Once again, gamers, actors, game designers and fans of the video gaming industry enjoyed a moment together in the form of the Spike T.V. "Video Games Awards" that was broadcast live on December 10, 2011. The event took place at the Sony studios in Culver City, California and featured a star studded gathering of celebrities who arrived to either present, receive or just simply relax and enjoy the often irreverent awards ceremony.
The day started off unusually early for the collected press with the check-in time at 1:30 in the afternoon-pacific standard time. Many of us gathered began to speculate about the year's red carpet appearance and not one individual of the press corps correctly guessed what colors and how the red carpet line would be arranged! This year's red carpet event at the V.G.A. show startled most with the prominent use of the color white that dominated the area. It was a complete(and perhaps intentional) style and color reversal from last year's dominant use of the color black and grey. Another change from the red carpet event from the previous year was the fact that the network decided to have the event occur outdoors which was a risky move considering that it is winter despite assertions that many believe rain does not fall in southern California. The unfortunate side effect of the Spike's decision to utilize the prominent color scheme of white was the magnifying effect the outdoor sun had upon the area. The celebrities that lined up for their photo opportunity not only had to contend with the screaming press, but with the unforgiving sun causing many of them to squint and one particular actress begin to tear up when I began to shoot her.
There are always actors and actresses that dazzle and add an extra undefinable element to the red carpet stroll. This year's award show guests that impressed included gamer fan favorite Felicia Day whose salmon colored short skirt beautifully accented her red hair and her stunning smile. Ex-49er football star, Jerry Rice was the picture of complete class in his grey and black ensemble that was cleverly incorporated his tie that contained a tasteful color montage of blue and purple. Mr. Rice also pleased several of the press members when he displayed his impressive Super Bowl remembrance ring with its dizzying amount of diamonds mounted on the ring!
The show itself was a display of impressive edits, pacing and amusing use of special effects. Throughout the night, television viewers were treated to in camera appearances of several game characters that interacted with the night's host, Zachery Levi. Levi proved to be a master of improvisation and comic delivery with his performance that night. Indeed-he could easily prove to be a future host for the most serious of awards show-the "Oscar" presentation if he should so desire or possibly need extra funds when his series, "Chuck" ends its final year this television season!
The growing importance of this awards show is reflecting the dominant position this form of entertainment has upon the world. The gaming industry has eclipsed the film and television as a money generating machine. Actors and actresses in increasing numbers are lending their voices to the industry in a clever way to fatten their take home pay and also gain a new fan base that they might not have otherwise capture. Once can also speculate that it is also a way to extend their careers past any expiration date that the film and television industry might impose upon them because of the march of time.
The Spike televison network generously erected a press tent complete with "swag" in the form of a book containing artwork from the game, "Diablo 3" and snacks and beverages(alcohol and soft drinks galore!). We were able to watch a live feed in this area that amusingly contained all the uncensored moments that were uttered by certain guest presenters. Winners ventured to our area to answer questions and also pose with awards in hand. Actor L.L. Cool J proved to be the most gracious of all the talent that visited the press with his amusing bantor and very press friendly demeanor.
Is the Spike network becoming a major player to reckon with in the awards genre? For many who had the opportunity to experience this V.G.A. event from the very beginning to the end of the night-the answer is an enthusiastic YES! There is a fascinating mixture of playful irreverance and genuine respect for winners at the Video Game Awards that might signal the new template that all other awards shows will adhere to-it should be interesting to observe!
http://www.spike.com/shows/video-game-awards
A full list of winners is included below:
GAME OF THE YEAR
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
STUDIO OF THE YEAR
Bethesda Game Studios
CHARACTER OF THE YEAR
The Joker – Batman: Arkham City
VIDEO GAME HALL OF FAME AWARD
“The Legend of Zelda”
GAMER GOD AWARD
Blizzard Entertainment
BEST XBOX 360 GAME
Batman: Arkham City
BEST PS3 GAME
Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception
BEST Wii GAME
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
BEST PC GAME
Portal 2
BEST HANDHELD/MOBILE GAME
Super Mario 3D Land
BEST SHOOTER
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
BEST ACTION ADVENTURE GAME
Batman: Arkham City
BEST RPG
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
BEST MULTI-PLAYER
Portal 2
BEST INDIVIDUAL SPORTS GAME
Fight Night Champion
BEST TEAM SPORTS GAME
NBA 2K12
BEST DRIVING GAME
Forza Motorsport 4
BEST FIGHTING GAME
Mortal Kombat
BEST MOTION GAME
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
BEST INDEPENDENT GAME
Minecraft
BEST ADAPTED VIDEO GAME
Batman: Arkham City
BEST SONG IN A GAME
"Build that Wall (Zia’s Theme)” by Darren Korb – Bastion
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Bastion
BEST GRAPHICS
Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception
BEST PERFORMANCE BY A HUMAN MALE
Stephen Merchant as Wheatley – Portal 2
BEST PERFORMANCE BY A HUMAN FEMALE
Ellen McLain as GLaDOS – Portal 2
BEST DOWNLOADABLE GAME
Bastion
BEST DLC
Portal 2 Peer Review
MOST ANTICIPATED GAME
Mass Effect 3
GAMETRAILERS.COM TRAILER OF THE YEAR
Assassin’s Creed: Revelations – E3 2011 Trailer
EA SPORTS NFL BLITZ DIGITAL COVER ATHLETE
Ray Rice
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