A Look Back at Baldur’s Gate 3 and The Game Awards Scandal

Taking a retrospective look at the prominent event that occurred during the announcement of Baldur’s Gate 3 at The Game Awards, and understanding the surrounding controversy.

The Game Awards and Baldur’s Gate 3 Announcement

The Game Awards (TGA) is largely synonymous with excitement and anticipation among gamers worldwide. However, this was not the case during the announcements of Baldur's Gate 3, a popular role-playing game. Amidst the thrill, the TGA was embroiled in controversy due to its perceived exploitation of the audience’s anticipation for their own gain.

Unrequited Love in Baldur's Gate 3
Related Article

This scandal has escalated into a subject of extensive discussion among gaming enthusiasts, who were looking forward to the announcement with bated breath. The manipulation of their excitement by TGA was deemed distasteful and unacceptable. The controversy surrounding the event warrants a detailed examination under a neutral lens.

A Look Back at Baldur’s Gate 3 and The Game Awards Scandal ImageAlt

The Anticipation for Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 is the latest installment in a beloved franchise that dates back to 1998. The news of its addition was enough to stir profound excitement within the gaming community. Gamers worldwide eagerly awaited the official announcement, which was to be made at The Game Awards.

This excitement is reminiscent of a community brought together by shared interests and passions, eagerly anticipating what they hoped to be a momentous and celebratory occasion. However, when the moment arrived, it was not marked by the jubilant celebration expected. Instead, disappointment and indignation tainted this anticipated event.

The disappointment was not due to the game itself but the circumstances surrounding its announcement. TGA, instead of recognizing and respecting the importance and anticipation of this moment, seemed to manipulate the situation for personal gain. This approach has been roundly criticized, leading to a wave of discontent among fans and creating a sense of disillusionment.

Manipulating Anticipation

Holiday Greetings from Larian Studios and a Look at Baldur’s Gate 3
Related Article

As the anticipation for the official announcement of Baldur’s Gate 3 built, TGA was accused of capitalizing on this anticipation. The event included prolonged advertising breaks preceding the announcement, seemingly exploiting the audience's anticipation for the reveal.

These actions were viewed as manipulative, designed to trade off the excitement of the gamers. The audience had tuned in to experience a shared moment of celebration, not to watch relentless advertisements. This calculated strategy by TGA is what left a sour taste in the mouths of many viewers.

This disregard for the audience's anticipation and excitement was seen as not only distasteful but also disrespectful. The Game Awards did not appear to value the importance the audience placed on the event, prioritizing advertisements over authentic engagement with the gaming community.

The Community Response

The controversy sparked heated debates within the gaming community. Many viewed TGA's conduct as an unfortunate betrayal of the trust they placed in the event, viewing it as an exploitation of their enthusiasm for the upcoming game.

Interestingly, this incident didn't diminish the eager anticipation for Baldur’s Gate 3. Instead, it highlighted the strength and unity of the gaming community in voicing disapproval over a perceived injustice.

The strong backlash served as a reminder of the importance of respecting audiences and their passions. Fans expressed their dissatisfaction directly, contending that TGA's behaviour was not only inappropriate but also damaging to the greater gaming community's spirit.

On a Final Note

Audiences are a crucial part of any industry, and it is essential to consider and prioritize their expectations and feelings. The scandal surrounding the announcement of Baldur’s Gate 3 at TGA underlines this.

While the controversy did not dampen the excitement for Baldur’s Gate 3, it has left a lingering stain on TGA's reputation. The gaming community's reaction underscores the importance of respecting audience anticipation and avoiding blatant commercial exploitation.

Categories