The Game Awards 2023 have taken place overnight and are now over. MeinMMO editor-in-chief Leya Jankowski watched them through the night and draws a conclusion.
Even though I enjoyed this year’s Game Awards, there is one thing that annoys me. It is really a shame.
Last night we saw so many good trailers and announcements. The new game by Hideo Kojima was announced, with the mysterious name OD. A new main entry of Monster Hunter is coming. The creators of “Ori and the Blind Forest” have presented a new adventure called “No Rest for the Wicked,” which looks very mature and dark this time.
At our sister site GamePro, you can find a complete overview of all announcements and trailers from the Game Awards 2023.
Between the announcements, the awards were handed out. Rather, the awards were quickly rushed through. There was hardly a word from the developers.
As I read on Twitter from attendees of the awards, the winners had a total of 30 seconds for their acceptance speeches and were quickly cut off. So, the people for whom the whole event is actually meant.
I also like the Muppets, but …
I understand, of course, that a certain balance must be maintained at such an event. Such a show is meant to entertain, and it also needs to be financed.
I also realize that a limit must be set somewhere, as the event already lasts quite a long time. This year’s Game Awards ran in Germany from 1:30 AM to around 5:00 AM.
However, the more winners you see during the show who rush through their acceptance speeches, the more I question whether I am even witnessing an award ceremony here.
There is plenty of room for small show interludes like Gonzo from the Muppets, who jokes around with host Geoff Keighly on stage. It breaks my heart because I really love the Muppets, but: Do we really need this when it robs valuable speaking time from the studios and the people for whom this event is actually intended?
A lot of space is also given to Hollywood stars who often announce their involvement in a new game production. Matthew McConaughey, known from Interstellar, announces that he will have a role in the new sci-fi game Exodus.
The star from Dune, Timothée Chalamet, announces the Game of The Year, which goes to Baldur’s Gate 3. Also, standing next to Hideo Kojima was a star, Jordan Peele (Nope, Get Out), who is a part of Kojima’s new game. Overall, Hideo Kojima was given a lot of time for a teaser of his game.
Between the individual segments, there is of course still advertising.
Larian head has no time to honor deceased colleague
At the end of the show, the Game of the Year was announced. Unsurprisingly, the award went to Larian for Baldur’s Gate 3.
Studio head Swen Vincke wanted to dedicate the award to a recently deceased colleague. About a month ago, the Cinematic Animation Lead of Baldur’s Gate 3, Jim Southworth (via GameStar) passed away. You can tell that the studio head is trying to compress his speech into just a few sentences, even though it’s actually an emotional moment. While Vincke speaks, his team in the audience has tears in their eyes.
Twitter/X user Javiera Cordero captures Vincke’s perspective very well:
Next year, please a better balance
In general, I am a big fan of these game shows. I simply love it when many cool announcements and trailers come in at once. Then there is always a lot going on in the editorial office, and everyone discusses the new hot stuff like crazy.
I know that there were sometimes problems last year with the award recipients taking up too much speaking time, and such a program follows a strict timetable.
But I also watch the award ceremony because I like to see the people behind the games. After all, this show is dedicated to those who have provided us with cool games for a year.
I think they should be in the spotlight.
