2024 Golden Lance for Developer of the Year

Games are nothing without the people behind them. In this time of uncertainty surrounding the ethical usage of AI, it has become increasingly critical to celebrate and acknowledge that the games we love aren’t made by a nameless corporate structure. They are made by people. Sometimes a single person, and sometimes thousands. They are made by artists and writers and programmers and managers. They are made by people with thoughts and feelings and passions and ideas far beyond what just exists on a credit scroll.

In this time of joy and blessing at the end of the year, I want to beseech you all. Tell your favorite creators that you love their work. That it makes a difference in your life. Small acts of kindness like that can go a long way. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. With that said, here are the winners of the Lords of Gaming’s 2024 Golden Lance Award for Best Developer/Publisher.

Winner – SEGA/Atlus

If any publisher has had a fantastic year, SEGA/Atlus had one of their best years since the Dreamcast era. Every division under the SEGA umbrella had a landmark release, each with both critical and commercial success. 

It’s amazing seeing Atlus defining what turn-based fantasy JRPGs should be like with Metaphor: ReFantazio, Sonic Team offering a fantastic experience with Sonic X Shadow Generations, and Ryu Ga Gotoku continuing to have success with both the Like a Dragon and Super Monkey Ball franchises with their recent releases this year. And that isn’t counting SEGA’s success in the multi-media space with their Paramount Sonic franchise. 

It’s been a long time since SEGA has been so healthy as a company. With future releases of classic franchises like Jet Set Radio and Virtua Fighter on the horizon, their success will only continue.