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.

spike video game awards 2010

PLATFORM: TV
RELEASE DATE: 12/11/2010
DEVELOPER: Spike

Hosted by Neil Patrick Harris (NPH), the annual VGAs started out with a fun pun on his Oscar singing and dancing number. Gamedae is pro NPH so we were very much looking forward to the award show. As per usual, the crowd was super awkward but Neil does his best to save the show. Using video game technology on stage to project recreated level graphics from different games was a neat idea, but felt like a crutch. I just kept thinking about how dumb it must look in person as compared to on screen since the people in the room were not able to see the backdrop of the scene the actors were playing out. For example they kick it off with Neil being "questioned" in the dark interrogation scene from Call of Duty: Black Ops. All in all, the show could have been better (open bar might have helped the crowd) but it is the only televised video game award show, so they really are the only game in town.

Maybe it's just me but I don't think its appropriate to condescend your audience. I have issues with the continued references to gamers as stoners and perverts. And, what was with all the swearing? It seemed forced and was missed by the censors. I realize Spike Network is trying to appeal to their demographic but shouldn't they want to broaden their audience? Award shows have the potential to draw Super Bowl-size television ratings. Sadly, the VGAs are just not there yet and I fear, they never will be if they keep up these antics.

Hit the jump for some links and highlights