Celebrating Excellence: Highlights from the 2024 Unity Awards

The gaming community gathered with immense excitement for the 2024 Unity Awards, an annual celebration that honors outstanding achievements in game development using the Unity platform. This year’s event was a spectacular showcase of creativity, innovation, and technical prowess, bringing together developers, artists, and enthusiasts from around the globe. As the virtual red carpet rolled out, attendees were treated to dazzling presentations, inspiring speeches, and, of course, the announcement of the year’s top games across various categories.

One of the standout moments of the evening was the announcement of the Best Desktop/Console Game. Nintendo’s beloved title, Super Mario RPG, took home the prestigious award, impressing the judges with its engaging gameplay and timeless charm. The competition was fierce, with runners up like El Paso, Elsewhere by Strange Scaffold and Lorelei and the Laser Eyes from Simogo and Annapurna Interactive showcasing the diverse talent within the industry. These nominees demonstrated the rich storytelling and innovative mechanics that continue to elevate desktop and console gaming.

On the mobile front, Hello Kitty Island Adventure by Sunblink emerged victorious in the Best Mobile Game category. The game captivated players with its adorable graphics and immersive island exploration. Close contenders included Ridiculous Fishing: EX by Vlambeer and FINAL FANTASY VII EVER CRISIS from Square Enix, each bringing their unique flair to the mobile gaming experience. This category highlighted the rapid advancements in mobile game development, offering players high-quality entertainment on the go.

Visual storytelling reached new heights with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown by Ubisoft Montpellier winning the Best 3D Visuals award. The game’s stunning graphics and meticulous attention to detail set a new benchmark for visual excellence in the industry. Competing titles like No Rest for the Wicked by Moon Studios and Solo Leveling: ARISE from Netmarble Neo were also recognized for their impressive artistry and technical achievements, underscoring the importance of visual innovation in modern gaming.

Anticipation reached a fever pitch with the Most Anticipated Game award going to Hollow Knight: Silksong by Team Cherry. Fans eagerly awaiting its release were thrilled to see the sequel receive such acclaim, promising an expansion of the beloved universe with enhanced gameplay and deeper narratives. Other nominees, including Jump Ship by Keepsake Games and Projekt Z: Beyond Order from 314 Arts and Maximum Entertainment, generated significant buzz, reflecting the vibrant future of the gaming landscape.

Beyond the winners, the Unity Awards celebrated a plethora of talented developers and innovative projects. Each runner-up across the categories brought something unique to the table, from the quirky adventures of Crow Country by SFB Games to the strategic depth of Dungeon & Fighter Mobile by NEOPLE Inc. These games not only pushed the boundaries of what’s possible with Unity but also enriched the gaming community with their diverse genres and creative visions.

The 2024 Unity Awards not only highlighted the best in game development but also fostered a sense of community and collaboration among creators. As developers networked and shared their experiences, the event served as a reminder of the collective passion that drives the gaming industry forward. Whether you’re a developer, a gamer, or simply a fan of interactive storytelling, the Unity Awards offered something to inspire everyone.

Winners at a Glance:

Best Desktop/Console Game
Winner: Super Mario RPG by Nintendo

Runners Up:

• El Paso, Elsewhere | Strange Scaffold
• Lorelei and the Laser Eyes | Simogo, Annapurna Interactive
• Crow Country | SFB Games
• Chants of Sennaar | Rundisc, Focus Entertainment
• Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble | SEGA
• Uncover the Smoking Gun | ReLu Games
• SANABI | WONDER POTION, NEOWIZ

Best Mobile Game
Winner: Hello Kitty Island Adventure by Sunblink
Runners Up:

• Ridiculous Fishing: EX, KO_OP | Vlambeer
• THE IDOLM@STER Gakuen | Bandai Namco Entertainment, QualiArts
• Jujutsu Kaisen Phantom Parade | Sumzap, Inc., TOHO CO., LTD.
• FINAL FANTASY VII EVER CRISIS | Square Enix
• CookieRun: Tower of Adventures | OvenGames
• Dungeon & Fighter Mobile | NEOPLE Inc.
• Ares: Rise of Guardians | Second Dive

Best 3D Visuals
Winner: Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown by Ubisoft Montpellier
Runners Up:

• No Rest for the Wicked | Moon Studios GmbH, Private Division
• 1000xRESIST | sunset visitor 斜陽過客, Fellow Traveller
• Harold Halibut | Slow Bros.
• THE IDOLM@STER Gakuen | Bandai Namco Entertainment, QualiArts
• TENSEI | NEURON･AGE/ ProjectPegasus
• Solo Leveling: ARISE | Netmarble (Netmarble Neo)
• Ares: Rise of Guardians | Second Dive

Most Anticipated Game
Winner: Hollow Knight: Silksong by Team Cherry

Runners Up:

• Jump Ship | Keepsake Games
• Projekt Z: Beyond Order | 314 Arts, Maximum Entertainment
• Morbid Metal | SCREEN JUICE
• Fight Crab 2 | Calappa Games, PLAYISM
• Brazen Blaze | MyDearest Inc.
• Goodbye Seoul | JINO Games, NEOWIZ
• Demis Re:Born | Netmarble (Netmarble F&C)

For a complete list of winners and to relive the unforgettable moments of the event, visit Unity Awards 2024. If you missed the live celebration, you can watch the entire event here.

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees—your creativity and dedication continue to shape the future of gaming!