2024 Game Awards: What to expect as the Industry Celebrates a Decade of gaming Excellence
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As the 2024 Game Awards approach, anticipation is building not just for the winners, but for the groundbreaking announcements and trailers that could shape the future of gaming. Set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the 10th anniversary of the Geoff Keighley-hosted event promises to be a milestone celebration for the industry.
While the awards themselves are always a highlight, the real excitement this year revolves around what major announcements and reveals will take center stage. Will Take-Two Interactive finally unveil the release date for the highly anticipated “Grand theft Auto 6”? Will Skydance Interactive and Disney drop details on their secretive “Star Wars” game? And could Xbox surprise fans with the first downloadable content (DLC) for MachineGames’ recent hit, “indiana Jones and the Great Circle”?
“I always say, people get excited to see one thing because they know it exists — but what about all those things that you don’t know exist? That’s what’s kind of fun,” Keighley tells Variety.
Keighley, along with Game Awards executive producer Kimmie Kim, director Richard Preuss, and production designer leroy Bennett, are keeping the specifics under wraps. However, they are eager to discuss the extensive preparations that have gone into making this year’s event a standout.
“What’s interesting about our show is that all the clips are online,” Keighley noted, emphasizing the accessibility of the event. “You can see it.It used to be on anniversary shows,you have to roll all these clips and all the things that happen because you can’t find them anywhere else. For us, our shows have been very accessible to everyone for a decade. So we’re going to tip our hat to some great people and moments that have been part of our show’s history — but we’re also going to focus a lot on the future.”
Over the past decade, the Game Awards has earned the trust of the gaming industry, becoming a platform for major reveals and announcements. Publishers now plan their biggest moments a year in advance, ensuring their titles and news are unveiled during the show.
“I come from awards shows like the Oscars,” Keighley said, drawing parallels to the prestige and impact of the Game Awards. “It’s taken time, but we’ve built this trust where people know that when they come to the Game awards, they’re going to see something special.”
As fans eagerly await the big reveals, one thing is certain: the 2024 Game Awards will not only celebrate the past decade of gaming excellence but also set the stage for what’s to come in 2025 and beyond. Stay tuned for a night of surprises, nostalgia, and a glimpse into the future of gaming.
The Evolution of The Game Awards: A decade of Innovation and Community
As The Game Awards celebrates its 10th anniversary, the event has become more than just an awards show—it’s a celebration of the gaming industry’s growth and innovation. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a global phenomenon, the show has evolved alongside the industry it honors.
Planning Ahead: A Collaborative Spirit
“It’s like the VMAs,” says Kim, referring to the MTV Video Music Awards. “The day we finish one show, we’re already planning for the next year. Here, we work closely with most game companies, always thinking ahead about how we can collaborate years in advance. That’s something we didn’t see in the first couple of years.”
This forward-thinking approach has become a hallmark of The Game Awards, fostering a sense of collaboration and anticipation among developers and fans alike.
Production Quality: Pushing Technological Boundaries
Over the past decade, the production quality of The game Awards has kept pace with the ever-evolving gaming industry. For the 2024 show, the production team is incorporating more LED screens than ever before, creating a visually stunning experience for viewers.
“Every year, I try to push the boundaries of technology and experiment with different elements,” says Bennett, the show’s designer. “While we have to stick to a certain format due to the nature of the awards and how games are showcased, I constantly strive to change the look and production of the show. this year, we’re using more LED screens and modules than we’ve ever had before. It’s a very architectural, LED-based set.”
Navigating Challenges: The SAG-AFTRA Strike
As the gaming industry gathers to celebrate, the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike against major gaming publishers remains a notable challenge. The strike,which centers on issues like generative AI in video games,has yet to see a resolution in contract negotiations.
“We’re learning about it as it evolves,” says Keighley. “We’ve seen comments about what constitutes a struck game and whether people can appear or not. We want to be respectful of the performers and their choices. We’re monitoring the situation day by day and hoping for a positive resolution.”
A Decade of Growth: Prestige and Community
Over the past 10 years, The Game Awards has elevated its prestige while maintaining its indie spirit. Unlike other award shows, it’s not tied to a specific network or streaming service behind a paywall—it’s freely available on YouTube, making it accessible to a global audience.
“There’s definitely a sense of investment from everyone involved,” says Kim. “It’s like a team effort, a true partnership that’s unique to this show. Planning ahead together has been incredibly helpful for producing the show and has boosted morale. It’s rewarding to create something that brings the community together.”
Preuss echoes this sentiment, noting the collaborative spirit that sets The Game Awards apart. “it’s not typical for a competition-based event,” he says. “But here, everyone comes together, united by their love for gaming.”
Looking Ahead: A Luminous Future
As the Game Awards enters its second decade, it continues to evolve, reflecting the growth and innovation of the gaming industry. With a focus on collaboration, technological advancement, and community, the show promises to remain a highlight of the gaming calendar for years to come.
