excuses, excuses

It's the time of year that I usually gather the Gamedae contributors and urge them to add to my end-of-the-year "Best and Worst" post. Last year we praised our favorite games and ousted some shortfalls. We are all very busy this year; however, it is for a just and noble cause. I have to hang up the controller (not really but I should have controller hooks on the wall that would be great) and take the proverbial "plunge". That's right, yours truly is getting married this New Years Day.

spike video game awards 2011

 

PLATFORM: Cable TV
STATION: Spike

It is easy to bash the awkwardness of an award show. Frankly, I believe they are all somewhat awkward from the Oscars down to the Kids Choice Awards. The VGA 2011 is not immune to this same awkwardness. In addition, they have an unfair disadvantage of not having an easy form to art to display on live TV. This year marks the return of Spike's on-stage "augmented reality" that debuted last year. Was there ever a time of "good" award shows? When were they in their prime anyway; was it Howard Stern's Fart-Man from '92? Nevertheless the online complaints are as annual as the VGAs themselves.

A new host for 2011, Zachary Levi (TV's Chuck) does a very smooth and authentic commentary. Original music by Deadmau5 (from the upcoming game Sound Shapes for PS Vita). Zachary starts off his presentation flying over the audience and landing on the stage using his portal gun (of course). His monologue leads off with some interesting facts that might surprise you if you haven't been paying attention. This year is the first time the VGA was streamed live around the world and 42% of gamers today are women. Hit the jump for a quick recap and links to the world premiere trailers.