At this point, we can’t talk about how great 2023 was for the quality of games released this year without mentioning how terrible it was for the people who created them. But that’s exactly what Geoff Keighley did at this year’s Game Awards.
Numbers vary, but estimates range from: 6,700 workers lost their jobs Only this year. The studio’s size and level of success will not be compromised. And those who were laid off are now forced to compete for a shrinking number of job openings.
“This is one of the most volatile times in the gaming industry in 15 years,” said Jakin Vera, executive director of the International Game Developers Association. In an interview with polygon.
To be clear, Jeff Keiley is not responsible for these layoffs, which are an unfortunate but regular occurrence in this industry and many others. But Mr. Cayley’s platform has an obligation to make his viewers aware of the conditions in which the games his event celebrates are made. He’s done it before.
In the same thread, he also acknowledged the power and visibility of his platform.
“We also recognize that there is a larger platform that can accelerate and inspire change.” he posted. “We’re committed to that, but we need to work together to build a better, more inclusive environment so everyone can feel safe and build the best games in the world.”
Throughout this year’s awards ceremony, Keighley and developers spoke about the impact video games have on our culture and their fundamental ability to change the way we think and expand our horizons. (However, the show’s hosts allow developers to speak before playing the game or, in some cases, canceling the game entirely.) Ostensibly, The Game Awards celebrate video games. , which aims to celebrate the achievements of the people who created the game.
Video games aren’t made without people, and those people are currently suffering on a scale we’ve never seen before. To acknowledge the power of his position and then fail to remember it at all is, at best, an abdication of responsibility to his platform, if not outright cowardice. Keighley has already shown that he cares about the broader video game community, beyond just hyping up “world premieres” and getting along with his best friends in the industry and the Muppets, so this The situation is even more unfortunate.