Whether you’re a die-hard gamer or just someone who appreciates great entertainment, The Game Awards offers something for everyone. Stay tuned for the 2024 show, where the celebration of gaming excellence will reach new heights.
the Game Awards: A Celebration of Industry Excellence and Future Innovations
The Game Awards has become more than just an annual event; it’s a vibrant celebration of the gaming industry’s past, present, and future. According to geoff Keighley, the show’s creator and host, the event is designed to be a platform for surprises, special announcements, and a deeper look into the evolution of gaming.
“The nice thing about this show from year to year is that there are these surprises, there are these special announcements. And it’s so much more than about the awards,” Keighley says. “It is a total celebration of the industry in a way that I don’t think other awards do. They celebrate, of course, the accomplishments of that year, which the Game Awards does — but there is a just a greater history within the show and it also always looks to the future.”
While the gaming community eagerly anticipates the awards, it’s the unexpected moments and forward-thinking announcements that truly set The Game Awards apart. Unlike traditional award shows, this event not only honors the achievements of the past year but also serves as a launchpad for upcoming projects and innovations that will shape the future of gaming.
Addressing the Runtime: A Work in Progress
One common critique of The Game Awards, shared by many award shows like the Oscars and Emmys, is its lengthy runtime. However, Keighley and his team are actively working to refine the show’s pacing to ensure a smoother and more engaging experience for viewers.
“similar to a lot of other award shows, it’s all about pumping the gas and the brakes to keep the show running as tight as possible, so that there’s no awkward pauses,” Keighley explains. “And that’s where our crew is so great, in terms of having the next band set up, or getting The Muppets — who’ve joined us many years and are back again — set up. Keeping our show very tight, but also doing our best to let things breathe appropriately.”
By focusing on seamless transitions and minimizing downtime, the production team aims to maintain the show’s energy while allowing moments of celebration and surprise to shine. This balance is crucial in keeping the audience engaged and ensuring that every segment feels meaningful.
A Show for Gamers,by Gamers
What makes The Game Awards unique is its deep connection to the gaming community. From world premieres of upcoming games to heartfelt tributes to industry legends,the event is a testament to the passion and creativity that drives the gaming world. It’s not just about who wins the awards; it’s about the shared experience of celebrating a medium that has become a cornerstone of modern entertainment.
As the gaming industry continues to grow, The Game Awards remains a pivotal event, showcasing not only the best of what’s been achieved but also the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. for fans and industry professionals alike,it’s a night to celebrate the past,embrace the present,and look forward to the future of gaming.
Stay tuned for this year’s Game Awards,where the industry’s brightest stars and most anticipated announcements will take center stage. It’s more than just a show — it’s a celebration of gaming’s limitless potential.
Think is really unique.”
The Game Awards has indeed become a cornerstone of the gaming industry, serving as a platform for major announcements and a celebration of the community’s achievements. As the event approaches its 10th anniversary, it continues too evolve, reflecting the growth and innovation of the gaming world.
A Decade of Evolution
From its humble beginnings, The Game Awards has grown into a global phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers and becoming a key event for both developers and fans. The show has not only celebrated the best games of the year but has also served as a launchpad for new titles and industry-shifting announcements.
“It’s taken time, but we’ve built this trust where people no that when they come to the Game awards, they’re going to see something special,” Keighley noted. This trust has led to publishers planning their biggest reveals and announcements a year in advance, ensuring their presence at the event.
Collaboration and Anticipation
The forward-thinking approach of The game Awards has fostered a sense of collaboration and anticipation among developers and fans. “It’s like the VMAs,” says Kim, referring to the MTV Video Music Awards. “The day we finish one show, we’re already planning for the next year. Here, we work closely with most game companies, always thinking ahead about how we can collaborate years in advance.”
This collaborative spirit has become a hallmark of the event, ensuring that each year’s show is filled with surprises and newsworthy moments.
Technological Advancements
The production quality of The Game Awards has kept pace with the ever-evolving gaming industry. For the 2024 show, the production team is incorporating more LED screens than ever before, creating a visually stunning experience for viewers.
“Every year, I try to push the boundaries of technology and experiment with different elements,” says Bennett, the show’s designer. “This year, we’re using more LED screens and modules than we’ve ever had before. It’s a very architectural,LED-based set.”
Navigating Challenges
The ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike against major gaming publishers remains a notable challenge. The strike, which centers on issues like generative AI in video games, has yet to see a resolution in contract negotiations.
“We’re learning about it as it evolves,” says Keighley. “We’ve seen comments about what constitutes a struck game and whether people can appear or not. We want to be respectful of the performers and their choices. We’re monitoring the situation day by day and hoping for a positive resolution.”
A Bright Future
As The Game Awards enters its second decade,it continues to evolve,reflecting the growth and innovation of the gaming industry. With a focus on collaboration, technological advancement, and community, the show promises to remain a highlight of the gaming calendar for years to come.
“ther’s definitely a sense of investment from everyone involved,” says Kim. “it’s like a team effort, a true partnership that’s unique to this show. planning ahead together has been incredibly helpful for producing the show and has boosted morale. It’s rewarding to create something that brings the community together.”
Whether you’re a die-hard gamer or just someone who appreciates great entertainment, The Game Awards offers something for everyone. Stay tuned for the 2024 show, where the celebration of gaming excellence will reach new heights.
