This Thursday 7th December will see the industry’s titans go head-to-head once again. Streamed from LA’s legendary Peacock (formerly Microsoft) Theater, the evening pledges an unparalleled line-up of much-anticipated world premieres and live performances; and, in true TGA fashion, a couple of surprises thrown in too.
Yes, 2023’s line-up will excite even the most casual of gamers – but what makes the video game industry’s ultimate celebration so important? The evening recognises and upholds not only the gaming world’s top-scoring titles for players and sales, but poignantly hones in on real creative and technical brilliance, too. Not to mention its grand master of ceremonies, Mr. Geoff Keighley. More on him later.
It’s hardly a surprise to see the likes of Epic Games, Larian Studios and Nintendo dominate the nominee boxes across multiple categories. With all three holding nominations for Game of the Year, competition promises to remain fierce at the top.
Larian’s Baldur’s Gate 3 is hotly tipped for big wins across the board, as is the spinechilling Alan Wake 2. Spiderman 2 combines a stunning production of New York City with slick storytelling around our two favourite protagonists; earning itself nominations for narrative, audio design, performance and accessibility. Add to the bill the pioneering Future Class program, created to honour individuals building a bold and diverse future for the world of gaming, and 2023’s awards are all set for an entertaining and diverse spectacle.
Definitely not. Aside from those mammoth streaming numbers and some much-anticipated world premieres, TGAs has established itself as quite the hero in the world of gaming – notably, as a platform for genuine recognition and representation across a multitude of global creators and studios.
Its founder, producer and presenter, Geoff Keighley, strikes a passionate persona as an avid gamer himself, and one who rejects the oft-overly commercialised elements of the industry. Opting instead to focus on truly innovative video gaming achievements, 2012 brought his exit from the VGX Awards on the basis that they had become too promotional. Speaking ahead of next week’s event, he reaffirms: “We’re an independent show, meaning that we don’t make money selling games.”
The ex-E3 and Spike host boasts strong form as a prominent, zero-bull gaming influencer. Keighley’s outspoken support for Hideo Kojima during the Metal Gear Solid V fiasco of 2015 saw him call out Konami for banning the franchise’s original creator’s attendance at the 2015 awards night. And, frankly, the players love him for it. Cue hundreds of viewer comments – “Became a Geoff Keighley fan as soon as he did this”, “Major props”, “Huge respect to this guy” – the fans’ appreciation for Keighley’s show of respect, high regard for ingenuity, and, essentially, true friendship, is evident.
Bonus points added for the inevitable positive PR this created for MGSV, too. The game sold a monstrous 6 million copies, giving fans a thrilling conclusion to the whole of the Metal Gear saga.
Well, it might be, if socials are anything to go by. Yuri Lowenthal has been voicing Peter Parker for over a decade and his nomination for Best Performance comes as a surprise to no one. As one fan posts below TGAs’ most-liked Instagram post; “Yuri has to easily win…performance of the year without a doubt.”
The Mission One team is divided in our bets for 2023’s winners.
Baldur’s Gate 3 gets Gerard’s vote: “For Game of the Year, you have a great range of titles that all embody fun and immersion. My heart says that Baldur’s Gate 3 will win it, because while all the other nominated games are great, BG3 managed to not only delight an incredibly hard to please fanbase, it has also created a bridge to people who are not necessarily computer games players – if you are into D&D, you can come and play BG3, and equally, you might discover D&D through BG3.”
“For best indie games – I suspect Dave the Diver wins this, although great to see Dredge as a nominee as that was a surprising morsel of fun and mystery.” says Dan.
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Get in touch with us here, and grab a much sought-after place at the awards right here. See you there!
