I went into The **Game Awards** expecting the usual mix — some hype, some filler, some moments that don’t really land. **What I didn’t expect… was a show that actually understood its audience.** And honestly? This year, they nailed it. <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7472214434062426" crossorigin="anonymous"></script> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block; text-align:center;" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-client="ca-pub-7472214434062426" data-ad-slot="2708104520"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> **Opening Tone & Music** The main show, opening with the Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 musical performance, immediately set the tone. You could feel it. The emotion was real. The vocalist was incredible, the guitarist was completely in his element — this wasn’t filler music, this was music done right.  I even have a friend who had Clair Obscur as number one on Spotify Wrapped. Mine was fourth — and yeah, I get it. Then Jeff Keighley comes on stage and talks about losing his father this year. He describes him as a silent watcher, and they leave an empty seat next to his mother in the audience. I’m not usually a sucker for emotional openings — but that was quiet, respectful, and powerful. A strong way to start. **Early Highlights & Surprises** The first world premiere was a Star Wars reveal, and right away it hit. Strong energy, strong opening. Then came Pragmata — finally. After two years of teasing, we got a release date: **April 24, 2026.**  That alone was a relief. We also saw Bradley the Badger, a new IP from a team with people who worked on Red Dead Redemption and Mario + Rabbids. Weird combination — in a good way. If done right, that game could easily become a new mascot. **And then Divinity.** A CGI trailer that was disturbing — but not cheap shock. Intricate, uncomfortable… and then you realize it’s from the creators of Baldur’s Gate 3. Suddenly, it makes perfect sense. Awards That Made Sense (and Some That Shocked) Best Family Game went to Donkey Kong Bonanza. Even though I loved Split Fiction, I’m not mad at all — deserved. Innovation in Accessibility going to DOOM: The Dark Ages surprised me — but honestly? Awesome. Best Esports Game was no surprise. Counter-Strike 2 clears.  Best Mobile Game went to Uma Musume: Pretty Derby. Never heard of it — but the crowd was hyped, so fair enough. **Then we get to Best Action Game.** Stacked category — Battlefield 6, Ninja Gaiden 4 (my pick), DOOM… But Hades II won — and yeah, I get it.  **Best Fighting Game shocked me, though.** Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves won. It’s cool — but personally, I think 2XKO was better. And I say that as someone who’s played both.  Music, Humor & Showmanship The mini-concerts worked this year. Evanescence performing Afterlife from the Devil May Cry animated series? The crowd was into it and so was i.  One of my biggest criticisms of past Game Awards was the music feeling disconnected, like “this is popular, let’s use it”. Gamers are specific. This time, they understood the room. Even the humor landed. Miss Piggy’s jokes, the musical bit with the dog — it genuinely made me smile. I like how Jeff Keighley thinks.  **And yes — Flute Guy.** **Never disappoints. Ever.** The man switches between three or four instruments like it’s nothing. Fan favorite for a reason — and once again, he delivered.  **Big Reveals That Hit Hard** **Resident Evil Requiem showing Leon and Grace?** Brilliant. Leon for explosive action, Grace for pure horror. Two campaigns, two playstyles — addressing both sides of the fanbase. **Control: Resonant was a massive pop for me.** Not Control 2 — a new angle, hack-and-slash, same incredible powers and fluidity. Phantom Blade coming September 9, 2026? That’s my type of game. Real difficulty. Real combat. Love it. **Nioh 3 announced.** Underrated franchise. As a fan, I was delighted to see it back. **MEGAMAN: Dual Override coming in 2027?** An ancient mascot was brought back the right way. I’m locked in. <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7472214434062426" crossorigin="anonymous"></script> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block; text-align:center;" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-client="ca-pub-7472214434062426" data-ad-slot="4951124482"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> **Star Wars: Galactic Racer was a surprise banger.** Racing in the Star Wars universe — from the creators of Burnout and Need for Speed. Yeah. That one hit hard. Saros, from the devs of Returnal, looked bullet-hell pristine. And I really liked the main character’s voice. **Meaningful Moments** The Girls Make Games segment was genuinely heartwarming. Scholarships, real career paths into game development — presented naturally, not forced. Perfect placement, perfect tone. Also worth mentioning: Baldur’s Gate 3 winning Best Community Support — two years after winning Game of the Year in 2023. That’s incredible commitment. **The Clair Obscur Sweep** And then there’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Let’s be clear — this wasn’t hype. This was dominance. The game won: Best Performance Best Art Direction Best Score & Music Best Narrative Best Debut Indie Game Best RPG Best Game Direction **And then… Game of the Year.** No surprise. This was the best game by far. And the mic-drop moment? After winning everything, they announce new content already available. New weapons. New quests. New content. That’s how you do it. They didn’t just win — they showed everyone how it’s done. <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7472214434062426" crossorigin="anonymous"></script> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block; text-align:center;" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-client="ca-pub-7472214434062426" data-ad-slot="4951124482"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> **Final Verdict** Were there technical issues in the pre-show? Yes. That needs fixing. But overall? This was one of the best Game Awards in years. The pacing worked. The music worked. The humor worked. And most importantly, the games spoke for themselves. If this is the direction the show is heading? I’m all in.