We need better videogame related shows on television.
Spike Video Game Awards 2010
Concept »
The Spike Video Game Awards recognized the best games of 2010.
Fuck the VGAs
" Hrmm...cuss word in the blog title, which is attached to the forums? Curious to see what the rules are on this one. "I'm kind of curious as well. If my account is randomly removed from the site in the next 20 minutes, assume the worst.
"There are people who think that the sistine chapel is good art just because it looks good and not because of whats in it. "
Okay....so I sort of understand what you are saying here (overall) but this line kind of bothered me. Is that not the point of art like this? Or at least a fair view of the work? Art affects everyone in different ways(which is why paintings don't come with Cliff Notes)...for someone who is not a believer in the faith of Catholicism, wouldn't these paintings be most appreciated on an aesthetic basis? I believe one could just be awed by the beauty of the work itself, as well as the absolute painstaking work that took place with it...to compare this person to someone who thought the VGAs was an amazing show is not only unfair but as generalizing as the VGAs themselves.
I like your blog, and I can definitely see eye to eye with most of it. Your comment about Braid, however, I really can't abide.
Who are you to say that Braid isn't exactly "Mario in a bidness suit"? Granted, there are references to regret, the A-Bomb and relationships, but why should someone be derided for not reading any further into it? The supposed post-bomb detonation story is far from explicit and is pretty open to interpretation, and while the thematic element of regret is interesting, it is far from necessary to enjoy the game.
Likewise, Braid may be seen to only feign its apparently literate austerity. Quoting post-war soundbites and presenting an agitatingly trite story concerning a lost-love does not a piece of high-brow art, make.
Braid is a Mario-esque platformer with time-altering mechanics and just that. The idea that the people who choose not to read into this aspect (and enjoy it simply for what it presents at face-value) are lesser intellectuals is maddening.
"Death of the Author" and all that...
They made a ton of lame jokes and a lot of the presenters knew everything was basically shit (I still love you NPH), but the "altered reality" set design was kind of cool, I got a kick out of Ezio's speeches for nominations and winning, and Red Dead won game of the year. All in all it could've been a lot worse.
Nice blog. While I tend to like the VGA's sometimes, there were way too many "Joke then two seconds of silence before more banter" parts in this one than I remember in the last few. Some I thought were alright jokes, but mostly not. Also, what the fuck is up with them only doing like, half the awards? If I remember right, they did them all last year, or at least most of them. I think that's the part that bugs me the most.
Eh, the trailers and such were kinda worth it. Them announcing TES V: Skyrim was pretty cool, and I totally didn't see Forza 4 coming. And though the trailer didn't show too much, Mass Effect 3 has me pumped.
Another also, the part where they had Jose Gonzalez play...was it Far Away? Anyway, that was pretty awesome.
Now get some sleep, Sweep.
@Meltbrain: Sleep is for the weak!
" @Capum15: The Jose Gonzales song was quite amazing, that I enjoyed, the new trailers were okay, and NPH had his moments...but overall, yeah the jokes were bad...and Olivia Munn is really not funny...yes we get it Olivia, you're a hot gamer...now lets move on "Pretty much my exact feelings. I like NPH, but it seemed a lot of people in the audience didn't get his jokes. Granted, some were misses, but I felt there was too much silence during some of the better ones.
Also, there was some other chick (I think with blond hair? Not sure) who was backstage with someone else, I think it might've been Nick Swardson...Swarson...something, who I personally find funny, but it was right before a World Premier (or trailer, something of that measure) was suppose to go up. All I could think of was "Shut up, shut up, shut up and show the damned trailer!" And they just would not stop talking.
And I still want to know why they took out half the awards. Maybe to put in all the banter?
" Denise Richard's rack's alright; they're like those little birthday balloons that your stepdad couldn't be bothered finishing up. Oh and great blog! "
Stellar observation!
@Sweep:
I feel just that little bit more thankful to be part of the Giantbomb crowd after reading this, I think a round of high fives is in order.
You have to understand that the lowest-common-denominator pandering probably has more to do with Spike's demographic than anything. Granted, you are correct in assuming that a lot of terrible people play games (as evinced in any Call of Duty match), and because of this majority, gaming as a whole gets maligned. At the same time, I can say that I know this because I also play these games, in addition to a wide variety of others. There's a problem there, in the sense that there are games that do deserve artistic recognition, and experiences that are not meant for 15-25 year-old man boys. But go to a few midnight launches...there's truth in those stereotypes.
