Today, December 3rd, is a milestone for gaming enthusiasts as it marks the 30th anniversary of PlayStation. To commemorate this significant moment, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) rolled out the red carpet in Japan for the 2024 PlayStation Partner Awards. This gathering celebrated the vast array of impressive games and the remarkable talents behind them, focusing on developers who showcased their games on PlayStation from the Japan/Asia region.
While the event celebrated outstanding PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 titles released between October 2023 and September 2024, it also paid homage to the exceptional titles born from Japanese and other Asian developers on older PlayStation platforms over the last three decades, including the original PlayStation, PS2, PSP, PS3, PS Vita, and PS4. Let’s dive into the highlights of the games that received accolades during this spectacular event.
Listed here are the games celebrated, in alphabetical order.
Excellence Award
This award honors titles from the Japan/Asia region that have consistently made waves and achieved significant commercial success over the past three years.
- Genshin Impact (HoYoverse)
Grand Award
This prestigious honor was given to the top three titles developed in Japan and Asia, distinguishing them for achieving the highest worldwide sales from October 2023 to September 2024.
- Black Myth: Wukong (Game Science Interactive Technology)
- Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (FromSoftware, Inc / Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.)
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (Square Enix Co. Ltd)
Partner Award
These accolades highlight the Japan/Asia region’s top-performing worldwide sales from October 2023 to September 2024, alongside notable achievements.
- Dragon’s Dogma 2 (Capcom Co., Ltd.)
- Honkai: Star Rail (HoYoverse)
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Sega)
- Persona 3 Reload (Atlus Co., Ltd)
- Tekken 8 (Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.)
- The First Descendant (Nexon)
- Zenless Zone Zero (HoYoverse)
Special Award
This award recognized PS5 titles created through collaboration with SIE outside Japan/Asia, achieving tremendous success in this region during the specified period.
- Rise of the Ronin (SIE, developed by Koei Tecmo)
- Stellar Blade (SIE, developed by Shift Up)
Users’ Choice Award
The top five titles were selected by user votes within Japan/Asia from the top 30, based on extended total gameplay time.
- Black Myth: Wukong (Game Science Interactive Technology)
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (Square Enix Co. Ltd)
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Sega)
- Rise of the Ronin (SIE, developed by Koei Tecmo)
- Stellar Blade (SIE, developed by Shift Up)
PlayStation Generations Awards
These awards are chosen by users in Japan and Asia for games spanning different PlayStation generations, celebrating previous "PlayStation Partner Award" winners.
- PlayStation Generations (1994 and beyond): Final Fantasy VII (Square Enix Co. Ltd.)
- PlayStation 2 Generations (2000 and beyond): Final Fantasy X (Square Enix Co. Ltd.)
- PlayStation Portable Generations (2004 and beyond): Monster Hunter Portable 3rd (Capcom Co., Ltd.)
- PlayStation 3 Generations (2006 and beyond): Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.)
- PlayStation Vita Generations (2011 and beyond): Persona 4 Golden (Atlus Co., Ltd)
- PlayStation 4 Generations (2013 and beyond): Elden Ring (FromSoftware, Inc / Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.)
SIE evaluated nominees based on various criteria, including player numbers.
Here we have messages from the proud recipients of the "Excellence Award" and "Grand Award" meant for players everywhere.
Genshin Impact
(HoYoverse)
<Image of HoYoverse’s team cat displayed>
“We are deeply grateful to our players and PlayStation! This accolade symbolizes a significant turning point in our adventure over the past four years, showcasing the cherished memories and shared companionship with our players, along with our solid, enduring partnership with PlayStation. Genshin Impact’s world is ripe with endless possibilities, and this year’s entry into Teyvat’s sixth nation, Natlan, opens new horizons. As we explore the skies and delve into new realms with Natlan’s warriors, we continue to craft fresh and thrilling content, thanks to your unwavering attention and support.”
– Dai Wei, Game Designer, HoYoverse
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
(FromSoftware, Inc / Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.)
“We extend heartfelt thanks to all gamers who have embarked on the Elden Ring journey. Our commitment remains steadfast in delivering thrilling and meaningful games to our cherished fans.”
– **FromSoftware, Inc, Elden Ring development team**
ραKeep surveying new territory with the ongoing success of Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. Experience fresh narratives that weave through the Land of Shadows, as the community’s vitality and the game’s enduring popularity earn the gratitude and appreciation of every player who has embarked on this path since its launch.”
– **Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc., Elden Ring development team**
—
**Black Myth: Wukong**
*(Game Science Interactive Technology)*
“Being honored with the Grand Award is a tremendous privilege. This accomplishment owes itself to the dedicated efforts of all at Game Science and our partners, coupled with the enthusiastic feedback from our players. Drawing inspiration from Journey to the West, a literary giant among China’s ‘Four Great Classical Novels,’ we married the cultural legacy with cutting-edge game tech to develop an RPG that celebrates the grandeur of Chinese mythology. We will keep refining our craft, embracing new technology, and creating exciting experiences. Gratitude extends to all who have joined us on this adventurous journey!”
– **Feng Ji, Founder & CEO, Game Director, Game Science**
—
**Final Fantasy VII Rebirth**
*(Square Enix Co. Ltd)*
“Having Final Fantasy VII Rebirth win the Grand Award–shared with the top three Japanese/Asian titles with substantial global sales–is a true testament to our fans’ unwavering support. This honor follows Final Fantasy VII Remake, and we are deeply thankful to our community whose passion has driven its success. We eagerly anticipate the conclusion of the remake trilogy and assure you the finale will be worth the wait. We invite you to continue your support through this exciting climax.”
– **Naoki Hamaguchi, Director, Square Enix Co. Ltd**
