The problem with this year's game awards. 

Neil Newbon getting cut off while holding back tears and trying to give a genuine heartfelt acknowledgement to gamers and the community was fucking heartbreaking.

"it feels like The Game Awards is embarrassed by video games" Couldn't have said it better myself. We don't need big Hollywood stars to be involved in games to make them cool or feel recognized, that has been happening naturally over the years as the medium matures.

I personally think the previous GotY winner should present the award the next year for the new winner.

We won VR Game of the Year at the Game Awards last year (Moss Book 2). It felt great to win it, but I did feel kinda disappointed that no one on our team was given the opportunity to say anything

“It feels like starfucking.” That’s it. That’s basically what felt weird to me this year. Thanks for putting it into words

I truly hope Geoff takes the criticism levied towards the game awards in a good way and not a bad way, I love the game awards, it’s so cool and awesome to see my favorite games get recognized, but man did this years game awards truly expose the worst of this event, hope it changes for the better

When Kojima gets a longer interview length than actual Game awards get for their acceptance speeches then you know something is very off. I'll always give props to Geoff Keighley for his achievements in making the VGA's and balancing the production side of it, but this years VGA's felt really "corporate", for lack of a better term. Hope he does better next year. Also, congrats to Larian studios for their abundance of awards, they truly deserved it!

“I think you’re WAY cooler than actors.” I wholeheartedly agree. Well said Ma’am. 11/10. Thank you devs for your passion and hard work.

I heard you mention someone coaxed off stage when talking about someone who died, but I was even more surprised when I realized it was literally for BG3, the game that won the biggest award. That’s shocking. 1 minute limit for game of the year is crazy.

Whats bizarre is the video games industry is bigger then the movie industry, yet we rely on them for validation. If you're going to use a movie star to present game of the year, then it needs to be someone like Cavil

They could at the very least have shown a 5 second gameplay clip for each nominated game. Then a visual reaction of the winning team in the audience (if present) for another 5 seconds. This is like reading out test scores in a high school off a form pinned to a cork board.

The fact that they played an acceptance speech for the winner of best content creator but not the winner of an actual indie game is insane.

The indie award happened so fast I didn't even see Sea of Stars won until this video. And I loved/voted for Sea of Stars!

Something about the game awards this year felt off and you articulated it perfectly, thanks.

This was absolutely spot on, in particular you said ‘disrespectful’ and ‘soulless’ - that was exactly my feeling about the show and just made me sad for people who didn’t get to properly celebrate what should have been a very special moment for them. Like most people, I tuned in for the trailers and reveals, which the show did very well, but in many ways that good work was undone by the bad taste the rest of it left in the mouth.

At least Sam Lake had a great night. I'm so happy for him.

Absolutely agree. The winners not being able to bask for their hard work is just heartbreaking .

As another dev, +1. This years' awards were brutal. The tweet about crunch now applying to awards was... oof, too true. Accessibility being in the pre-show was oof.

They definitely should try a "Day of TGA" thing where they can juice creators with trailers and reveals like every 30 minutes before the show they need to fit it all in, big 3-4 drops saved for the show, and time for everyone winning that wants it.

I appreciate how much you care about indie games and indie devs

Completely agree. I felt so bad for Larian. BG3 is such a monumental achievement and their speech was so rushed I felt like it was being just treated as an inconvenience. Meanwhile Kojima gets a whole set piece and extended interview for brief and honestly rather pointless tech demo.

You have a great heart Alanah, and you are absolutely right about the constant celebrity appearances.

My favorite thing was Christopher judges joke about the cod campaign being really short and then the cod developers got mad on twitter

This years award defiantly seemed soulless and was very sad when Neil had 2 seconds to do his acceptance speech and hes such a sweetheart with a heart of gold

Fares and Judge were some of the most talked about and memorable moments of previous tga. Why? because the passion of developers finally gets to be seen by people and for once the anonymous corporate overlord persona is temporary removed.

Sam looked so happy, I teared up! Herald of darkness was my favourite moment of the game awards, ever. The acceptance speeches were absurdly short but as someone who doesn't work in that industry I do find it a bit harder to appreciate variations of the same speech being said again & again. Though you could apply that to any award show.

I trust your calm methodical discussions about the game industry over the hot headed rants everyone keeps posting. Always thankful for the insight.

This year the battle over monetization and the "soul" of the games industry has seemed intensely present in the conversation. And the Game Awards feels like a perfectly representative microcosm of that.