HOWEVER, I have no interest in seeing some video game equivalent of the Oscars. What we don't need is a bunch of naval-gazing snobbery, or the self-righteous douchbaggery that accompanies "higher" art forms. You speak of high horses, but by calling the majority "unenlightened" you stand firmly on top of your own. I love all kinds of games, but I am not enlightened by them. I simply see the value in games beyond headshots. But I have friends that don't, and that's fine. Guess what, being an elitist isn't going to make things better. I think Jonathan Blow personifies the other end of the spectrum from your COD-loving frat boy, but is equally, if not more reprehensible for the sheer force of his pretentious arrogance.
Who takes the VGA's seriously anyway?
That's like saying that the MTV Music Award show they have every year is an actual straight up representation of good music and not just a popularity contest, right?
How is it that MTV hasn't been renamed RealityBS by now anyway, are they actually related to anything music anymore?
I don't watch the VGA's but I heard Neil Patrick Harris won best male voice actor in a game for Spiderman/Peter Parker. If this is true that means he beat out the lady that plays the female Shepard in ME2, the actor who voiced John Marson (hell anyone in Red Dead Redemption and ME2, and whoever Nolan North voiced this year. This is why the VGA's are garbage to me. Not to knock NPH or anything but damn there was much better voice work done in more than a few games this year and Spiderman wasn't one of them. I don't usually say this but someone got paid to hand him that award or Spike just gave it to him for hosting. Kinda hard to respect a awards show when some BS is going on that is completely obvious.
Ok, first off.... I'm surprised you'd go so far as to say that "people who play games like.... Mass Effect 3... are fucking morons." ME2 (which I assume you mean) was hailed across the board by both hardcore and casual gamer alike as a great game. Look around here on GB. Look around other websites like Giantbomb (since "hardcore" seems to include people like GB users who "read news articles and listen to podcasts"). I would possibly go so far as to say that the PS crowd might say the same about the God of War series, but I don't pay attention much to the PS stuff." Whilst we like to think that our understanding of this medium transcends that of the casual enthusiast, it's a vile accuracy of society that, whether we like it or not, the majority of people who play games like God Of War, SSX, even Mass Effect 3: These people are fucking morons.
It's easy to forget
that most people playing these games don't then hold lengthy conversations online about their emotional and ethical impact on the player. Most people playing videogames don't give a fuck about anything more than chainsawing aliens in half. Most people are not us, ladies and gentlemen, and therefore they are an easy target. We like to think that we true gamers (ha!) have a deeper understanding of the games that we play. We call ourselves "Hardcore" because we read news articles and listen to podcasts, but does that really set us apart?
Second off... Interesting how you go on about a high horse, but come across in that same section like said rider of the high horse with the "most people" versus "we true gamers." Though it seems at times perhaps you're being sarcastic. I have trouble gauging whether you're trying to be serious or not.
As for the rest... I don't consider myself "hardcore." I'm just a gamer. I wouldn't call myself a casual gamer, though my playstyle in some games leans more towards casual. I'm not a hardcore gamer because I'm not a goddamn number cruncher. I play to have fun, not to make a game become work. And I usually watch the VGAs if I can. Why? Because I don't watch G4 and shit like that... most of those shows seem to be stupid anyway. I watch the VGAs because
(a) they're the only time we gamers get on mainstream TV, if you can call Spike mainstream,
(b) I am at least curious about how the votes turn out (since all but GOTY are VOTED on by the masses) and sometimes I like to rub it in my husband's face if a game I favor one over a game he favors
(c) I do like to see the game announcements.
Fuck what the "gaming community" overall thinks of the VGAs, that's my thought anyway. Just like I don't really care that people think Kotaku or 4chan are god. I'm happy with the places I visit regularly.
Thanks for the reply. That was a pretty literate and informed consideration of what is inherently wrong with "hardcore" gamers (and, to a lesser extent, die-hard fans of certain mediums/genres in general). Just wondering why you have that stance back in 2008, and then back-peddle now?" @GetEveryone: It's funny you should mention that."
