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As we reflect on the journey of Bayside Gamers throughout 2024, it’s clear that this year has been one of progress, growth, and continued passion for gaming. From welcoming new members to hosting a variety of events, the community has become a stronger, more connected space for everyone who shares a love for gaming. A Year of Growth and Expansion One of the most notable aspects of 2024 was the steady growth of our community. While the focus hasn’t been on rapid expansion, the addition of new members has enriched our group. These newcomers brought their own experiences, skills, and interests, and we've seen a great mix of casual players and competitive gamers come together to enjoy the shared experience of gaming. The year also saw an increase in engagement across our platforms, especially on Discord. It’s been fantastic to see how members are using the server to share their gaming experiences, discuss new titles, and even organize informal events. This interaction has made Bayside Gamers a more vibrant community, where members can easily connect and contribute. New Initiatives and Events 2024 was a year where we put more emphasis on creating events that bring the community together. While the scope was smaller compared to major competitive leagues, we successfully hosted a few internal tournaments and casual game nights. These events were less about competition and more about creating a fun, laid-back atmosphere where everyone could enjoy themselves, whether they were playing, spectating, or chatting. Alongside these casual events, there was a notable effort to keep members involved in ongoing discussions about new games and gaming trends. This helped keep the community active and responsive to the latest gaming news, allowing everyone to share their thoughts and experiences with each new release. Welcoming New Members BaysideGamers’ growth in 2024 wasn't just in numbers but in the diversity of members. We were pleased to see new faces joining our ranks throughout the year, from long-time gamers to those just starting their journey into the world of gaming. Each new member has contributed in their way, whether through hosting events, sharing tips, or simply joining in on conversations. What stands out the most is how seamlessly new members have integrated into the group. The welcoming and supportive nature of the community has ensured that everyone, regardless of experience level, feels at home. This year has truly highlighted the importance of inclusivity within our group, as we've seen a mix of people from different gaming backgrounds and interests coming together. Looking Ahead As we move toward the future, there’s a sense of anticipation for what 2025 will bring. While 2024 was more about maintaining and nurturing the community, we are excited to explore new ways to enhance the experience for our members. This could involve more organized events, collaborations with other gaming communities, and continuing to build a place where everyone can feel comfortable and engaged. There is a lot to look forward to, and we're hopeful that with continued effort and dedication, Bayside Gamers will continue to be a space where gaming enthusiasts can connect, grow, and, most importantly, have fun. Thanks to everyone who has been part of the journey so far. We look forward to growing together in 2025!

The year 2024 has been a rollercoaster for the video game industry, showcasing a mix of highly successful titles and unexpected flops. As the gaming community reflects on the year’s releases, several standout games have captivated the hearts of fans and critics alike, while others have struggled to make an impact. 2024 Hits One of the year’s biggest success stories is Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the eagerly awaited continuation of the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy. Building on the success of its predecessor, Rebirth has garnered widespread acclaim for its breathtaking visuals, enhanced combat system, and emotionally charged narrative. The game has managed to strike a perfect balance between honouring the original and introducing fresh elements, making it a must-play for both veterans of the series and newcomers. Another standout success in 2024 is Hades 2, the sequel to the beloved rogue-like from Supergiant Games. Hades 2 has expanded on the formula that made the original such a hit, offering new characters, deeper gameplay mechanics, and an engaging story. Its addictive gameplay loop, combined with rich character development and stunning art direction, has cemented Hades 2 as one of the most talked-about games of the year. Released in March 2024, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, a major expansion for the critically acclaimed Elden Ring, was another huge hit in the first half of the year. This expansion brought new life to the game with a vast, mysterious new area, challenging bosses, and expanded lore that deepened the overall narrative. Fans and critics praised the expansion for maintaining the high standards set by the original game, with many considering it a must-play addition for anyone who enjoyed Elden Ring. This successful expansion has kept Elden Ring in the spotlight throughout 2024, ensuring its place as one of the year’s most celebrated titles. 2024 Flops Not all 2024 releases met expectations. Echoes of the Multiverse, a highly anticipated action-adventure game released in the first half of 2024, was one of the year’s biggest critical failures. Despite an intriguing premise that promised a complex narrative across multiple dimensions, the game was plagued by poor execution. Critics pointed to its disjointed storyline, repetitive gameplay, and numerous technical issues that severely hampered the experience. The game’s ambitious scope was ultimately its downfall, as it failed to deliver on its potential, leading to disappointing reviews and poor sales. Another game that struggled to make an impact is Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, released in early 2024 from Rocksteady Studios. Launched amid concerns with no reviews codes even distributed to press outlets, the game was met with harsh criticisms and immediate disdain from critics and gamers alike. The game is a generic by-the-numbers feeling game with unimaginative combat and lacklustre characters. The feel overall does not drive gamers to want to play the game and the narrative lacks any compelling reason to push forward. Warner Brothers even mentioned the game as the reason their financials were so lacklustre due to the impact the game had on the company due to lack of sales. Looking Ahead to 2025 As 2024 draws to a close, anticipation is building for the major releases scheduled for 2025. One of the most eagerly awaited games is GTA 6, expected to launch in the fall of 2025. The hype surrounding Rockstar’s next open-world epic is immense, with fans eagerly anticipating what is expected to be a groundbreaking entry in the series. Another highly anticipated release is Civilization 7, which is set to arrive in February 2025. The latest instalment in the legendary strategy series promises to introduce innovative mechanics and expansive world-building features, making it a potential game-changer for the genre. Avowed, an RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, is also generating significant buzz ahead of its February 2025 release. Known for their narrative-driven games, Obsidian’s latest project is expected to deliver a richly detailed world and complex character interactions, making it a must-play for RPG fans. With such a strong lineup of games on the horizon, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for gamers, building on the successes and lessons learned from 2024.