The year 2023 has undeniably been a remarkable one for the quality of the games released in the industry. However, it is equally important to acknowledge the devastating impact it has had on the people who made these games. Surprisingly though, during this year’s Game Awards, Geoff Keighley failed to address this issue. Estimates suggest that between six and seven thousand workers have lost their jobs in the gaming industry in 2023 alone. This unfortunate situation spans across all studio sizes and levels of success. What makes matters worse is that these unemployed individuals now face the challenge of securing a limited number of job positions available in the industry. Jakin Vela, Executive Director of the International Game Developers Association, described this period as “one of the most volatile periods in the games industry in the last 15 years” in an interview with Polygon.
Although Geoff Keighley cannot be held accountable for the layoffs, he does bear the responsibility of recognizing the conditions under which the games celebrated at his events are made. In the past, Keighley has demonstrated his awareness of such issues. In 2021, when Activision Blizzard was hit with a harassment suit, Keighley took to social media to announce that the company would not be participating in the show, emphasizing that there is no place for abuse or harassment in any company or community. Keighley also acknowledged the power and visibility of his platform, expressing his commitment to inspire positive change within the industry.
The Game Awards claims to be a celebration of video games and a platform to recognize the achievements of those who contribute to their creation. However, the event failed to address the hardships faced by game developers in 2023, despite the acknowledgment of the industry’s influence on culture and the potential for games to change minds and broaden perspectives. Throughout the show, both Keighley and developers touched on these impacts briefly, often being cut off or disregarded by the show’s organizers. It is disheartening that the Game Awards did not take the opportunity to truly memorialize the struggles faced by game developers, especially considering the power and influence of Keighley’s position within the industry.
The disappointment lies in the fact that Geoff Keighley has previously proven that he pays attention to the wider video game community beyond merely hyping up “world premieres” and mingling with industry figures and even Muppets. Therefore, his failure to address the current challenges faced by the game developers feels like a significant abdication of his platform’s responsibility, and at worst, outright cowardice. It is crucial to remember that video games are not created without people, and the people behind them are currently suffering on an unprecedented scale.
The silence of Geoff Keighley and the Game Awards regarding the difficulties faced by game developers in 2023 is disappointing, given the show’s stated purpose of celebrating games and recognizing their creators. Despite Keighley’s previous engagement with important issues within the industry, the lack of acknowledgement of the current struggles speaks to a missed opportunity. As the gaming community looks to the future, it is crucial for industry leaders like Keighley to step up, address, and actively support the well-being of those who contribute to the vibrant and ever-evolving world of video games.
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