The 42nd annual Golden Joystick Awards (GJAs) will take place on November 21, 2024, in London and will be streamed on major platforms.

The full shortlist for this year's awards will be announced on October 4, 2024, coinciding with the start of public voting.

Known as the 'People's Gaming Awards,' the GJAs feature categories decided by public voting or a panel of judges.

Last year's awards set a record for the number of votes, with Baldur's Gate 3 winning an impressive seven awards.

This year, the awards will introduce four new categories: Best Soundtrack, Best Game Adaptation, Best Indie Game (Small Studio), and a mobile game category.

The new Best Soundtrack category separates from the previous Best Audio category, which now includes Best Audio Design.

The Best Game Adaptation category recognizes the best media inspired by video games, including movies, TV shows, and comic books.

The Best Indie Game (Small Studio) category highlights games developed by teams of fewer than ten people, while larger teams can compete for the Best Indie Game award.

The Still Playing Award (Mobile) acknowledges successful long-running mobile games.

The Best Early Access Game award has been reintroduced, and the Best Indie Game category has been reviewed to better reflect current industry standards.

The GJAs aim to celebrate the diversity of indie games, recognizing both small and larger independent teams.

Certain awards, such as Streamers' Choice and Critics’ Choice, will not be available for public voting.