The Game Awards 2025 took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, but much of the reporting and industry discussion happened outside the venue. Unlike traditional award shows such as the Oscars or Emmys, the ceremony offers limited opportunities for journalists to gather exclusive material. Winners are revealed to the global audience through the official livestream, which in 2025 reached over 16 million views, making in-person access less essential for timely reporting.
For journalists covering the event, nearby locations like the JW Marriott proved more valuable. These spaces hosted informal gatherings where developers, publishers, and media professionals could interact before and after the ceremony. Conversations in these areas often provided insights not available during the broadcast itself, making proximity to the event more important than access to the theater.
Watching the Show From Industry Events
Netflix hosted a watch party at the JW Marriott, where attendees could view the ceremony while networking. The event included interactive games, and Netflix representatives were present, though no formal announcements or interviews were made regarding their broader entertainment plans. Industry professionals discussed ongoing projects and the logistics of live shows. For example, representatives from Ex Machina, a company specializing in real-time interactive media, shared details about their work on Netflix’s mobile quiz show Best Guess Live and historical projects like Xbox Live’s 1 vs. 100.
Star Wars and Major Game Announcements
One of the most notable reveals during The Game Awards was Fate of the Old Republic, a new Star Wars game from Arcanaut, a studio founded in mid-2025 by Casey Hudson, the original director of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Early reactions included speculation about a lengthy development timeline, with some reporting suggesting the game might not arrive until the 2030s. Hudson later clarified that the game would release sooner, though no specific date was confirmed. This announcement highlighted both the excitement around the Star Wars franchise and the challenges of estimating timelines for newly formed studios.
Previews, Leaks, and Industry Briefings
Coverage of The Game Awards often begins weeks before the official ceremony. Publishers provide embargoed pre-briefings to select media outlets, allowing journalists to view trailers and gather background information ahead of public release. One such pre-briefing featured Control: Resonant, the 2026 sequel to Remedy Entertainment’s 2019 title Control. While these sessions are meant to maintain controlled dissemination of information, leaks occasionally occur online, prompting publishers and legal teams to respond. These practices demonstrate the balance between marketing, journalism, and information security in the modern games industry.
Observing the Gaming Industry Beyond the Ceremony
For journalists, the most valuable reporting often comes from interactions before and after the awards, rather than the livestream itself. Conversations in hotel lobbies, watch parties, and informal gatherings provide context about upcoming projects, development timelines, and industry trends. The 2025 awards also reflected the growing presence of web3-related experimentation and live services, even when these topics were not directly discussed on stage.
Source: GameFile
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is The Game Awards 2025?
The Game Awards is an annual event that celebrates achievements in the video game industry, including awards, announcements, and trailers for upcoming titles. The 2025 ceremony was held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
How can journalists cover The Game Awards without attending the theater?
Journalists often report from nearby hotels or industry gatherings, where they can interview developers, observe reactions, and receive pre-briefings about upcoming games.
What were the major game announcements in 2025?
Notable announcements included Fate of the Old Republic from Arcanaut, led by Casey Hudson, and the upcoming Control: Resonant sequel from Remedy Entertainment.
When will Fate of the Old Republic be released?
The studio has not confirmed an exact release date. Early speculation suggested a long development timeline, but the team has indicated the game will release sooner than previously reported.
What role do leaks and pre-briefings play in The Game Awards coverage?
Publishers provide embargoed previews to select media outlets ahead of the event, which allows journalists to prepare coverage. Leaks sometimes occur despite these measures, prompting publisher responses.
Are web3 or live services discussed at The Game Awards?
While not always addressed directly on stage, trends in web3 experimentation and live services are often part of broader industry conversations surrounding the awards.
