The Game Awards 2024 leveled up in a big way this year. The 10th anniversary show pulled in 154 million global livestreams, making it the most-watched event in its history. The show’s inventor, Geoff Keighley, announced the staggering numbers in an X post this Wednesday.
To put things in perspective, The Oscars barely scraped 20 million viewers this year. The Game Awards didn’t just beat that, but it obliterated it. This massive viewership shows just how much gaming has become a part of mainstream culture.
Today we are humbled and thrilled to share that #TheGameAwards 10th Anniversary show delivered a historic 154 million global livestreams, our most watched show ever.
— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) December 18, 2024
Thanks to our incredible team, the industry and the fans for giving us your time and believing in TGA. pic.twitter.com/UjYPUKawj8
So, what’s the secret sauce? The Game Awards isn’t just about handing out trophies. It’s a full-on gaming extravaganza. Between awards, viewers got treated to big game announcements and trailers. We’re talking major titles like The Witcher 4, new Elden Ring content, and even Okami 2. It’s like Christmas came early for gamers.
The show’s global reach played a huge part in its success. You could catch it on YouTube, Twitch, and pretty much any social media platform. This accessibility meant that gamers from all corners of the world could tune in and be part of the action.
But it wasn’t all just flashy trailers and big numbers. This year’s show hit a sweet spot in terms of pacing and content. Viewers praised the improved flow and the way celebrities were involved. It felt less awkward and more natural than previous shows.
The Game Awards also showed it’s not afraid to tackle serious issues. The show acknowledged the challenges facing the industry, like layoffs and workplace problems. This kind of real talk resonated with viewers, showing that gaming isn’t just about fun and games—it’s a mature industry facing real-world issues.
Geoff Keighley, the mastermind behind The Game Awards, has been fine-tuning this formula for years. What started as a bold experiment has grown into a cultural phenomenon. It’s not just an awards show anymore—it’s become the place where the gaming world comes together to celebrate, reveal, and look to the future.