Geoff Keighley’s 2022 Game Awards was held on December 8th at 8 PM EST with a half-hour pre-show hosted by Sydnee Goodman. It was chalk-full of world premiers, performances, and speeches. Many award winners came at no suprise, and many complained about the Game Award itself. Once the show was over and done, I took a step back and jotted down the real winners and losers that night.

What ARE the Game Awards, Anyway?

According to the website: “THE GAME AWARDS RECOGNIZES AND UPHOLDS CREATIVE AND TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE IN THE GLOBAL VIDEO GAME INDUSTRY.”

I personally view it as a celebration of games. The title is misleading because awards are only a portion of the entire show–which, by the way, lasted just shy of four hours. Looking at the big picture, it is like a potpourri of announcements, entertainment, and recognition. This is why many people on the internet trash the Game Awards afterward if their favorite game did not win or they did not get a trailer they for some reason felt entitled to be there. But this event is truly an experience, with highs and lows, laughs and cringy moments. No year is the same, and there is so much conversation that is generated from the show. From there, my list of winners and losers was born.

WINNER: Nintendo, Sony

Nintendo actually cleaned up well at the Game Awards. Kirby and the Forgotten Land won Best Family, Splatoon 3 won Best Multi-Player, Bayonetta 3 stole Best Action, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom took Most Anticipated Game. Even the joint venture with Ubisoft’s Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope won Best Strategy. Not only that, but Nintendo did come through with a few trailers/clips to show off: Fire Emblem: Engage, Bayonetta Origins, and of course, The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

Sony, too, stole the show–with God of War Ragnarok collecting six total awards: Best Performance, Best Audio Design, Best Narrative, Best Score and Music, Best Action/Adventure, and Best for Innovation in Accessibility. Although Sony’s Horizon Forbidden West did not take home any awards, it still had a strong showing in its several nominations as well as trailers for two other games within the franchise: Horizon Call of the Mountain (VR) and Horizon Forbidden West Burning Shores (DLC).

LOSER: Microsoft

Microsoft had nothing to show for at the Game Awards this year, which is unfortunate given all their acquisitions and working projects. Many Xbox Series owners were hoping for a better roadmap for 2023 and beyond, but their wishes fell upon deaf ears. Although they “lost” at the Game Awards, it does not mean they still can’t dominate 2023. Let’s hope they have a showcase planned in the near future.

WINNER: Flute Guy

LOSER: Bill Clinton Crasher

Not all heroes wear capes, and “Flute Guy”–Pedro Eustache–was the unsung hero of the Game Awards. His enthusiasm and hard work had him trending on Twitter overnight. Also trending, perhaps for the wrong reason, was the random person who snuck on stage with the Game of the Year recipients and hogged the mic to claim the last word. It had something to do with Bill Clinton? I don’t even want to give this kid more credit than he deserves. Although it was funny and random, it is NEVER cool to crash someone else’s well-deserved splotlight.

I’m here for the memes though.

WINNER: Animal

LOSER: Crash

“KOJIMA! KOJIMA!” Animal made a cameo and charmed the audience with his desire to create a video game with Hideo Kojima and name it Animal Crossing. He also presented a music award, which was fitting.

Crash also dropped in, literally, to introduce a Crash-themed fighting game. Is Crash a great mascot? Yes. Is this the Crash game people want? Eh…Not really.

WINNER: God of War, Elden Ring

LOSER: Horizon Forbidden West, A Plague Tale: Requiem

Now, I am NOT saying that Horizon Forbidden West and A Plague Tale: Requiem deserved to lose. Nor do I think they are “losers” when it comes to quality of game. In fact, I personally think they were snubbed from winning some categories that went to Elden Ring or God of War Ragnarok. So, I say it with a heavy heart that these two games really lost at this show–but highly unlikely lost in the hearts of gamers. This does make me wonder though–does recency bias play a role in some of God of War Ragnarok‘s wins where other games could have had a chance?

WINNER: Christopher Judge and Al Pachino Love

LOSER: Inconsistent Speech Time Allowance

There is something wholesome to see Christopher Judge chase for that hug with Al Pachino. While Al Pachino was an odd pick to announce an award, the duo was fun to witness. What wasn’t as fun was Chris’ notoriously long speech, which only brought to my attention the inconsistency of time allotted for acceptance speeches. This was no fault to Judge, but perhaps in the future, Geoff should organize a more consistent expectation and process for speeches.

WINNER: Amazing Sequels/Prequel Announcements

LOSER: Awards that Fell By the Wayside

Lots of great games were premiered at the Game Awards. Some favorites include: Death Stranding 2, Hades 2, Judas, and Amored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon. Viewers were slammed with trailer after trailer–each monumental in its own way. We could only wish that all the awards were given the same love as some categories were prattled off like they were side content. For example, Best Family Game was announced in the Pre-Show. C’mon. This is an award show–show every award a little bit of love!

Who do you think were the real winners and losers of this year’s Game Awards? What would you like to see more or less of next year? Please share your thoughts with us on our Boss Rush Facebook Group or our Boss Rush Discord.

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Sources: The Game Awards

Featured Image Source: The Game Awards