Behind the Scenes of Video Game Awards: Separating Reality from Illusion

As The Game Awards approach, the gaming community is once again abuzz with anticipation and criticism. Having been involved in organizing around 50 video game awards, including high-profile events like the Best Places To Work Awards and the MCV Awards, I've gained a unique perspective on the inner workings of these ceremonies. Despite my extensive experience, I must confess that I'm not a huge fan of awards. As a spectator, I find them overly long, and as an organizer, I've seen how they can leave more people disappointed than happy. The judging process is often the most contentious aspect, with many arguing that it's too subjective or biased. In reality, there's no perfect way to judge awards, and every approach has its drawbacks. The BAFTAs, for instance, rely on a panel of experts, while the Golden Joystick Awards are voted on by fans. Both methods have their flaws, and even a hybrid approach can lead to inconsistent results. Ultimately, awards events are inherently imperfect and should be viewed as one perspective among many. Rather than taking them as the definitive judgment on games, we should appreciate them for what they are: a celebration of the gaming industry and its talented creators. The Game Awards, in particular, serve as a marketing platform for upcoming games and a networking opportunity for industry professionals. By acknowledging their limitations and accepting their fallibility, we can enjoy these events for what they bring to the table: a chance to recognize outstanding games, developers, and industry initiatives, and to get excited about what's to come.