I think something that would've gone a long way to fix this year's Game Awards would've been if any of the on-stage marketing stuff had actually been tied in to any of the awards that were being given out. Like: you're doing an extended sketch with Gonzo, that feels like a natural place to segue into Gonzo presenting the Best Family Game award (which was inexplicably given out in the pre-show). Or Simu Liu being on stage talking about his love of RTSes and how happy he is to be voicing a character in Frost Giant's upcoming RTS maybe should've led into Simu Liu presenting the Best Strategy Game award. Sean Murray announcing Hello Games's next game after No Man's Sky -> Sean Murray presenting the 'Best Ongoing Game' award (setting aside that 'Best Ongoing Game' is kind of a nonsense category), Hideo Kojima and Jordan Peele announce a horror game -> Hideo Kojima and Jordan Peele present Best Horror Game, etc. The marketing can be made to feel organic and germane to the awards. The way that there was no connection between just about anything going on on stage and the awards that were being given out is, in my opinion, a HUGE part of why the game awards felt like such an afterthought at The Game Awards. Also: Geoff rattling off 3 or 4 Best [Insert Category Here] Game in a row like he's announcing election results just straight up shouldn't have happened. Also also: they really should make an effort to fly some representatives of all the Best [Insert Category Here] Game out to LA for the awards. I know that travel and lodging can be expensive, but I don't think any devs will be complaining if they're not being put up in an all expenses paid suite at The Ace or The Standard or something.

Well said. Thanks to all the developers who worked so hard on their creations. I hope they get more recognition in the future. And yes, they're way cooler than actors!

The most fun thing in it was the moment when Kojima's translator said "xcock" instead of "xbox"

I sometimes think I'm a videogame fan, but Alanah has her heart and soul invested into not only the games, but the people who make them as well, no matter how unknown or in what position. Wow, genuinely an inspiring person

Baldur's Gate 3 won 6/32 awards (including players voice) thats ~20% of the awards The time given to them was

I know im a random guy on the internet but man this was an excellent video. Thank you and well said. I hope they're paying attention. Cause next year is the tenth anniversary show and with that hope they do better.

I never thought about it before, but when you talked about receiving game of the year awards from an industry leader, that really hit me. That would be so beautiful and make that moment so memorable and special for those receiving the award. Also gives a lot of respect to the people that move the industry forward and made it what it is today.

I saw a comment to one of the tweets calling TGAs "the more successful younger brother who still seeks validation from his older brother" and it couldn't be more true. Tons of celebrities are gamers too, sure, but there has to be happy medium with the time EVERYONE on stage gets, not just a celebrity so you can hope a news site mentions your show with a picture of that person

This is definitely something most people felt watching this year, I know I was thinking these very things while its was happening. Gotta start tuning in more closely to other awards shows.

I don't care about awards shows but this year I REALLY wanted to see Larian and Remedy get their due and I'm happy to see they did. Sam Lake was so happy on stage AND I've begged Sam and Geoff for years to get us a Poets of the Fall/Old Gods of Asgard live performance and they delivered (even if it was shorter than many of the previous year's music). TGA this year definitely did feel disrespectful to the developers; it felt like 15 seconds into accepting an award the music starts playing and the "wrap it up sign" starts looking at them is annoying af.

If I had my way, awards would be awarded by last year's winner. If, somehow, they're being nominated again, go for who won that award two years ago. It would be great to see devs recognise and appreciate each other's work too.

I really agree about this one, I’d also like to see the teams ( devs, managers, owners - esp Indies ) get a little more stage time and a chance to have that memory.

I'm half convinced Geoff created The Game Awards to constantly remind people that he's friends with Kojima.

I can't imagine a version of the game awards that actually delivers on Keighley's promise of a "celebration of the industry" as long as he's beholden to advertisers and publishers. He just needs to drop the act and present it as a hype show/E3 equivalent. Or, and this seems a lot less likely, get enough people in power behind it to start something like the academy that funds the show

I appreciate this take from you Alannah. After a year as legendary for gaming as this one, it’s such a tone deaf take to approach a game awards ceremony with a mindset that seemed so anemic in regards to actually appreciating the art of game development. I hope this isn’t a trend that continues…

I had gotten used to how quickly this award show rushes through the actual awards, but I’m glad so many people are calling it out. Hopefully we see some changes next year.

Also, I really miss the award for recognition of historic or career achievement to remind us people who really turned out to be important in gaming, that helped make what games and gaming is today. And a little like 1 or 2 minute video documentary showing their story. Those were awesome.

They should just make it so the director of the previous GOTY winner present next year's award. They did this in the past. It makes more sense than random celebrities doing it.

indie game of the year Definitely deserves more attention Hopefully they do better next year

Amen to everything you said ~ the wrap it up sign as they were speaking about their friend who passed away was both angering and absolutely heartbreaking 😞. Hopefully all this backlash will help some make better choices next year. And also understand what the awards are for and what we love about them. Anyway, thanks for speaking out ~ cheers!

Thank you for pointing so much about this out. I felt the same way about the Timothy Chalamet choice. And yes, it definitely felt like the awards show was embarrassed about video games - which was even a bit hurtful as a gamer, I can’t imagine how developers felt.

