By Sagar V. Mankar Japan Game Awards 2024 unfolded on the opening day of the Tokyo Game Show, showcasing the best and brightest in the industry.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom took home the prestigious Grand Award. The game also secured the Best Sales Award and an Award for Excellence.
This year’s ceremony was organized by the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA).
Winners were decided by a mix of public voting and a review by the Japan Game Awards Selection Committee.
The Japan Game Awards considers games released in Japan between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024.
Capcom also had a stellar showing at the awards, with Street Fighter 6 receiving both the Special Award and an Award for Excellence. The CESA praised the game for its cutting-edge features and, most notably, its commitment to accessibility.
The 2024 edition introduced two exciting new categories:
The Breakthrough Award: Awarded to “The Exit 8” for pioneering a new game genre.
The Movement Award: Given to “Suika Game” for its ability to attract non-traditional gamers, expanding the reach of the gaming industry.
Additionally, Sony’s PlayStation console, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, was honored with an award from Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry. The award was a nod to the console’s lasting influence, and its creator, Ken Kutaragi, received special recognition for his contributions to the gaming world.
Japan Game Awards 2024 Winners
- Grand Award: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Nintendo)
- Award for Excellence:
- Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon (FromSoftware)
- Dragon’s Dogma 2 (Capcom)
- Final Fantasy XVI (Square Enix)
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (Square Enix)
- Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (Sega)
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Sega)
- Persona 3 Reload (Atlus)
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder (Nintendo)
- Street Fighter 6 (Capcom)
- Unicorn Overlord
- Breakthrough Award: The Exit 8 (Kotake Create)
- Movement Award: Suika Game (Aladdin X Inc)
- Special Award: Street Fighter 6 (Capcom)
- Best Sales Award: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Nintendo)
Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak was the Grand Award winner of the 2023 edition.