2024 was a year of sports and gaming events, which attracted worldwide interest.
With the Game Awards, Saudi Arabia holding the FIFA World Cup and Dubai actively pushing for responsible gaming with its eSports, this year has shown that the global entertainment stage is evolving.
So let’s look at these watershed events and their repercussions.
Game Awards 2024: Celebrating Excellence in Gaming
It just goes to show why the Game Awards are often referred to as the “Oscars of Gaming.”
With Astro Bot taking home the coveted Game of the Year award, this year’s ceremony celebrated innovation and artistry in gaming.
Key highlights included:
Astro Bot for Best Action/Adventure, Best Family Game, and Best Game Direction
The indie poker game Balatro, a surprise winner of Best Mobile Game.
Myth: Wukong snatching up the fan-selected Player’s Voice Award for eye-popping graphics and game play.
Following the keynote, the Game Changers Award was also awarded to Amir Satvat
. Satvat was recognized for his work in helping game developers find work in a period in which the games industry has been devastated by layoffs.
Wanting to help developers out of work, Satvat created a free resource that collects all of the open positions around the industry.
This helps workers get hired, further demonstrating the commitment of the industry to continue building a supportive community.
Vision 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034™ in Saudi Arabia
Growing Together: A Vision for the Future
Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034™ aligns with its Vision 2030, a transformative national strategy aimed at creating a diversified and innovative future.
The Kingdom plans to use the tournament as a platform to grow football globally while celebrating its rich culture and advanced infrastructure.
World-Class Infrastructure and Fan Experience
The FIFA World Cup 2034 will feature state-of-the-art stadiums, strategically located across five host cities.
Fans can look forward to a compact, festival-like atmosphere with seamless transportation, diverse accommodation options, and vibrant FIFA Fan Festivals™.
Iconic locations such as King Salman Park in Riyadh and the Marina in NEOM will serve as hubs of celebration, integrating digital and physical experiences.
Investing in Football’s Future
Saudi Arabia is committed to growing the game at all levels, from grassroots to elite. Initiatives include:
- Establishing women’s football leagues and academies.
- Expanding youth football development through national scouting schemes and training centers.
- Supporting grassroots programs to increase awareness and participation.
A Lasting Legacy
The tournament aims to inspire millions, create job opportunities, and foster community growth.
It is a step forward for Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a top-tier football nation and a significant milestone in the global football ecosystem.
Responsible Gaming – Guided by the Dubai Police eSports Tournament
The 4th Dubai Police eSports Tournament has never been all about gaming— it has also served as a stage to spread the message of online safety and responsible gaming.
The competition boasted more than 800 players and teams, with notable titles like Valorant, Counter-Strike 2, and Fortnite, and AED 200,000 in awards.
Key highlights:
A gaming showcase featuring 20+ retailers displaying the latest tech and games.
Awareness programs on cybercrime, digital safety and gaming addiction
An international symposium discussing how e-gaming is a positive force and how we can avoid becoming addicted to it.
This move highlights Dubai’s commitment to utilise eSports for education and building communities while providing a safe and balanced environment surrounding gaming for future generations.
Conclusion
The Unforgettable Moments of The Year With the spectacle of the Game Awards, the magnitude of the FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia, and the socially conscious Dubai Police eSports Tournament, 2024 has seen some mighty milestones in gaming and sports.
They proved to be a day of entertainment, community, inclusivity and awareness that paved the way for a better tomorrow.
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