The Game Awards 2023: A Missed Opportunity to Address Industry Challenges
The recently concluded Game Awards 2023 was, at first glance, reminiscent of previous events. However, upon closer inspection, it became apparent that there were missed opportunities to address the challenges faced by the gaming industry.
One recurring issue is the disproportionate focus on Hollywood actors rather than game-based performers. The show seemed overly enamored with celebrity appearances, detracting from the recognition of actual game developers and their contributions.
Another point of contention was the excessively long Kojima game reveal that wasn’t even a proper game reveal. It monopolized the event, leaving little room for other deserving creators to share their work.
In addition, the orchestra’s impatience when award recipients attempted to speak more than a cursory ‘Thank you’ was off-putting. It seemed a crucial moment to elevate the game industry was overshadowed by commercial interests.
Avoiding the Real Issue
The biggest disappointment of the Game Awards 2023 was the lack of acknowledgment regarding the recent industry layoffs. With approximately 7,000 people losing their jobs in the game industry, it was disheartening that the ceremony did not pay tribute to them in any meaningful way.
While an overtly somber tone was not necessary, recognition of the hardships faced by industry workers and an acknowledgment that the show owes its existence to their hard work should have been a minimum expectation.
Instead, the show mostly focused on marketing and barely allowed the creators themselves to express their gratitude before being promptly played off the stage. Some awards were not even presented on stage, further reinforcing the perception that the Game Awards is more gimmick than celebration.
No More Excuses
This year, more than ever, the justification of “That’s Just How It Is” falls flat. The challenges and injustices faced by the game industry have been magnified in 2023, making it imperative for the Game Awards to acknowledge and address them.
As an industry that thrives on passion, it is crucial to bridge the gap between passion and business. GamesBeat, through its articles, podcasts, and videos, endeavors to inform and engage both decision-makers and game enthusiasts alike, providing a platform to explore and understand the industry’s complexities.
What to Play This Week
- Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
- Sonic Dream Team
- LEGO Fortnite
- Arizona Sunshine 2
- While the Iron’s Hot
- Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
- Kingpin Reloaded
- Born of Bread
- The Day Before
- Puzzle & Dragons Story
- Plumbers Don’t Wear Ties: Definitive Edition
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- Rise of the Tomb Raider (Xbox Game Pass)
- World War Z: Aftermath (Xbox Game Pass)
- Goat Simulator 3 (Xbox Game Pass)
- Against the Storm (Xbox Game Pass)
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- Totally Reliable Delivery Service (Xbox Game Pass Core)
- Lego 2K Drive (PlayStation Plus Essential)
- Powerwash Simulator (PlayStation Plus Essential)
- Sable (PlayStation Plus Essential)
- Deathloop (Prime Gaming)
- Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express (GeForce Now)
- BEAST (GeForce Now)
- Dungeons 4 (GeForce Now)
- Farming Simulator 22 (GeForce Now)
- Hollow Knight (GeForce Now)
- Ori and the Will of the Wisps (GeForce Now)
- Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition (GeForce Now)
- Spirittea (GeForce Now)
- Harvest Moon 64 (Nintendo Switch Online)
- 1080° Snowboarding (Nintendo Switch Online)
- Jet Force Gemini (Nintendo Switch Online)
- Disney Dreamlight Valley Arcade Edition (Apple Arcade)
- Turmoil+ (Apple Arcade)
Source: The Game Awards were more infuriating than usual in 2023 | Kaser Focus
