The Game Awards last week was one of, if not the best version of Geoff Keighley’s award show. As every year for the last few years felt less and less like a celebration of the industry. But more like Geoff Keighley focusing more and more on monetary gains. Considering Geoff is the person who started the show his way and continues to be the main host of it all. It does make sense for him to want the most out of the hard work he puts in. However, as everyone tunes in and sees more food delivery app adverts and trailers on top of trailers instead of developers getting their deserved limelight amidst winning awards. The viewer base eventually only showed up for one over the other, and not in the best way.
This created a disconnect that at one point caused a wave of people sharing photos of a teleprompter in the stadium saying “wrap it up” when it came to developers trying to deliver their speeches. It was egregious and the ire that gravitated towards Geoff and his handling of his shows grew even louder. Causing an even deeper divide, that, fortunately was mended at this year’s show. The Game Awards this year struck one of the best balances of what everyone tuned in to see. Everyone got grand reveals that you could stand cheer seeing. From Elden Ring: Nightreign, to Okami 2 there was a lot that people who only tune in for trailers got to see.
But for the game developer recognition side of things. Seeing developers making speeches on the state of the industry like Swen Vicke from Larian Studios did. Some even showing their human side before they showcased their upcoming title. Like Josef Fares from Hazelight Studio did before showcasing Split Fiction. Everyone who tuned in got everything they want. But there is still one big issue that is plaguing The Game Awards right now. That being the “rapid fire” awards.
Slow The Game Awards Down a Little
The Esports awards despite coming in a group of three could still have at least some representative from their teams show up in the booth like the developers of Tekken 8 did near the beginning of the show when they won best fighting game. But there are other categories that also get the same treatment. More so than would ideal. Considering awards for best music and best performance being held in higher regard to best action/adventure or family game just does not sit right.
As stated before, while The Game Awards this year was a home run for Geoff Keighley. Especially since it was the 10th anniversary awards show, and he went all out. With musical performances from Arcane, and even Snoop Dogg hitting the scene for some down to earth funk. There should be a way to strike that perfect balance. To give every single category at least a moment where a developer or representative time to accept the award on screen and say a few words.
But at the end of the day, Geoff is going to be staring at an impossible task for next year. Going overboard in this show and doing nearly everything right is going to be a hard act to follow. Would he even be worried about finding the time to have the same developer speeches that show the human side of our industry while trying to factor in potentially even more speeches for more awards and showcases? Or is it about finding the right trailers to hopefully throw us off the critical trail? Time will only tell, but a congratulations is in order for Geoff when it comes to The Game Awards this year. I am excited to see how what he does next year.
Leave a Reply