2024 was a gamer’s delight, with numerous highly-anticipated titles coming out on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo and PC. Software developers have been able to leverage exciting new technologies in recent years, with incredibly clear high-definition graphics and advanced haptic feedback on controllers merely scratching the surface. Gaming has advanced considerably as a result, with graphics, storylines and gameplay mechanics nobody would have thought possible a decade or so ago.
Another key advantage for modern gamers is the number of independent gaming studios creating innovative and exciting new games away from the commercial pressure of blockbuster franchises. These indie developers have more freedom to experiment with unique aesthetics or gameplay ideas, creating even more versatility for gamers looking for fresh games to play. Together with the firmly established heavy-hitters like Activision or Ubisoft, it has made for a truly bottomless world for people to enjoy.
2024 was a brilliant year for everybody involved in the gaming industry, with numerous top-quality titles being released to much global fanfare. Keep reading for the lowdown on some of our favorite releases from the last year.
1) Starfield
Ever wondered about what the largest black holes in the universe are? Or how many planets exist in the Milky Way galaxy? Playing Starfield could go some way in answering these questions, as Bethesda’s groundbreaking adventure game contains over 1,000 planets alongside various other intergalactic settings. The Skyrim creators have taken their trademark immersive environments and lore into the sky, creating an expansive world where players can explore uncharted territories, mine resources, interact with diverse factions and uncover mysteries.
2) Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate has become the bona fide Dungeons & Dragons video gaming series over the past decade or so, with Larian Studios perfecting the adaptation over successive releases. Set in a vast and immersive world, the game combines rich storytelling, expansive character development and a strategic, turn-based approach to combat. While Baldur’s Gate 3 was originally released in 2023, a significant update and software patch for 2024 created a vastly different game for players to enjoy.
3) EA FC 2024
FIFA and EA caused quite the commotion when announcing that they were splitting after more than two decades of supplying premier soccer gaming entertainment. EA FC 2024 was the first instalment in a new series spearheaded by EA, and was met by widespread anticipation. Players were eager to see whether EA could replicate the original FIFA’s success, and the software developer more than delivered. The game features enhanced graphics, more realistic player movements and a brand-new, revamped career mode.
4) Gates of Olympus 1000
Pragmatic Play released one of the most significant online slots in the iGaming industry’s history with Gates of Olympus, and players in 2024 were treated to a souped-up version that earned plaudits far and wide. With an above-average 96.5% RTP and an expanded 6×5 reel grid, Gates of Olympus 1000 invites players into the same Ancient Greece-inspired world as the original. Slots fans also get access to brand-new bonus features, including more lucrative multipliers and free spins.
5) The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Nintendo’s Zelda franchise has been a constant fixture for gamers over the past several decades, so it’s no surprise that The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was so well received. The sequel to the critically-acclaimed title Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom brings gamers even better visuals, more creative puzzles to complete and a continuation of the Hyrule kingdom.
6) Assassin’s Creed Mirage
It’s funny to think the first Assassin’s Creed was released back in 2007, almost two decades ago. The incredibly successful series has since seen over two dozen sequels and spin-offs, with Assassin’s Creed Mirage being the latest to be released. The game went back to Assassin’s Creed’s roots, prioritizing the parkour and stealth assassinations that made the original series so popular. Set during the Islamic Golden Age in Baghdad, it treats players to a continuation of the creative and multilayered storyline that gamers know so well.
Extra: Thank Goodness You’re Here!
If you’re looking for an insight into the bizarre world of British humor, look no further than Thank Goodness You’re Here!! This is a great example of how good gaming can be when an independent developer takes the reins and doesn’t simply prioritize profit. Players control a travelling salesman navigating a quirky English town where all the residents have various bizarre problems. All of these must be solved as fast as possible, with each task becoming increasingly strange and hilarious.