Update [4 December 2021]: Geoff Keighley stated that Activision Blizzard will not be a part of this year’s Game Awards.

Beyond its nominations, I can confirm that Activision|Blizzard will not be a part of this year’s #TheGameAwards

— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) December 4, 2021

The Game Awards 2021 may have its fair share of controversy during the weekend.

The show’s host and creator Geoff “Mountain Dew” Keighley said to the Washington Post that he’s thinking about how to “navigate” Activision Blizzard’s involvement in the ceremony due to the company’s recent sexual misconduct and the Bobby Kotick issue.

“We want to support employees and developers. [I] supported people coming forward with their stories but [I also do not] want to diminish developers’ opportunities to spotlight their games. We have to think very carefully about how to proceed here.”

Keep in mind that Geoff Keighley is the same guy who sided with Hideo Kojima during the Konami fallout with the prolific Metal Gear creator. Though to be fair, the Konami fallout is a whole different can of worms. The fact that a show like Game Awards being totally dependant on publisher relationships for that sweet exclusive showcase means that the showrunners will have to favour long-term business decisions over other types of decisions. After all, the Game Awards advisory board includes Activision president Rob Kostich among other game executives.

Still, one does wonder if The Game Awards this year will take a stand following the Activision Blizzard issues, and whether it will elevate itself beyond being a celebratory annual show for new game trailers and industry awards/backpatting/circlejerking.

I have a lot of respect for Geoff, but if he doesn't bring the same Kojima/Konami energy to this issue (which is infinitely more important) then that is a going to be a big disappointment. The Game Awards is too powerful a platform to waste on trailers alone. https://t.co/w6kiR9q0mf

— Skill Up (@SkillUpYT) December 3, 2021

You'll take a stand & give an impassioned speech after Konami disallowed your friend Kojima from accepting a trophy, but you won't do the same after Activision Blizzard enabled workers to suffer rampant harassment, abuse, & discrimination for decades? You've chosen your side. https://t.co/MfxsbgIO2y

— YongYea (@YongYea) December 3, 2021

The Game Awards 2021 will air online on 10 December GMT+8.