Thank you for using what pull you have to make this. Hopeful they will revaluate how this goes down next year.

I really liked when Neil Newbon was presented the award for Best Performance by Christopher Judge. Not only is it the previous winner but it's someone who understands the craft and achievement and is very fitting to give that award. It would make a lot more sense if the awards could be presented and handed to the winner from the previous winner or representative of them. I'm not sure how often there are consecutive winners but if a previous winner is nominated again or just not available, then have a representative of the other previous nominees instead because they understand the craft and achievement. Can you imagine if the next TGA, Swen Vincke is presenting the award to the new GOTY. That would feel so respectful and meaningful. And rushing the speeches was so poor. I understand Christopher Judge's speech went on too long last year for some people but it was heartfelt and genuine and they really overcompensated for that this year, ruining the moment for devs to actually accept the award and say what it meant.

Im not too surprised he gave Kojima a big moment. He loves that man...I agree with some of the comments. Just remove the awards and make it a Winter Game Fest if they are gonna rush awards and speeches.

Respect, you didn't hold back and hit the nail on the head. I truly wanted the winners to have more time to enjoy their awards, because they do mean something. Thanks for speaking out.

Your take on this is one of the most articulate and accurate perspectives I've heard so far. It really does feel like the show was a parent who's a little proud, but also a bit embarrassed by their kid's achievements. Like a dad saying, "I'm glad you can be happy and make money, but wouldn't something more practical be better for your future?" lol

Such a strong message. thank you so much for this.

Amazing Take on the awards this year. thank you~ They were speed running the awards as u said it was simply ridiculous.

I am an unapologetic Larian Fanboy and I loved how Swen, winner of GOTY knocked this one out of the park too. All he got was 30 seconds and all he needed to say was 3 words: Thanks (players) Thanks (team) Remember (those team members who are no longer amongst us) That and stealing the show by showing up in plate armor had more impact than any hour long speech could have had.

Atleast we can all agree that Herrald of darkness by far was the best moment of the night!

85k views and 9.5k likes is crazy Alanah! A very well-articulated piece.

I just appreciate that we get this show at all. I remember when it started out it was kind of a meme, but it's grown to this big event where everyone pays attention and industry leaders, developers, voice actors even show up. The show can be improved, but I'm glad it's at this point.

Thank you for this balanced take and at the same time showing much deserved appreciation for both the devs and Geoff! ❤

completely agree, i want to see all awards delivered properly none of those side awards BS :(

Thank you as usual Alana. Very fair and balanced view especially acknowledging the balances Geoff may have to go through. Definitely feel the show would have the ability to add an extra 30 mins run time to keep the marketing and trailer while giving more limelight to the developers.

The wonderful thing is that Larian didn't need the game awards to be appreciated, the universal praise and massive sales speak for themselves.

Such a great point. As a game dev, I really appreciate this. Thank you for making this video. You're awesome!

my favorite bit was when Sydnee said “yes, i was hoping for a new persona, a new persona game that is. i still wanna be Sydnee” 😅

They should bring in more people like Ikumi Nakamura. She really brought a lot of cheer on stage.

I feel everything was rushed and they need to give more time to the games. looking forward to seeing your award show if you plan on doing another.

As a dev on a team that won awards in 2021, it meant a lot to me to have it celebrated. All the hours and struggle was worth it in many ways, but that night in particular, was the best night of my life. I think there should really be more focus on the award aspect so that others are celebrated and get the opportunity to feel that super special way. Really loved your opinions beyond that, as well.

Damn. I was just saying this to my nephew how they felt annoyed that they had to announce awards, it took away from sponsorship and trailers. Once again you nailed it. So I thank you for making the content YOU make.

I remember seeing a comment saying how the Video Game Awards is an award show that feels embarrassed to be an award show. But yeah. Super loved that all the winners probably got collectively the same amount of time Kojima got for showing a nothing 40sec trailer showing 3 actors faces and then 8mins of talking about how it's definitely A game...

100% agree with this. Thank you for talking about it.

You know I felt the same way watching the Game Awards... It felt soulless...

Thank you for blessing us with your grace in a video. Many blessings queen.

I'm with you. It felt weird to be watching an awards show where the winners don't get a chance get up and thank people.

Even during the 30 minutes of actual awards show, I had to listen to a ton of non game studio people talk for way longer than the actual recipients. I know that for the AAA studios they don't care, because they don't want to pay their rockstars, which is why the game industry doesn't have as many big names today as it did two decades ago. I completely agree about the celebrity thing, I mean at least pick someone who has been in a game, like Keanu Reeves, but I would rather have the voice actors from BG3 do those presentations, maybe even in character. I would love to have Neil Newbon present as Astarion, name a developer that wouldn't love that.

