recognizing the popularity of Dragon Ball Sparking Zero, Tekken 8 wins out due to its refined mechanics and competitive scene.
-
Best RPG
- Nominees: Dragon's Dogma 2, Elden Ring, Shadow of the Erdtree, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Metaphor, Infinite Wealth, Metaphor Refantasio
- Predictions:
- All Hosts: Lean towards Metaphor
- Andy Cortez: Toggles between Final Fantasy Rebirth and Metaphor
- Notable Discussion:
- Metaphor is highlighted for its narrative depth and innovative gameplay mechanics, positioning it as a strong contender.
-
Best Action Adventure
- Nominees: Astrobot, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Silent Hill 2, Star Wars Outlaws, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
- Predictions:
- All Hosts: Split between Astrobot and Silent Hill 2
- Greg Miller: Slight preference for Silent Hill 2
- Notable Discussion:
- The hosts discuss the diverse range of nominees, ultimately favoring either Astrobot for its creative direction or Silent Hill 2 for its storytelling.
-
Best Action Game
- Nominees: Black Myth, Wukong, Call of Duty Black Ops 6, Hell Divers 2, Stellar Blade, Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2
- Predictions:
- Andy Cortez: Hell Divers 2
- Greg Miller: Call of Duty
- Tim Geddes: Black Myth
- Angie Hicks: Black Myth
- Notable Discussion:
- Black Myth garners attention for its stunning visuals and engaging cutscenes, while Hell Divers 2 is recognized for its dynamic gameplay.
-
Best VR/Augmented Reality Sunshine Remake
- Nominees: Asgard's Wrath, Batman Arkham Shadow Metal, Hellsinger VR, Metro Awakening, Metal Hellsinger VR
- Predictions:
- All Hosts: Split between Asgard's Wrath and Batman Arkham Shadow Metal
- Notable Discussion:
- The distinction between premiere VR titles is debated, with Asgard's Wrath being praised for its immersive experience and Batman Arkham Shadow Metal for its integration of iconic characters.
-
Best Mobile Game
- Nominees: AFK Journey, Balatro, Pokémon Trading Card Game, Pocket Withering Waves, Zenless Zone 0
- Predictions:
- All Hosts: Favor Balatro
- Notable Discussion:
- Balatro is highlighted for its innovative gameplay and widespread appeal, solidifying its position as the leading mobile game.
-
Best Debut Indie Game
- Nominees: Animal Well, Balatro, Pacific Drive, The Plucky Squire, Animal Bilatro Showdown
- Predictions:
- All Hosts: unanimously choose Balatro
- Notable Discussion:
- The game is praised for making a significant impact within its release timeframe, capturing the attention of both players and critics alike.
-
Best Independent Game
- Nominees: Animal Well, Balatro, Lorelai and the Laser Eyes, UFO 50
- Predictions:
- All Hosts: Lean towards Balatro
- Notable Discussion:
- Balatro continues to receive acclaim for its artistic direction and gameplay innovation, securing its position as a top indie contender.
-
Best Community Support
- Nominees: Baldur's Gate 3, Final Fantasy 14, Fortnite, Helldivers 2
- Predictions:
- Andy Cortez & Greg Miller: Favor Helldivers 2
- Tim Geddes & Angie Hicks: Favor Helldivers 2
- Notable Discussion:
- Helldivers 2 is celebrated for its robust community engagement and ongoing content updates, making it the preferred choice for community support.
-
Best Ongoing
- Nominees: Destiny 2, Diablo 4, Final Fantasy 14, Fortnite, Helldivers 2
- Predictions:
- All Hosts: Favor Helldivers 2
- Notable Discussion:
- The continuous updates and evolving content of Helldivers 2 are cited as key factors in its prediction as Best Ongoing Game.
-
Games for Impact
- Nominees: Closer the Distance, Indica Neva, Life is Strange, Double Exposure, Never Senua Saga, Hellblade 2, Tales of Kinzaro Zao
- Predictions:
- All Hosts: Tend towards Never Senua Saga
- Notable Discussion:
- Never Senua Saga is recognized for its thought-provoking themes and social impact, aligning with the category's emphasis on pro-social messages.
-
Innovation and Accessibility
- Nominees: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, Diablo 4, Dragon Age: The Veil Guard, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, The Legend of Zelda: The Lost Crown, Star Wars Outlaws
- Predictions:
- All Hosts: Favor Dragon Age
- Notable Discussion:
- Dragon Age is commended for its comprehensive accessibility features and innovative game design, making it the leading contender in this category.
