Today’s a special occasion as we mark the 30th anniversary of PlayStation. In honor of this significant milestone, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) rolled out the red carpet for the 2024 PlayStation Partner Awards, held in the prestigious region of Japan and Asia. This event is all about applauding the phenomenal games and brilliant creators who have enriched the PlayStation library in this part of the world.
While spotlighting the achievements of 2024’s PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 hits—from October 2023 to September 2024—this year’s ceremony also tipped its hat to the standout games from Japanese and Asian developers gracing older PlayStation consoles over the last three decades. Remembering classics from the original PlayStation to the PlayStation 4, let’s delve into which games snagged the top honors at this illustrious event.
Here, we present the list of award-winning games in alphabetical order.
Excellence Award
The Excellence Award highlights a game created in Japan or Asia that has consistently captivated players and achieved commercial triumphs over the past three years.
- Genshin Impact by HoYoverse
Grand Award
Recognizing the top three titles with the highest global sales, which were developed in Japan and Asia and released between October 2023 and September 2024.
- Black Myth: Wukong by Game Science Interactive Technology
- Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree by FromSoftware, Inc / Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth by Square Enix Co. Ltd
Partner Award
Celebrating titles with impressive global sales from Japan or Asia, launched between October 2023 and September 2024, and marked by outstanding achievements.
- Dragon’s Dogma 2 by Capcom Co., Ltd.
- Honkai: Star Rail by HoYoverse
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth by Sega
- Persona 3 Reload by Atlus Co., Ltd
- Tekken 8 by Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
- The First Descendant by Nexon
- Zenless Zone Zero by HoYoverse
Special Award
This accolade goes to PlayStation 5 titles crafted through collaboration with SIE outside Japan/Asia that saw remarkable success in this region from October 2023 to September 2024.
- Rise of the Ronin by SIE, developed by Koei Tecmo
- Stellar Blade by SIE, developed by Shift Up
Users’ Choice Award
Handpicked by gamers, these are the top five titles released in the Japan/Asia region within the same period, based on user votes for titles with the longest gameplay times.
- Black Myth: Wukong by Game Science Interactive Technology
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth by Square Enix Co. Ltd
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth by Sega
- Rise of the Ronin by SIE, developed by Koei Tecmo
- Stellar Blade by SIE, developed by Shift Up
PlayStation Generations Awards
These awards are given to standout titles from each era of PlayStation’s history, chosen by users in the Japan and Asia regions, and previously recognized as “PlayStation Partner Award” winners.
- PlayStation Generations (1994 and beyond): Final Fantasy VII by Square Enix Co. Ltd.
- PlayStation 2 Generations (2000 and beyond): Final Fantasy X by Square Enix Co. Ltd.
- PlayStation Portable Generations (2004 and beyond): Monster Hunter Portable 3rd by Capcom Co., Ltd.
- PlayStation 3 Generations (2006 and beyond): Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots by Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.
- PlayStation Vita Generations (2011 and beyond): Persona 4 Golden by Atlus Co., Ltd
- PlayStation 4 Generations (2013 and beyond): Elden Ring by FromSoftware, Inc / Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
For a glimpse into the industry’s heart, here are messages from the “Excellence Award” and “Grand Award” honorees, extended to their fans.
Genshin Impact
(HoYoverse)
HoYoverse extends their heartfelt thanks to players and the PlayStation team. This distinction is a milestone reflecting four years of treasured memories and an enduring partnership. The adventure in Genshin Impact continues, now taking players to Teyvat’s sixth nation, Natlan. Stay tuned for more captivating stories and cherished experiences.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
(FromSoftware, Inc / Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.)
The Elden Ring team warmly thanks those who’ve embarked on this epic journey. FromSoftware and Bandai Namco express collective gratitude for the patience and enthusiasm shown toward the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. The thriving community and unwavering passion of players have been key to the ongoing success of this captivating saga.
Black Myth: Wukong
(Game Science Interactive Technology)
Founder Feng Ji expresses immense honor at receiving the Grand Award for Black Myth: Wukong. Drawing inspiration from China’s timeless classic, Journey to the West, this game merges cultural heritage with cutting-edge tech to create a truly extraordinary experience. Game Science remains committed to innovation, striving to offer thrilling tales and gameplay.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
(Square Enix Co. Ltd)
Director Naoki Hamaguchi beams with gratitude as Final Fantasy VII Rebirth clinches a Grand Award. With the trilogy’s finale nearing, the team is pouring their hearts into delivering a satisfying conclusion. Square Enix appreciates the enduring support that has made this monumental journey possible.
In reflecting on these achievements, it’s clear the pulse of the gaming world beats strong, driven by creativity, dedication, and an unwavering passion for innovation.
