Year after year, we see new developments in the gaming industry. After all, with such close ties to how technology is advancing, we’re always bound to see something new.
2024 was a year that pushed forward new tech like VR and AI, saw the influence of the Metaverse, and experienced a significant increase in multiplayer online experiences. We also saw massive developments in the iGaming industry, with many platforms listed on casinos.com offering no-wagering play and live dealers.
But among the hundreds of games released, only a few make the cut as the best of the best, whether it’s because of innovation, graphic quality, creativity, stellar gameplay, or something that went viral online. The bar is high in the video game industry, so standing out takes a lot more than just a cool concept and some dedication. So, which games rose to the top? Let’s look over a few of the standout titles from 2024.
Palworld
Palworld initially gained a ton of attention because of its reputation as a Pokémon copycat. Anyone can see why—it allows players to travel around the world to capture and train Pals, which is the entire premise of Pokémon. However, a deeper look into the game will show that Palworld isn’t just about collection and battle—it actually introduces a new dimension to the genre.
Through weapon crafting, combat, survival mechanics, and more, it manages to present itself in a more “mature” light, with some moral ambiguity that puts the players in the driver’s seat. Rather than stick to the good vs. evil narrative, Palworld lets you decide how you want to deal with your Pals. It also maintains a cutesy design with a whimsical and dystopian edge and idyllic landscapes contrasted with abandoned and grim environments.
Sugar Rush 1000 Slot
It seems that the sugary dessert theme has no problem becoming popular among the general crowd—just look at Candy Crush and Bubble Witch 3 Saga. Veteran online casino game developer Pragmatic Play’s newest slot game is Sugar Rush 1000 Slot, which features a bright and bubbly interface reminiscent of modern casino machines.
Since it doesn’t have overly complex mechanics, its simplicity makes it suitable for all types of players. You’ll find fun symbols like gummy bears, stars, hearts, and gumballs spread across a 7×7 grid and get the opportunity to trigger scatters and enjoy multipliers. The theme sets the stage for an easy and exciting escape for a couple of rounds of play.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Black Ops 6 is the latest instalment in the legendary first-person shooter franchise Call of Duty. Like most modern editions, it features a Zombies, multiplayer, and solo story mode. It’s powered by the IW 9.0 engine, which has already been implemented with Modern Warfare II and Warzone 2.0.
Thanks to this new engine, players can enjoy photorealistic graphics, better gunplay and movement fluidity, and destructible environments. The high-intensity action and incredible new Omnimovement system hook players in like fish on a line. Players can now slide in all directions and get creative with their manoeuvres, mastering their agility, strategy, and shooting skills.
Of course, Black Ops 6 also has the hallmarks of the Black Ops legacy that people get nostalgic about, which naturally contributed to its success.
Helldivers 2
Helldivers 2 was a highly anticipated sequel, meaning that Arrowhead Game Studios had to deliver. Rather than provide some sort of continuation or simply an upgraded version of the original Helldivers, the second instalment shifted to a third-person perspective, expanded the co-op gameplay, diversified the enemies and environments, and kept the tongue-in-cheek tone and core mechanics that people fell in love with.
If you’re deterred by the mediocre rating on Steam, don’t be. Helldivers 2 suffered from technical issues at launch and is still dealing with occasional glitches and issues, but its developers haven’t dropped the ball. They’ve released updates and patches and have evolved the game since its launch with new difficulty levels, mission types, technology, and additional weapons to add to your arsenal.
Marvel Rivals
Marvel has taken over the world with its comic books, blockbuster movies, and must-watch TV shows, so it’s only fitting that a new video game would come out and bring those iconic characters in playable form. This action-packed team-based PVP shooter lets you play as your favourite superheroes, so if you’ve always wanted to throw Captain America’s shield, swing around like Spider-Man, or take advantage of Doctor Strange’s magical energy, this is the game for you.
With these unique abilities and a variety of game modes on offer, every match is unique. You’ll be able to play across recognizable environments like Asgard and Wakanda, immersing you deeper into the Marvel Universe. The game has glowing reviews from critics like IGN and Game Rant and a satisfying 9/10 rating on Steam.
Enshrouded
The survival genre has seen a couple of standout titles over the years, with a passionate and dedicated fanbase that thrives on its combination of strategy and exploration. Enshrouded appears to have taken the classic format to the next level, blending crafting, action, and open-world discovery in a post-apocalyptic, lost kingdom environment.
What’s especially impressive is that Enshrouded released an early access roadmap for 2025, with dozens of in-development features related to content, gameplay, quality of life, social, building, and vanity. Players are not only pleased with the existing content but also look forward to a dynamic future with regular updates.
