Geoff Keighley on The Game Awards: Balancing Celebration and Promotion
The Game Awards has become a major event in the gaming world, drawing millions of viewers each year. However, it’s not without its critics, who often complain about the lengthy runtime and the abundance of game trailers. Host Geoff Keighley recently addressed these concerns, explaining why the show includes so many announcements.
Balancing Awards and Trailers
Keighley described The Game Awards as a balancing act between celebrating the best in gaming and showcasing new titles. He acknowledged that some viewers would prefer a show focused solely on awards, while others enjoy the trailers and announcements.
Why Announcements Matter
The host emphasized that the announcements draw a wider audience, which benefits the games being celebrated. “The announcements create a very wide audience that tunes into the show,” Keighley said. “And because of that, when we do give out these awards, they’re seen by a lot of people.”
Impact on Sales
This increased visibility can lead to a significant boost in sales for game developers. For example, the game Balatro saw a huge surge in popularity after winning awards at The Game Awards 2024. Even nominations can help raise visibility and drive sales, as seen with games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.
Finding the Right Balance
Keighley admitted that striking the right balance is challenging and that the show doesn’t always get it right. However, he believes that the combination of awards and announcements ultimately benefits the gaming community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Game Awards serves as a platform to celebrate the best in gaming while also providing a stage for new titles to shine. According to Keighley, this approach helps games reach a wider audience and can lead to increased sales for developers.
