"Game Awards 2023 Breaks Records with 118 Million Global Livestreams"
ICARO Media Group
The Game Awards 2023, the highly anticipated year-end celebration of the video game industry, surpassed all expectations this year, according to the producers of the prestigious event. Held on December 7th, 2023, the 10th annual awards show generated an astounding estimated 118 million global livestreams, marking a significant 15% increase compared to the previous year's showcase.
The festivities took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and were broadcasted live across more than 30 platforms, including popular platforms like YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, TikTok Live, Twitter (X), Steam, WeChat, Bilibili, Huya, DouYu, Xiaohongshu, and Instagram Live. Additionally, over 17,000 individual content creators and online influencers co-streamed the show to their dedicated fan bases.
This record-breaking achievement is even more noteworthy when compared to the humble beginnings of The Game Awards. The inaugural edition in 2014 garnered a mere 1.9 million livestreams, highlighting the exponential growth and influence the event has gained over the years.
On YouTube, the Game Awards' 4K feed experienced an impressive 53% year-over-year peak increase, with over 900,000 concurrent livestreams. The overall YouTube viewership, including co-streams, rose by 35%, reaching over 1.7 million peak concurrent streams. Twitch also saw a substantial 24% increase in co-streaming, with over 13,680 creators joining in to share the event with their audiences. The peak concurrent audience on Twitch hit 1.94 million, while the total live watch time saw a commendable 10% increase compared to the previous year.
The Game of the Year award went to Larian Studios' highly acclaimed title, "Baldur's Gate 3," which also took home five additional trophies, including Best Community Support, Best RPG, Best Multiplayer, Players' Voice, and Best Performance for actor Neil Newbon, who portrayed "Astarion" in the game. Remedy Entertainment and Epic Games Publishing's "Alan Wake 2" also emerged as big winners, securing three awards for Best Game Direction, Best Narrative, and Best Art Direction.
Numerous distinguished personalities graced The Game Awards 2023 with their presence, including Anthony Mackie, Ed Boon, Hideo Kojima, Jordan Peele, Matthew McConaughey, Simu Liu, Timothée Chalamet, Vince Zampella, Caroline Marchal, DJ and producer Zedd, and the talented cast of Prime Video's "Fallout," including Aaron Moten, Ella Purnell, and Walton Goggins.
The event offered exclusive sneak peeks into highly anticipated upcoming projects, building excitement among gamers and industry enthusiasts. Titles such as "Exodus" from Archetype Entertainment, "Big Walk" from House House, Marvel's "Blade" from Arkane Lyon/Bethesda, "God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla" from Santa Monica Studio and Sony Interactive Entertainment, "Monster Hunter Wilds" from Capcom, "Light No Fire" from Hello Games, "OD" from Kojima Productions/Xbox Game Studios, and "Tales of Kenzera: ZAU" from Surgent Studios and EA Originals were showcased. Sega also delighted fans with the announcement of plans to reboot beloved retro franchises like "Crazy Taxi" and "Streets of Rage."
The Game Awards, expertly executive produced by Geoff Keighley and Kimmie Kim, witnessed the remarkable directorial skills of Richard Preuss and creative direction by LeRoy Bennett. Michael Peter played a vital role as co-executive producer, contributing to the show's unparalleled success.
The Game Awards 2023 proved to be an unforgettable night for the video game industry, shattering livestream records, and recognizing outstanding titles and talent. It highlighted the boundless creativity and immersive experiences that continue to captivate millions of gamers worldwide.