The Game Awards is an annual ceremony that celebrates the achievements of developers and creators in the video game industry. While the event has received its fair share of criticism, this year’s ceremony was particularly harshly criticized for various reasons, such as cutting off winning developers and focusing on celebrity cameos and ads. However, when comparing it to its predecessor, the Spike Video Game Awards, one can argue that the Game Awards represent progress.
The Spike Video Game Awards, produced by Geoff Keighley, took place from 2003 to 2013 and can be considered the nadir of both the games industry and popular culture in general. The 2007 edition of the Spike VGAs, hosted by Samuel L. Jackson, exemplifies the excesses and shortcomings of the event. From inappropriate jokes about STDs and Britney Spears to celebrity presenters from MTV series The Hills, the show was a parade of questionable choices.
Celebrity Overload: A Moment Worth Cringing
The celebrity appearances during the Game Awards 2023 might have seemed gratuitous, but they pale in comparison to the Spike VGAs. The 2007 edition featured an overwhelming number of mid-00s CW actresses, along with appearances by Tila Tequila, Criss Angel, and a musical performance by Kid Rock. If that wasn’t cringe-worthy enough, the climax of the show was a chaotic moment when the winners for Game of the Year were announced.
Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen arrived to reveal the winner, BioShock, but the stage was hijacked by the founders of Gamecock, a short-lived video game publisher, donning capes and rooster hats. Ken Levine, the creator of BioShock, was denied his moment to accept the award as the Gamecock representatives took over the microphone to promote their company. While this incident caused controversy, it overshadowed other problematic aspects of the show.
The Objectification of Women: A Regrettable Choice
The most egregious aspect of the 2007 Spike VGAs was the objectification of women. At the beginning of the show, Samuel L. Jackson proudly announced that winners would be revealed through body-painted women. When Game of the Year was announced, the camera zoomed onto a woman’s breasts with the BioShock logo painted on them. A person dressed as a Big Daddy character then stomped on stage. These actions were degrading and contributed to the negative perception of the gaming industry.
The show’s host, Samuel L. Jackson, attempted to salvage the situation by referring to the body-painted women as “the prettiest envelopes in award show history.” However, this attempt at humor only further highlighted the objectification and lack of integrity that pervaded the Spike VGAs. It is important to recognize and criticize these aspects to ensure progress within the industry.
The Game Awards, in comparison to its predecessor, represents a significant step forward. While it still faces legitimate criticism, such as prioritizing advertisements and cutting off winning developers, it has managed to distance itself from the excessive celebrity culture and objectification of women seen in the Spike VGAs.
The current iteration of the Game Awards, initiated by Geoff Keighley in 2014 after Spike’s withdrawal, has made efforts to focus more on the developers and creators. The changes, from preventing developers from speaking due to men in rooster masks to using signs asking them to wrap up their speeches, demonstrate a shift towards recognizing and respecting the voices of those behind the games.
Reflecting on the 2007 Spike VGAs serves as a reminder of the industry’s growth and the need for continuous improvement. While the narrative of the “Citizen Kane of games” being degraded by mainstream perception may not hold up to scrutiny, it is crucial to acknowledge the shortcomings of the past to shape a better future. The Game Awards should learn from the mistakes of its predecessor and continue to evolve, ensuring that the focus remains on the celebration of creativity and innovation in the gaming industry.
While the Game Awards faces valid criticism, comparing it to its predecessor, the Spike VGAs, highlights the progress that has been made. The excessive celebrity culture, objectification of women, and lack of respect for developers that characterized the Spike VGAs have been gradually addressed and improved upon. It is essential for the gaming industry and its events to continue striving for inclusivity, integrity, and a genuine celebration of the art form.
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