Gaming is a vast, ever-evolving world. Every Friday, we take a step back, grab our controllers, and dive into the ideas that make this hobby so captivating in our weekly Game Theory. It’s a space to explore, debate, and—most importantly—celebrate all things gaming.

This week, the spotlight is on our recently published 15 Best Games of 2024. We’re proud of the list, but let’s be honest: no list can capture everything. With so many groundbreaking titles dropping this year, even our best efforts inevitably leave room for oversight. So now, we’re turning to you, our readers: What did we miss?

The Challenge of Making a “Best Of” List

The truth is, curating a list like this is as much about what’s left out as what makes the cut. Gaming is a medium that often demands time—sometimes dozens, even hundreds, of hours—to uncover its true brilliance. And let’s not forget the last-minute curveballs: games that pop up unexpectedly or titles that linger in the backlog, waiting for their moment to shine.

Take 1000xResist from Sunset Visitor, for example. It’s one of the sharpest-written games of 2024, yet it almost didn’t make our list because, frankly, our schedules were just too packed to give it the attention it deserved. That near-miss makes me wonder: What other gems did we overlook?

Hidden Gems Worth Highlighting

Some games haunt me because I know they might have belonged on our list. Nine Sols by Red Candle Games is a prime example. I finally loaded it up after weeks of procrastination, and it’s been an absolute treat. The parry-heavy combat scratches my itch for precision mechanics (hello, Sekiro and Sifu fans), but what really caught me off guard is its stunning hand-drawn animation and deeply emotional sci-fi story. Knowing the pedigree of Detention and Devotion, I shouldn’t have been surprised, but here we are.

Another standout is Rise Of The Golden Idol, a sequel to one of my favorite puzzle games of 2022. Its predecessor, Case Of The Golden Idol, turned bite-sized deduction into an art form, and I have no doubt this follow-up continues that legacy. But alas, it landed in my pile of “games I’ll get to eventually,” which meant it missed the window for consideration.

The Ones That Didn’t Quite Make It

Even for the games I did play, not all of them managed to secure a spot on the final list. Children Of The Sun stood out with its focused sniper gameplay, taking a single mechanic and pushing it to absurd and bloody heights. Meanwhile, the hilariously offbeat Thank Goodness You’re Here had me in stitches but faded slightly in memory compared to other titles with more staying power.

And then there’s the great Hades II debate. Supergiant Games’ sequel to the mythological masterpiece is already dazzling fans, even in Early Access. But should a game still in development count as one of the best of the year? We went back and forth on this one, and in the end, it didn’t make the cut—but not without some regret.

What Did We Overlook?

Of course, there are bound to be blind spots. Some games, like Stellar Blade, teased just enough potential in their demos to make me wonder if I missed out. Others flew under the radar entirely, waiting for someone to champion them. And that’s where you come in.

What were the hidden gems of 2024? Which indie treasures or overlooked blockbusters deserve more recognition? Gaming is a shared experience, and your insights could shine a light on what we missed.

A Year to Remember

2024 has been nothing short of incredible for gamers. From sweeping epics to innovative indies, there’s been no shortage of memorable experiences. And while we’re proud of our picks, we know the story of this year’s gaming triumphs wouldn’t be complete without your input.

So, let us know: What have you been playing? What games kept you glued to your controller? Hit the comments and help us celebrate a phenomenal year for gaming—because the best lists are the ones we build together.