-
Best Performance
- Nominees: Brianna White as Aerith in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Hannah Tell from Life is Strange, Double Exposure, Aubrey Gonzalez from Star Wars Outlaws, Silent Hill 2, Luke Roberts and Molina Juergens in Hellblade 2
- Predictions:
- All Hosts: Favor Brianna White as Aerith in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
- Notable Discussion:
- Brianna White's portrayal of Aerith is lauded for its emotional depth and exceptional voice acting, positioning her performance as the top choice.
-
Best Audio Design
- Nominees: Astrobot, Call of Duty Black Ops 6, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Senua Saga, Hellblade 2, Silent Hill 2
- Predictions:
- All Hosts: Favor Astrobot
- Notable Discussion:
- Astrobot receives high praise for its intricate soundscapes and auditory immersion, making it the preferred pick for Best Audio Design.
-
Best Score and Music
- Nominees: Astrobot, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Metaphor, Refantasio, Silent Hill 2, Stellar Blade
- Predictions:
- All Hosts: Favor Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
- Notable Discussion:
- The game’s soundtrack is celebrated for its blend of iconic themes and new compositions, earning it the unanimous vote for Best Score and Music.
-
Best Art Direction
- Nominees: Astrobot, Black Myth, Wukong, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Metaphor, Refantasio, Neva
- Predictions:
- All Hosts: Favor Black Myth
- Notable Discussion:
- Black Myth stands out for its visually stunning environments and creative character designs, securing its position as the top choice for Best Art Direction.
-
Best Narrative
- Nominees: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth, Metaphor, Refantasio, Senua Saga, Hellblade 2, Silent Hill 2
- Predictions:
- All Hosts: Favor Metaphor
- Notable Discussion:
- Metaphor is praised for its compelling storytelling and deep character development, making it the leading prediction for Best Narrative.
-
Best Game Direction
- Nominees: Astrobot, Balatro, Black Myth, Wukong, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Metaphor, Refantasio
- Predictions:
- Greg Miller & Angie Hicks: Favor Astrobot
- Tim Geddes: Leans towards Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
- Notable Discussion:
- Astrobot's innovative level design and cohesive game direction earn it strong support, while Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is recognized for its definitive direction and ambitious scope.
-
Game of the Year
- Nominees: Astrobot, Balatro, Black Myth, Wukong, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Metaphor, Refantasio
- Predictions:
- All Hosts: Split between Astrobot and Metaphor
- Greg Miller: Favors Metaphor
- Angie Hicks & Tim Geddes: Lean towards Astrobot
- Andy Cortez: Prefers Metaphor
- Notable Discussion:
- The final category showcases a close race between Astrobot for its widespread love and innovation, and Metaphor for its storytelling and gameplay excellence. The hosts acknowledge the difficulty in predicting due to the strong performances of both titles.
Conclusion
The Kinda Funny Gamescast hosts present a comprehensive and spirited set of predictions for the Game Awards 2024, highlighting standout titles across various categories. While Astrobot and Metaphor emerge as frontrunners for Game of the Year, the discussions reflect the diverse strengths and innovations presented by each nominee. The episode underscores the dynamic nature of the gaming industry, celebrating both mainstream blockbusters and indie gems.
Notable Quotes:
- Tim Geddes (04:26): "We're going category by category and each one of us is going to predict and lock in who we think is going to win and then we'll see who was right."
- Andy Cortez (07:42): "I really wish we stuck with it. We got really into Counter Track 2 for at least a week and a half."
- Greg Miller (14:18): "For me, the winner, the one I put Grand Theft Auto. Of course personally I'd still go Grand Theft Auto because it's Grand Theft Auto."
- Angie Hicks (25:22): "Mark me down for Astrobot."
- Andy Cortez (35:14): "I'm going Helldivers just because it is different and I think people are going to want to give that credit."
- Tim Geddes (52:56): "They've turned community support into something different. Like it's a storytelling aspect of the game as well."
- Greg Miller (61:52): "I'm going with Dragon Age, but yeah."
- Angie Hicks (65:58): "I kind of want to say Metaphor, though. Even though I just shat on some of it. I still think a lot of it is incredible looking."
This episode serves as an engaging and thorough exploration of the potential winners at the Game Awards 2024, providing listeners with insightful discussions and a clear sense of each host's gaming preferences and reasoning.