2024 has been a fantastic year for games. While not nearly as many crossover blockbuster hits were released compared to last year, titles from smaller developers more than made up the difference. Games like Dungeons of Hinterburg, Lorelei And The Laser Eyes, Balatro, and dozens of others were fierce reminders of the creativity independent creators bring to an industry often obsessed with producing big hits to rake in massive profits.
As the smaller double-A and indie scene chugged on steadily, however, a serious reckoning took hold of the industry’s more affluent entities. Despite clear signs of the trend taking a turn, several publishers doubled down on ill-advised swings in the live service genre all in pursuit of the same lucrative spoils enjoyed by Fortnite, Grand Theft Auto Online, and Call of Duty.
