Last week, the voting closed for the PlayStation Game of the Year 2024 awards, and we can now unveil the leading contenders in each of the 19 categories. With more than 1.6 million votes cast worldwide, these outcomes are entirely based on your choices. While four games received trophies in each category, there were plenty of others that captured players’ hearts across the globe, thanks to both the shortlist and write-in options. A big thank you goes out to all who voted and, of course, to the teams and creators whose creativity and hard work have made these PlayStation adventures so enjoyable.
Before diving into the winners, here’s a quick refresher on the category guidelines:
For instance, the Best Multiplayer Experience category only considered games released in 2024, whereas the Best Ongoing Game category looked at titles with significant new content or transformative updates within the year.
Best Rerelease is for games featuring improved visuals and quality-of-life tweaks, while sticking close to their original version. This doesn’t include full-scale remakes, which are up for the Game of the Year award.
Since the polls closed on a specific date, some games didn’t qualify this year, but they will be eligible for consideration next year.
Additionally, a title can’t win a Platinum Trophy in the same category two years in a row, ensuring fresh faces can shine. For instance, Grand Theft Auto VI didn’t make it into The Most Anticipated Game of 2025 and Beyond category after earning Platinum last year.
Here’s to everyone who released games this year—and now, let’s reveal the winners!
Best New Character
In a category that inspired an impressive number of write-in votes, hats off to those who showcased unique productions. Metaphor: ReFantazio’s Strohl, Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail’s Wuk Lamat, and Helldivers 2’s General Brasch all gained global fans. However, most votes landed on Stellar Blade’s Eve, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6’s Jane Harrow, Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s Emmrich Volkarin, and Rise of the Rōnin’s Ryoma Sakamoto.
Platinum Trophy: Eve (Stellar Blade)
Gold Trophy: Jane Harrow (Call of Duty: Black Ops 6)
Silver Trophy: Emmrich Volkarin (Dragon Age: The Veilguard)
Bronze Trophy: Ryoma Sakamoto (Rise of the Rōnin)
Best Story
The competition for Best Story was fierce, featuring gripping tales from Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Stellar Blade. Two unforgettable remakes—Silent Hill 2 and Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth—battled for the top spot, with votes being excruciatingly close. Ultimately, Silent Hill 2, known for James Sunderland’s eerie return, took the prize.
Platinum Trophy: Silent Hill 2
Gold Trophy: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Silver Trophy: Stellar Blade
Bronze Trophy: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Best Graphical Showcase
2024 was visually stunning, offering jaw-dropping moments that had players pausing to admire the beauty. Black Myth: Wukong stole the show, delivering spectacular scenes like the epic staff-raising fight among the clouds, securing it the Platinum award.
Platinum Trophy: Black Myth: Wukong
Gold Trophy: Astro Bot
Silver Trophy: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Bronze Trophy: Stellar Blade
Best Art Direction
2024 saw the magical blend of art and gaming, bringing fantasy and horror to life. Courtesy of Team Asobi, Astro Bot bagged the top honor. Each level in the game celebrated video game history with meticulously designed characters and environments.
Platinum Trophy: Astro Bot
Gold Trophy: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Silver Trophy: Silent Hill 2
Bronze Trophy: Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero
Best Audio Design
Our ears basked in exciting and immersive sounds this year, with Astro Bot leading the charge. Each stage was rich with audio cues, transforming the gaming experience into a symphony of effects.
Platinum Trophy: Astro Bot
Gold Trophy: Silent Hill 2
Silver Trophy: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Bronze Trophy: Stellar Blade
Best Soundtrack
2024’s soundtrack offerings were second to none, and Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth triumphed with an enriched version of its legendary tracks, earning the top spot.
Platinum Trophy: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Gold Trophy: Astro Bot
Silver Trophy: Stellar Blade
Bronze Trophy: Silent Hill 2
Best Use of DualSense
Astro Bot showcased the DualSense tech brilliantly, incorporating interactive gameplay details like motion and sound that connected players to every aspect of the game.
