In response to recent incidents of uninvited stage invasions, The Game Awards, an esteemed event in the gaming world, is set to implement enhanced security measures. Geoff Keighley, the host and figurehead of the awards, shared insights on these changes in a Twitch Q&A stream, highlighting the priority of safety for everyone involved in the upcoming event on December 7.
Keighley emphasized the importance of safeguarding not only himself but also the audience, participants, and the general ambiance of the show. However, he refrained from delving into specific security plans, citing the sensitivity of the topic.
The decision for heightened security comes in the wake of two notable disruptions at Keighley-hosted events. Last year’s Game Awards saw a bizarre interruption when a young individual blurted out an incomprehensible reference to “reformed Orthodox Rabbi Bill Clinton” before being escorted off the stage.
A similar incident occurred at this year’s Gamescom opening night, again oddly mentioning the former U.S. president, this time in relation to the game GTA 6. These unexpected occurrences have spurred the need for stricter security protocols.
Moving Beyond “World Premiere” Branding
Another significant change Keighley revealed during the stream was the shift away from the usual “World Premiere” tag used before new game announcements and trailers.
The term, often associated with exclusive first looks or announcements, is set to be replaced by a more general approach to showcasing new game content. This move aims to simplify the categorization of what viewers can expect, whether it be first looks, announcements, or other types of content.
Keighley also touched on efforts to keep this year’s Game Awards more concise. Reflecting humorously on last year’s ceremony, where actor Chris Judge, the voice of Kratos, notably extended the show’s duration with his lengthy speech, Keighley expressed a desire for a more streamlined event. This year’s edition aims to focus on a smoother run of game advertisements and award presentations, minimizing interruptions and prolonged segments.
