Excitement is growing for the 2024 Game Awards as standout titles vie for the prestigious Game of the Year distinction. Among them, the indie game *Balatro*, previously overlooked, has gained significant attention after earning five nominations and selling over 2 million copies since its February launch. Similarly, *Final Fantasy VII Rebirth* has seen a 268% sales increase, aided by a Black Friday discount and its own GOTY nomination, contributing to its success in the competitive gaming landscape.
Exciting Nominations for the 2024 Game of the Year
The anticipation is building as we approach the celebration of the finest video games of 2024. Each year, the Game Awards, led by producer Geoff Keighley, recognizes outstanding titles across various categories. Among these, the most coveted award is undoubtedly the “Game of the Year” (GOTY), which captures the attention of gamers everywhere. When a game earns a spot in this prestigious selection, it garners significant attention, often resulting in a remarkable surge in sales!
Before diving into today’s featured game, it’s essential to highlight that the title experiencing the most remarkable boost in visibility is none other than Balatro. Just weeks ago, this rogue-lite title, which cleverly combines deck-building elements, was considered a “niche game,” mostly flying under the radar. However, after receiving five nominations, Balatro has become a hot topic among gamers. This recognition comes at a perfect time, as the game recently launched on mobile platforms. In fact, between its February debut and August, it has already sold over 2 million copies. Following its release on iOS and Android, the game reportedly earned an impressive additional revenue of around 1 million dollars.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Sales Surge: The Game Awards Impact and Beyond
But Balatro isn’t the only title enjoying a windfall from its Game Awards nomination. Competing against this indie gem is the heavyweight contender from Square Enix: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. This highly anticipated sequel in the “Remake” trilogy has also experienced a significant uptick in sales. In addition to vying for the GOTY title, Square Enix has sweetened the deal with a Black Friday discount. Currently, players can snag a 40% discount on the PlayStation Store for a limited time, just before the promotional sales marking the 30th anniversary of PlayStation take over.
Thanks to its Game of the Year nomination and exciting Black Friday promotions, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has indeed witnessed a substantial boost in sales. As reported by journalist and analyst Chris Ding from GamesIndustry, there has been an astonishing 268% increase in sales week-over-week, prompting a response from the game’s director, Naoki Hamaguchi, on social media. Given that the initial sales figures were “below expectations,” as Square Enix mentioned last September, it’s gratifying to see players embracing one of the standout JRPGs of this remarkable year, 2024.