Platinum Trophy: Astro Bot
Gold Trophy: Stellar Blade
Silver Trophy: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Bronze Trophy: Silent Hill 2
Best Accessibility Features
Astro Bot stood out with its extensive accessibility options, providing gamers of all abilities with a remarkable interactive experience.
Platinum Trophy: Astro Bot
Gold Trophy: The Last of Us Part II Remastered
Silver Trophy: Silent Hill 2
Bronze Trophy: Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
Best Multiplayer Experience
Helldivers 2 emerged victorious in the Best Multiplayer Experience, celebrating teamwork with exciting co-op actions.
Platinum Trophy: Helldivers 2
Gold Trophy: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Silver Trophy: Fortnite
Bronze Trophy: Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero
Best Ongoing Game
Fortnite continues to amaze, evolving with ever-creative updates to engulf players in its expansive, immersive world.
Platinum Trophy: Fortnite
Gold Trophy: Final Fantasy XIV Online
Silver Trophy: Call of Duty
Bronze Trophy: No Man’s Sky
Best Expansion
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree dominated with fresh challenges and vast content additions, further elevating the gaming experience.
Platinum Trophy: Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Gold Trophy: God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla
Silver Trophy: Final Fantasy XVI: The Rising Tide
Bronze Trophy: Alan Wake 2: The Lake House
Best Sports Game
EA Sports FC 25 led the pack with its strategic gameplay overhaul, crafting an engaging experience for sports enthusiasts.
Platinum Trophy: EA Sports FC 25
Gold Trophy: WWE 2K24
Silver Trophy: F1 24
Bronze Trophy: NBA 2K25
Best Rerelease
The Last of Us Part II Remastered won players over with its stunning visual upgrades and relentless emotional journey.
Platinum Trophy: The Last of Us Part II Remastered
Gold Trophy: Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
Silver Trophy: Tomb Raider I-III Remastered
Bronze Trophy: Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics
Best Independent Game
At the forefront of indie excellence, Balatro dazzled with its inventive twist on poker, delivering endless entertainment.
Platinum Trophy: Balatro
Gold Trophy: Palworld
Silver Trophy: Phasmophobia
Bronze Trophy: Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2 (Flat Version)
Best PS VR2 Game
Resident Evil 4 VR Mode topped the list with its brilliant adaptation, enveloping players in a pulse-pounding virtual reality experience.
Platinum Trophy: Resident Evil 4 VR Mode
Gold Trophy: Metro Awakening
Silver Trophy: Phasmophobia
Bronze Trophy: Cooking Simulator VR
Best PS4 Game
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 emerged victorious with its compelling gameplay and thrilling action-packed experiences, earning high praise on the PS4.
Platinum Trophy: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Gold Trophy: Metaphor: ReFantazio
Silver Trophy: Sonic X Shadow Generations
Bronze Trophy: Persona 3 Reload
Best PS5 Game
Astro Bot claimed the top spot, enchanting players with joyful and masterful gaming experiences, proving that Team Asobi still reigns supreme.
Platinum Trophy: Astro Bot
Gold Trophy: Black Myth: Wukong
Silver Trophy: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Bronze Trophy: Stellar Blade
Studio of the Year
Team Asobi captured the hearts of many, crafting a beautifully nostalgic journey through Astro Bot. Their contribution to gaming artistry is undeniable.
Platinum Trophy: Team Asobi
Gold Trophy: Bandai Namco
Silver Trophy: Shift Up
Bronze Trophy: Arrowhead Games
Most Anticipated Game of 2025 and Beyond
Ghost of Yōtei leads the charge for upcoming excitement, with gamers eagerly awaiting the new adventures slated for the year ahead.
Platinum Trophy: Ghost of Yōtei
Gold Trophy: Marvel’s Wolverine
Silver Trophy: Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Bronze Trophy: Monster Hunter Wilds
And finally, we eagerly await another year of gaming innovation and surprises ahead.
