The Game Awards: The Oscars of the Gaming Industry

Since its inception in 2014, The Game Awards has grown into one of the most prestigious and widely-watched annual events in the video game industry. Created by veteran video game journalist Geoff Keighley, the event serves not only to honor the most outstanding titles of the year but also to bring together the global gaming community in celebration of innovation, creativity, and storytelling in interactive entertainment.

A Brief History of The Game Awards

Geoff Keighley, a well-known figure in the gaming press, was no stranger to awards ceremonies. Having previously co-produced the Spike Video Game Awards, Keighley recognized the need for a more independent, globally focused platform to recognize excellence in gaming. In 2014, he launched The Game Awards with the vision of creating a credible, international celebration for the medium.

The first ceremony took place in December 2014 and quickly gained traction within the industry and among fans. Since then, The Game Awards has evolved into an annual global broadcast event, streamed to audiences in hundreds of countries and racking up millions of views each year.

Mission and Impact

The Game Awards aims to:

• Recognize and reward excellence in game development.
• Showcase new game announcements, exclusive demos, and world premiere trailers.
• Foster a sense of community and connection between developers, publishers, and players.

Often referred to as the “Oscars of the gaming world,” the show’s influence continues to grow thanks to its professionalism, global reach, and its diverse, merit-based award system.

Who Participates and Where to Watch

Each year, The Game Awards draws participation from:

• Major publishers like Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo, EA, and Ubisoft.
• Independent developers and smaller studios.
• Millions of gamers from around the world.

The ceremony is streamed live and free of charge across platforms including YouTube, Twitch, Steam, Twitter, and Facebook. To reach a truly global audience, the broadcast is localized into more than 30 languages, including Vietnamese.

Numbers That Speak Volumes

• In 2024, the show reached a record-breaking 154 million global livestream views.
• Hundreds of thousands of fans cast votes for their favorite titles across multiple categories.
• Over 30 award categories are presented, covering everything from Best Narrative and Best Art Direction to Game of the Year.

The Game Awards has firmly established itself as more than just a ceremony—it is a cultural phenomenon. By spotlighting achievements in game development and connecting fans around the world, it underscores the growing power and influence of gaming as a leading form of entertainment. As the industry continues to evolve, The Game Awards remains a beacon of recognition, innovation, and global unity for the gaming community.