As every year, the Game Awards concludes a year of video games marked by publications of all kinds: those of games but also of employees, starting with those of Activision Blizzard, in full turmoil.
But the hardest-working spectators know it well: behind the paintwork and the facade smile that this kind of bottom always reserves for us, there is sometimes real, less civilized reality. Those who attended the 2017 Game Awards may remember the proudly raised middle finger of a certain Josef Fares and the hidden embarrassment of host Geoff Keighley.
World premiere?
And because the “Activision Blizzard Affair” (a short phrase that obviously doesn’t summarize the many consequences of a publisher in the middle of a storm) has been on everyone’s lips for several months, the same Geoff Keighley actually had to take a position on the sensitive issue.
First Geoff Keighley told the Washing ton Post
We want to support employees and developers. We are aware of the many testimonials, but we don’t want to deprive the studios of the opportunity to present their games. We have to think very carefully about how to do this.
Plans have changed (quickly)
But that was before. A few hours (and maybe a number of disgruntled players) later, the Game Awards host publicly expressed the will of the organizers who, despite his promises, likely refused to justify such a large loophole:
Aside from his nominations, I can confirm that Activision Blizzard will not be participating in the Game Awards this year.
And he continues:
The Game Awards recognize an industry, the best form of entertainment in the world.
There is no room for abuse, harassment, or predatory practices. I also realize that we can accelerate and inspire change. We are committed to this, but we all have to work together to create a better environment so everyone can feel safe making the best games in the world.
We are all responsible.
Night viewers should therefore not see a new Activision Blizzard-stamped trailer, and Geoff Keighley will try to forget about a last-minute jacket change … unless the Santa Monica studio leaves with one of the trophies awarded that evening.
The Game Awards will take place on Friday, December 10, 2021 from 2:00 a.m. among us poor Europeans.
