4 Reasons Why The Game Awards Is Perfect for the Industry

The Game Awards 2015 was a great show that had some seriously memorable moments. Sure, it had awkward some things happen that people could have done without, but all in all it was a nice event. Award shows do things for an industry that just can’t be done in any other way. For that reason, The Game Awards is a blessing.

It takes great effort to give something real and respectable to those who spend the year enjoying this amazing hobby. While it’s not easy to do, it manages to pull it off by doing these things.

Industry and Fans

The Game Awards brings the industry and fans together to celebrate. There are trade shows such as E3, Gamescom, and TGS, yes, but those are more about showing off new things and convincing fans around the world that they need to buy them. Award shows may have advertising, but that’s not their primary focus (at least it isn’t when it’s done right).

These events are about looking back on the year and acknowledging all of the hard work put into creating the entertainment that so many of us enjoy. Fans sit with actors and developers in suspense as nominees are presented and winners are chosen. It’s all about the fun and excitement for everyone, a day where a break can be taken from constant coding, or awaiting your favorite game. A day where everyone can sit together and say we are gamers. 

A Serious Affair

Geoff Keighley used to host the Spike Video Game Awards which was an entirely different breed of award show. While it also tried to celebrate the best in gaming, its focus on musical performances and celebrity appearances kind of put a damper on the whole thing. It was difficult to see the gaming industry on par with that of movies and music when its award show was more of a spectacle than a night of honor.

The Game Awards 2015 yet again showed that a slower, more thoughtful event was the best way to put on a great showing. The honorable tribute to the late Satoru Iwata, the history lesson during the presentation of the Icon Award, the use of those who are actually part of the industry, it all lent to the cohesive nature of the night. It felt like an event that takes itself seriously and is trying to really put the industry in a positive light so that others will take it seriously, as well. Masterfully organized and amazingly delivered, The Game Awards is how these things should be done. 

Big vs. Small

In the past, indie games and their AAA counterparts rarely went head to head for an award. Sure there were certain categories and situations that called for it, but they were often considered too different from one another. The Game Awards 2015 took that practice and threw it out the window.

Games are games and art is art no matter how big or small the team or the bankroll behind the project is. There is no reason why Her Story shouldn’t go toe-to-toe with the likes of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and win, and The Game Awards recognizes that. Why should we separate our games in such a fashion? The answer is there is no reason why we should. The medium has evolved to a state where greatness can come from the least expected places.

 There’s Still Some Entertainment, Though

While it is definitely a much more serious event than its predecessor, The Game Awards isn’t all about just presenting awards and talking about developers. Even those in attendance would want a little something special to help mix up the night. This year, we got to see Chvrches take to the stage as well as an awesome video game mix from Deadau5. Whether or not they’re your particular cup of tea, they were part of the flow that kept things light and moving between presentations and world premieres.

On more serious notes, those watching were also treated to Stefanie Joosten (Quiet from MGS V) performing Quiet’s theme. Then there was the incredibly touching tribute for Iwata.

The show had music with class, definitely a nice touch for an event deserving of a bright future.

By putting on something that focuses on mature delivery and lets the games speak for themselves, The Game Awards is a great boon to the industry. It celebrates the medium in a way that is worthwhile and something everyone can participate in. No over the top theatrics or an endless parade of celebrities. Just games, their makers, and their fans.