“2024 Adventures: Games I Shared with My Kids and Solo Challenges”

In 2007, I commenced the tradition of marking the conclusion of the previous year with a compilation of all the video games I experienced over the last 12 months.

Since then, I have adjusted my method, particularly this time as I reflect on the approximately 110 video games I engaged with in 2024.

The list for today consists of shorter sections. Initially, there are the games from 2024—and some older titles—that I played alongside my son and daughter last year. The twins have recently turned eight and have been playing games with me since they were 5 ½, although primarily on Switch until we incorporated a second platform this year (take a guess!).

Following the list of games I experienced with my children is a summary of the titles I played solo. I will not include any that haven’t been released yet or those I engaged with solely for work purposes. I might have overlooked a game or two as well, which seems to happen.

When I initially started compiling these lists as a young journalist for MTV News, my goal was to advocate for completing games. I was troubled that too many game endings went unobserved. I aimed to normalize reaching the conclusion of what we play. That first list, published in early 2007, comprised 102 titles, and I noted the 21 games I had “finished.” Half Life 2: Episode 1! Chibi Robo! Suikoden V! And so on.

By 2017 (269 titles experienced in 2016; marking a second consecutive year of not finishing Bloodborne) I discontinued mentioning game completions. I transitioned to endorsing my favorite picks instead. This appeared to be more beneficial for readers.

After completing my 2019 overview, I took a hiatus from these lists. However, I have reintroduced it now, owing to the encouragement from Polygon editor-in-chief Chris Plante. (He mentioned he enjoyed them! I suspect he was serious?)

I hope you discover some intriguing games listed below. I believe I unearthed some hidden treasures. Please feel free to let me know what I may have overlooked, what games the children might appreciate, or which titles require further attention. And yes, it’s somewhat absurd that I dedicated 70 hours to a title I did not particularly enjoy while there were countless other options available.

A note of caution: Through my profession, I accessed most of these games via complimentary review copies.

And if you are pressed for time: Scroll to the bottom for my top nine games of 2024!

New 2024 titles I played with my children

Older games I shared with them

Games from earlier years that we continued enjoying in 2024

Games from past years that I began in 2024 (without the kids)

Games from previous years that I revisited (without the kids)

The remaining titles I played