Review of 2024 – The High’s & Lows
While 2024 brought incredible highs with releases like Helldivers 2 and Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, it was also marked by industry setbacks. From layoffs to disappointing launches, this Review of 2024 dives into the biggest wins and failures of the year.
Industry Layoffs Take Center Stage in the Review of 2024
The Review of 2024 highlights a year of turmoil in the gaming industry, with an estimated 14,600 job losses—a 39% increase from 2023. Major players like Riot Games, Bungie, and Microsoft announced layoffs, citing rising costs and evolving player habits.
Studio closures further darkened the landscape. Arkane Austin, known for Prey, shut down following the failure of Redfall. Similarly, PlayStation’s London Studio and Firewalk Studios closed their doors, with the latter’s closure tied to Concord’s poor reception.
Biggest Gaming Disappointments
The Review of 2024 wouldn’t be complete without examining the year’s most underwhelming games:
- Concord: Sony’s PvP hero shooter launched in August and flopped spectacularly, peaking at just 697 concurrent players on Steam. Sony pulled the game within two weeks and shuttered Firewalk Studios by October.
- Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League: Rocksteady’s attempt to chase the live-service model alienated fans, echoing the failures of Avengers. Its repetitive gameplay and grind-heavy mechanics tarnished the legacy of the studio behind the Arkham series.
Hardware Missteps Dominate 2024
The Review of 2024 also highlights hardware failures that left fans frustrated:
- PlayStation 5 Pro: Sony’s mid-gen console upgrade debuted at $700, offering little justification for its high price. Confusing graphics settings like “Fidelity Pro” added complexity without delivering significant improvements.
- Nintendo Alarmo: Instead of the long-awaited Switch 2, Nintendo unveiled the Alarmo—a $100 alarm clock featuring game-themed sounds. While quirky hardware is a hallmark of Nintendo, this felt more gimmick than innovation, disappointing fans eager for a substantial reveal.
Television Flops: A Mixed Bag
Entertainment also saw its share of letdowns, as detailed in this Review of 2024:
- The Bear, Season 3: Though still a strong drama, its slower pacing and sidelining of key characters like Sydney left fans underwhelmed.
- Star Wars: The Acolyte: Despite breathtaking lightsaber battles, inconsistent storytelling led Disney to cancel the series, disappointing fans who hoped for a deeper exploration of the High Republic era.
- Netflix Cancellations: Shows like Kaos and Dead Boy Detectives were axed after just one season, adding to Netflix’s growing reputation for cutting promising series too soon.
These television stumbles further emphasize the highs and lows of the Review of 2024.
Final Thoughts: Lessons from the Review of 2024
This review of 2024 paints a picture of a year marked by both triumphs and setbacks. While record-breaking releases like Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree captivated audiences, the gaming and entertainment industries also faced significant challenges—from layoffs to hardware missteps and disappointing game launches.
Looking ahead, the hope is that lessons from 2024 will pave the way for a more innovative and stable future. As this Review of 2024 shows, the industry’s ability to adapt will be key to overcoming its challenges.