Just want to say: I'm not calling you out in any way. I've enjoyed reading all your stuff.
" @TheHBK said:Well i should elaborate. Yes, some people would only appreciate it because the creatures and men in the paintings look, well good. To quote someone, "your drawings look like the things they are supposed to look like." But you don't have to be a believer to appreciate what Michaelangelo did. Just know the stories and see the connections and hidden messages he put into his work. But again, yes, there are those who would only appreciate the immediate aesthetics, just like with the VGAs, those who would only appreciate the violence and fun of games. So what i said is that people will appreciate the VGAs in different ways and so the OPs rant about how the VGAs are useless because of this sect of gamers who don't think about the work put into games is completely off base."There are people who think that the sistine chapel is good art just because it looks good and not because of whats in it. "Okay....so I sort of understand what you are saying here (overall) but this line kind of bothered me. Is that not the point of art like this? Or at least a fair view of the work? Art affects everyone in different ways(which is why paintings don't come with Cliff Notes)...for someone who is not a believer in the faith of Catholicism, wouldn't these paintings be most appreciated on an aesthetic basis? I believe one could just be awed by the beauty of the work itself, as well as the absolute painstaking work that took place with it...to compare this person to someone who thought the VGAs was an amazing show is not only unfair but as generalizing as the VGAs themselves. "
The blog was designed to be reflective, not aggressive. I am questioning an opinion, not flaunting it. Out of context you make me sound like some kind of Fox News reporter, which I resent.it's a vile accuracy of society that, whether we like it or not, the majority of people who play games like God Of War, SSX, even Mass Effect 3: These people are fucking morons. Or are they? For such people the Video Game Awards on Spike TV were undoubtedly a huge success.
" @Sweep said:I'm always open to fresh perspective. To be honest, I mostly just like getting involved in the conversation. I don't mind if people disagree with me at all, it's all good :)Thanks for the reply. That was a pretty literate and informed consideration of what is inherently wrong with "hardcore" gamers (and, to a lesser extent, die-hard fans of certain mediums/genres in general). Just wondering why you have that stance back in 2008, and then back-peddle now? Just want to say: I'm not calling you out in any way. I've enjoyed reading all your stuff. "" @GetEveryone: It's funny you should mention that."
" @melcene: Ok firstly you both misquoted me and misunderstood exactly what I was trying to say. The exact quote is:And I mentioned that I couldn't tell exactly your intent. Although saying that the VGAs was undoubtedly a huge success "for such people" doesn't seem to negate the opinion of them being "fucking morons." Again though, perhaps its just the way you wrote it that I had trouble discerning your intent.The blog was designed to be reflective, not aggressive. I am questioning an opinion, not flaunting it. Out of context you make me sound like some kind of Fox News reporter, which I resent. "it's a vile accuracy of society that, whether we like it or not, the majority of people who play games like God Of War, SSX, even Mass Effect 3: These people are fucking morons. Or are they? For such people the Video Game Awards on Spike TV were undoubtedly a huge success.
Personally I'm getting tired of the elitism that has been coming from the "core" gamer crowd. That and I hate bandwagons. So right now, let's be elitist AND hop on the VGA Hate bandwagon! See what I'm saying?
Jesus, Sweep, that's a good blog. I'll admit, right off the bat, I didn't agree with you and I still kinda don't (I know lots of people who casually play games that you've listed that aren't that low on the mental food chain), but damned if it isn't food for thought.
I will agree that the VGA's are stupid as hell. But I was excited to see the trailers for the upcoming games in 2011. I'm stoked for the new Elder Scrolls, the new Arkham City, and Prototype 2.
" @Sparky_Buzzsaw: Fair, I'm not implying here that to fully appreciae a game you need to be a Brain Surgeon, but there is definately a gap between those that choose to think progressively about games and those that don't. It's pretty clear which group the VGA's caters to - though it's pretty rubbish how quickly that group is consequently dismissed. "I don't see your point. MTV also has a movie awards show. It's equally tacky.
Which, of course, is partly related to there being an even higher percentage of filmgoers who don't really care about the deeper nuances of filmmaking. I don't see the people that go wear a tux to the Oscars feeling outraged about MTV's take of it, and most have the sense to not present themselves as overentitled pretentious brats and complain about how stupid audiences are....
