Despite another successful instalment of The Game Awards by host Geoff Keighley coming to pass this year, many viewers tuning in around the globe couldn’t help but notice how swiftly the award recipients were hurried off the stage – as the infamous “speech time is over” music slowly grew in volume in the background.
After Kratos voice actor Christopher Judge’s lengthy (yet powerful) eight-minute speech during last year’s event, it’s totally understandable as to why these restrictions may have had to have been tightened. Most will agree, however, the allotted time for thanks and praises was far too brief this time around. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Keighley clarified that even he was unhappy with the way things were handled.
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“By the way – I do agree that the music was played too fast for award winners this year,” said Geoff Keighley, additionally revealing that he had “asked our team to relax that rule as the show went on,” and assuring fans that “while no one was actually cut off, it’s something to address going forward.”
Lmao the prompter pic.twitter.com/v1Jg9WwFUY
— The Dave Awards (@DaveOshry) December 8, 2023
Following these criticisms, it was revealed through a clip posted on X by Meta Quest Store Operations Manager Javiera Cordero that the award acceptance speeches were accompanied by a thirty-second countdown displayed on the show’s prompter – before switching to the phrase “Please Wrap It Up” once time had elapsed. Another clip posted by Cordero shows how The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’s producer, Eiji Aonuma, hit the time limit midway through his speech accepting the Best Action/Adventure Game award – as it was being interpreted and translated live.
Eiji Aonuma, legendary director of Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom being told to “Please wrap it up” at @thegameawards https://t.co/6CIcjQUV4b pic.twitter.com/za7jYgK0EV
— Javiera Cordero 🇵🇸 (@javierabegazo) December 8, 2023
Cordero also uploaded a clip showing the same unfortunate incident transpiring when it came time for Larian Studios CEO Swen Vincke to accept his Game of the Year award, adding unnecessary pressure to his emotional thanks to the team (including a member that passed away).
While setting limitations on speech length is not only acceptable, but completely expected, it’s hard to deny the problems that arise from making sweeping generalisations for every case. Going forward, it would likely make more sense for Keighley to approach these time allotments on a case-by-case basis – perhaps consulting with accepting parties beforehand and planning accordingly. You’re welcome, Geoff.
Missed out on The Game Awards? Check out the full list of winners as well as all the big announcements.
Source: TechRaptor
Article written by Ryan Pretorius