When i was watching this i thought it was weird that most of the awards felt kind of rushed

If they can have Ironmouse, an animated V-Tuber play a pre-recorded acceptance speach, they easily could have had a zoom call or something for devs to call in if they can't make it in person to give their speeches.

When you said they are a celebrities but not a celebrities in our industry you totally hit the nail on the head! Its like they need validation from the movie industry who are seen as "real famous people" like why did they have all these actors who have no idea about games and are simply there just to boost views, at least get an actor who has worked on games or famous people in our industry to present the awards like Troy Baker for example. Some people said its like they're embarassed that this is an award show and I totally agree, its like they rush through all the game stuff like "yeah those arent important, but look at all the cool trailers and actors we have here" which that is an insane insult to all game devs who actually make the games we play and without them Jeff wouldnt even have his award show.

It is refreshing to see someone as honest and intellignet as you to eloquently express how I feel. :) I love you, Alanah!

I think it would be cool and more honest if someone high up in the game industry could just invite all the nominees & winners to a house party, set up a small stage in a back yard and live stream. Allow teams that got rushed off the stage at the Game Awards as much time as they want to say what they need to say.

Geoff did tweet that he asked the sound people to slow down and that they would address it for next. I'm glad he is at least aware it was an issue

I generally avoid awards shows, but TGA I watch for the trailers/reveals. That said, it did seem a bit odd how they just read through so many and then how short the acceptances were. I pretty much agree with what you said. Also, any celebs should have something to do with the games, but I guess there's not a lot you can expect there.

You are awesome Alana, thank you for the continuous insight into the industry!

I thought your video of how you, an Australian, fought and went through a lot to become a worker in the US was my favorite video you've ever done. Personal and very much work-related. And you inspired me, a Jamaican to start my own path into the biggest industry. But as someone who doesn't have a voice, I wanted to scream to the world the points you just mentioned. This is now my second favorite video you've ever made. I call this Christmas E3, not TGA. It's the reverse of when E3 had speeches and stage shows instead of devs, play throughs and game trailers.

Strong agree with all of that. I get that from a show producer's perspective an 8-minute acceptance speech is bad, but surely a 30-second speech that gets interrupted by music before Swen can finish talking about his dead friend - or announce the XB launch - is much worse.

I can't love and appreciate this video enough. Making games is a massive sacrifice. The bigger the game, the more it takes from you. Baldurs Gate 3 took SIX years to make, and they get sixty seconds to say "thank you" and honor a dear college who died? That's like ten seconds for every year of sacrifice spent in production. But seriously, the real reward for all game developers is seeing the delighted reactions of your players as they experience the content you created. Game awards are just the icing on the cake compared to that.

I also thought that the winners were not given enough time on stage. I understand that they dont to want people to give them 10 minutes of speech each. But it seemed like some ofnthe winners were like: hello, thank you for this award to us, that means a lot and i'd like to thank (music already starting in the back)... and they were just rushed to end their speach.

as always, some damn good points. as a fan of games and a game dev my self, thanks for all of this. Also SUPER glad you did a sea of stars shout out too! fav game of this year.

Well said - I do hope many of the observations you have mentioned are highly considered for the future Game Awards.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend

"They tune in for the reveals, they don't tune in for the awards." Yes, because those of us who did tune in for the awards realized it was a waste of time years ago because of how little time was spent on the awards. So we stopped watching. RU-vidrs recapping the categories and winners spend WAY more time on on the actual games than the 'Game Awards', which is why I've been tuning in to RU-vid the next day for years now.

Well... Game awards is as meaningful as movie awards. Sure it mostly has meaning for the respected industry but it also has meaning for the general public. It does help drive the sale of movies and games to a wider audience. I usually buy the book that wins the Nobel price in literature every year, just because. I rarely read those types of books and I think allot people buy the game of the year just to see what the hype is all about.

As an aspiring indie, I appreciate the heck out of folks like you.

Thank you for using your platform and influence to say what needs to be said.

The story of Sea of Stars' developer is incredible and it would have been amazing to see them represent what I love about them on the biggest stage of the year so that other people can understand how special they are. Fun (not fun) fact: Sabotage Studio has released two of their own games; Sea of Stars and The Messenger in 2018. Both games received awards for Best Indie and Best Debut Indie respectively. Neither of these times did they accept the award on stage or offer any acceptance speech through video. Maybe they didn't want to or couldn't commit to the travel? Regardless, the award clearly means a lot to them.

Less Kojima straddling = More time for everyone else

it is VERY clear that Geoff has connections. A lot of people dont know his parents are executives at AMC, you gotta imagine thats how hes getting these celebs out here

This years game awards felt very much like 'but anyway' was the motto of the whole show. Nothing was given any time to settle and it was constantly quickly moving on to the next thing.

At least playing a short video of each award winner wouldve been much better than literally nothing. I love watching the event each year with friends, we just want to see cool games on screen and for the developers to feel rewarded.