...
Ok, they totally do, I'll give you that. But it's still a really stupid thing to do.
Yeah I agree with that they were targeted to a certain audience, but they weren't shit or good , somewhere in between. Can't complain.
Games just need a Sundance or a SXSW. Hell, SXSW has a big Interactive section, so I don't understand why video game publishers haven't tried to make a presence at the festival.
" @Sweep said:Leave Cliffy out of this!" @Little_Socrates said:To be specific, targeted towards the followers of people like this guy:" I didn't catch the VGA's, but it's really hard to figure out where the line is drawn between us and the VGA's audience these days. Five years ago, it was a LOT clearer, but nowadays, they really are playing the same games as us, right? "Oh, the games that they featured were great. It was more the way they assumed everybody watching was a teenage gun-obsessed pervert. A lot of people felt pretty insulted that the show was supposedly targeted at them. "
While I agree that we aren't the targeted audience for the VGAs, I think it's still incredibly important that we discuss at the picture that VGA is painting in terms of who consumes video games, and what they stand for/believe in. It's not just the people that it paints a picture about, but also what it says about video games as a whole. "
I also really didn't care for the VGAs. In fact, the only reason to watch them are for the exclusive trailers/reveals. But I don't think the VGAs shouldn't exist. Whether we like it or not, there's a HUGE section of the audience that this caters to, and similar to the Kids Choice Awards, when we watch, it doesn't cater to our tastes. I think the GDC awards to a great job to appeal to the rest of us who genuinely care about this industry and the fine folks who create our entertainment. During the GDC awards I see the amazing admiration developers have for one another, and when they are acknowledged by their peers, you see the pride in their eyes as they accept the award.
What are everyone's thoughts on Geoff Keighly? Is he a respectable figure in the video game industry?
i watched the vga's for the trailers and why the hell did my chemical romance perform? is that the best they could do?
Good read as always Sweep. I find the VGA's pretty awful. Awful in a number of ways. As an award show, the script is completely unfunny and painful at times. Also, the fact that most celebrity guests don't give a shift and it shows (I'm looking at you Rachel Bilson). Another way the VGA's is awful, is the games that win. While this can be said about any award show when the winner doesn't match with your choice, I feel like the VGA's is completely guilty for choosing the most commercial/cool game. Like you said, the whole thing is geared towards a certain demographic that is quite a large demographic at that, unfortunately.
Either way, I said it once, and I'll say it again, I'm glad the VGA's exist since it "raises awareness" so to say, of my favourite hobby. If they could portray gamers in a better light, I would be much happier, but meh. Games need exposure, and the VGA's do just that.
Cheers
I was never really into the VGA's because the games that usually get GOTY nominations or wins are the ones that are overhyped and that get a lot of advertising though and through.
Simply put: We need a new televised award show.
The VGA's are, simply put: Horrible.
Any form of credibility regarding the actual awards simply isn't there. It doeskin work at it's base level as "being an award show". Half of the awards seem to be from Mars, so the ones that might have some semblance of sanity seemed questioned. Red Dead Redemption as GOTY? Sure. NPH is the best game character of the year? Wha?
On-top of the bad choices for both nominees and awards, (Best soundtrack is DJ Hero? What about the army of actual game composers?) you have the actual ceremony itself which is laundry-list of bad penis jokes and bad D+ level celebrity's who have no business being there. It's like the Nickelodeon Choice Awards for gaming, but we still don't have our Oscars. Which is freaking strange: Because this industry makes more cash than movies and music combined. Why do we not have an award show that is reflective about this? That this industry, and the people who play them is a broad-spectrum of individuals.
Don't give in Sweep. I don't agree the idea that we are out-numbered. I will agree that the people in-charge of this show, have no idea what they are doing and thus this show can skew your out-look. We have to combat this for what it is: A destructive narrative that feeds into an old stereotype of gaming. It's crap like this, that feeds crap like this. We need to stop this.
"It's crap like this, that feeds crap like this. "holy shit. wow.
im still shocked by the fact that woods in black ops won character of the year... what the fuck? i mean hes not even a protagonist and he doesnt develop as a character. that comes to show that the vgas only character to whats popular among the masses
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