The Game Awards 2023, held recently in Los Angeles, has come under fire for its disappointing treatment of game developers and the lack of time given to award winners to express their gratitude. Attendees, including industry professionals and fans from all over the world, were left feeling unsatisfied and frustrated by the show's focus on celebrity appearances and flashy announcements rather than celebrating the creators behind the games.

One of the main issues raised was the limited time given to award winners to deliver their acceptance speeches. Unlike previous years, where winners were allowed to speak on stage, this year's show imposed a strict time limit of approximately 30 seconds before the music would drown out their voices, leaving the audience unable to hear their messages of thanks and creating an atmosphere of rushed acknowledgement.

Neil Newbon, the recipient of the Best Performance award for his role in Baldur's Gate 3, was abruptly cut off at the start of his speech, leaving him unable to share his heartfelt appreciation. Additionally, several important categories, such as Best Family Game and Innovation in Accessibility, were relegated to the pre-show, diminishing their significance.

Sabotage Studio, winner of the Best Independent Game award for Sea of Stars, was also deprived of a proper acceptance moment. Instead of allowing them to take the stage, the developers were merely given a five-second congratulations from show host and creator, Geoff Keighley. The lack of recognition for these hardworking game developers left many feeling that their achievements were being overlooked.

Videos shared online further highlighted the inadequate treatment of award winners. Zelda series producer, Eiji Anouma, was seen being rushed off stage with a prompt asking him to wrap up his speech, even though he had a translator and needed extra time to convey his appreciation. The lead cinematic artist of Baldur's Gate 3, who recently passed away, was also cut short during the Game of the Year award acceptance speech, despite the importance of honoring their memory.

The disparity in time allocated to award winners and the indulgence given to celebrity appearances and miscellaneous segments drew heavy criticism. The pairing of Hideo Kojima with Jordan Peele, despite the anticipation it generated, was given a staggering seven minutes to discuss their upcoming project, while many award winners were hurriedly ushered off stage.

The Game Awards has always had the potential to be a platform for celebrating the passion and creativity of game developers, but this year's ceremony seemed to prioritize entertainment over recognition. The limited face-to-face time with the industry's hearts and souls left many feeling that the event had lost touch with its purpose.

In response to the backlash, Geoff Keighley acknowledged the issue on Twitter, stating that the music was played too fast for award winners. However, this admission came too late to rectify the missed opportunities and the loss of meaningful moments for the deserving winners.

Moving forward, critics highlight the need for The Game Awards to refocus its priorities and put the spotlight back on the developers who pour their hearts and souls into creating memorable gaming experiences. Suggestions have been made to separate the event into two days, allowing one day dedicated to awards and recognition, and the other solely for game announcements. By emulating the approach of successful awards shows like The Golden Joysticks and the BAFTA Game Awards, which prioritize honoring the winners, The Game Awards could restore its reputation as the industry's premier recognition event.

Amidst the criticism, it is important to acknowledge the achievement of the winners and nominees, whose dedication and hard work shape the gaming industry. The passion and creativity of game developers are the lifeblood of this medium and should be the true focus of any awards ceremony.

As the gaming community reflects on The Game Awards 2023, it is crucial to recognize the immense value that developers bring to the industry and ensure their contributions are adequately celebrated in the future.