Send us a text

2024 was a surprising year for the video game industry, marked by the commercial success of smaller indie titles like Palworld, Balatro, and Animal Well, which outperformed even some high-budget releases. A standout was Astro Bot, a PlayStation 5 exclusive that earned critical acclaim for its flawless platforming, drawing comparisons to the legendary Mario series.

However, the year wasn't without its challenges. Major game publishers saw a slowdown in big releases, partly due to widespread layoffs and the industry's increasing consolidation.

Despite these obstacles, 2024 still delivered a rich variety of high-quality games for players. NPR reviewers highlighted a diverse mix of favorites, including cozy puzzlers like Botany Manor, multiplayer hits like Helldivers 2, and epic adventures such as Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.

Support the show

2024 Best Games: Indie Hits, PS5 Gems, and Big Studios Falling Behind! 32:13 Share

Brainwave Sessions

Shownotes Transcript

2024 Best Games: Indie Hits, PS5 Gems, and Big Studios Falling Behind!