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Spike TV's Video Game Awards 2008 part 1-red carpet report
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On Sunday, the world of video games, celebrities, and sports collided at Sony Studios in Los Angeles for the 2008 Spike Video Game Awards, hosted by Jack Black. By now, gamers have seen or at least aware of the two hour show that was broadcast. But the real excitement was on the red carpet two hours before the show, which turned out to be more entertaining than anything that made it on air, despite Mr. Black's efforts.
On the red carpet that wasn't red at all
After a short check-in, the press was huddled to the carpet and roped behind the most uncomfortable of all space. And it had to be shared with writers, photographers, and camera people alike. There was also a VIP section for attendees to play games that were actually on hand to win awards (and Mario Kart Wii). And after witnessing for 30 minutes an attempt by a non-gamer to play Mario Kart Wii, let hat be in the final nail in the coffin about the stupid argument that the Wii has dumbed down games. If a fully sober adult can't handle the ultra simplicity of Mario Kart, then video games can never get any simpler. That 'show' was quite painful to watch.
The press were given timelines and instructions about how long we could be able to talk to people. But some TV people didn't get that speech because it took nearly 30 minutes before any conversation could be had. But the first interviewee was heavy metal icon and guest voice in the upcoming Brutal Legend, Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford. We talked about how he felt Guitar Hero and Rock Band has impacted rock music: 'For a band like Judas Priest to be a part of this, it's amazing. We came from the age of Pong and Pacman.' Halford noted how games have evolved to its current generation and the major force it has in entertainment and it's wonderful to be a part of.
Seeing how the show was being presented by Spike, there were six UFC fighters on hand and I was able to speak briefly with Rashad Evans, who seemed very focused on his fight with Forest Griffin, but he did mention that two of his favorite games are Assassin's Creed and Madden on the PSP.
The next person I talked set the tone for the rest of the red carpet (which wasn't red at all): Ted Price, Insomniac CEO. Like many people at the show who have something to do with video games, like actually developing and creating games, he was very friendly, pleasant, and took his time to fully answer the questions from the price. We talked about Insomniac's insane schedule, which has been three top-notch titles in three years and he stated that don't look for any let up because Insomniac will have a game for 2009. As for any clues to what that game might be, he stated 'Play Quest for Booty (a PSN game released earlier this year) to find out." Seeing how this was a show that honored the best games of 2008, I asked if Price had any favorites for 2008 and they included Little Big Planet, Gears of War 2, Fallout 3, & Call of Duty: World at War.
Another developer I had a chance to speak to was Alex Evans, the head of studio Media Molecule, responsible for Little Big Planet. He seemed to be completely humbled for the entire night, as his game was up for multiple awards. I asked him about what were the team's influences for the creation of their game, which took them a little under three years. "Yoshi's Island, Ico, and jamming with a band. The feeling you get when you're just jamming away, you don't care about getting a big record deal, and we wanted to capture that feeling in creating the game." For LBP owners, the Metal Gear Solid pack should be available soon. This wouldn't just be costume changes and stickers, but will actually change the way the game is played.
The next developer, or rather, game executive was EA Sports boss Peter Moore, who was the Microsoft VP for the game division and more importantly, the former president of Sega of America. We both shared a spiritual high-five about the Dreamcast days. He told me about how he was able to sign two unopened Dreamcast boxes for Penny Arcade's Child Play charity auction. He also talked about EA's 2008 successful year, especially the innovative title they were able to release, including Boom Blox (which won Wii Game of the Year) and also their upcoming releases. I also asked about the prospects of a Burnout game on the Wii: "I'll have to talk to my mate from England, Alex Ward, about that." He did say that hardcore racing games don't do well on the Wii but it wasn't completely ruled out.
The next group of people I had a chance to talk to was the All-American Rejects, who seemed to have a ball on the carpet, having fun posing for cameras. When asked about which game they preferred and they said that they have no problem whoring theirselves out to any game, as they were in Madden NFL 09, Rock Band 2, and Guitar Hero: World Tour.
The next developers I had a chance to talk to seemed like a dream: Hideo Kojima and Will Wright. Kojima was on hand as Metal Gear Solid 4 was up for multiple awards. Being one of the few non-Nintendo developers to actually look at the Wii when it was still the Revolution, I asked him if he had any plans for the system and this was what was translated to me: 'I've got a lot of ideas on my mind, but I can't say too much right now.' I also asked what was one of his favorite games of 2008: 'I haven't finished Left 4 Dead yet, I'm a huge fan of that game.'
Will Wright was being honored tonight as a gamer god for his incredible body of work, including the Sims, Sim City, and Spore. He felt honored to get the award on behalf of all the people he has worked with in his lifetime. I also asked him what was the biggest change he's seen in this current console cycle and to him, it's the use of the internet and how more social games have become.
Another legend (before anyone says that this person is not a game legend, his franchise was totally legendary before being ran into hiatus) I got to talk to was Tony Hawk. During this off-year, he talked about some of the games he's played this year and he's been a huge fan of Guitar Hero: World Tour and Lego Batman with his kids, who's had a fun time figuring out the levels while his kids figure out the controls. And as far as his franchise goes, he gave this little tidbit: 'Gamers will not be ready for this. This will be a true skating experience."
The last person I talked to on the red carpet was former WWE Diva, actress, and Dancing With The Stars finalist, the lovely Stacy Keibler. She said it's been amazing no longer having to take chairshots for her job. She said her favorite system right now is the wii due to it being a lot of fun when people actually come over to play.
Due to time restrictions, the carpet was closed and I was unable to get a hold of 50 Cent and Mike Tyson, but this an electric experience was that couldn't translate into a great award show.
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