The Game Awards 2015, an event held to honor games, game makers and indirectly gamers, has just recently happened. There are a lot of things to note, most especially how honor was supposed to be given.
IGN reports that “Metal Gear Solid” creator Hideo Kojima was absent from the event, although the latest installment to his iconic game series has racked up multiple awards.
According to Geek, “Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain” was awarded with four awards, including the award that hails it the Game of the Year. Kojima Studios was also nominated as Developer of the Year. However, Kojima himself wasn't there to get any of these personally.
The Game Awards 2015 host Geoff Keighley revealed that Kojima was banned by game company Konami. Here's what he said:
“As you noticed Hideo Kojima is not here with us tonight and I want to tell you a little bit about that,” the host explained. “Mr. Kojima had every intention of being with us tonight but unfortunately he was informed by a lawyer representing Konami just recently that he would not be allowed to travel to tonight’s awards ceremony to accept any awards.”
Earlier reports said that Kojima had already split with the game company. Konami, in its defense, said that Kojima remains a listed employee and denied reports of his departure.
“He’s still under an employment contract and it’s disappointing,” Keighley continued, “and it’s inconceivable to me that an artist like Hideo would not be allowed to come here and celebrate with his peers and his fellow teammates.”
The Game Awards however, gave a musical performance dedicated to the man: a rendition of “Quiet's Theme” from “The Phantom Pain.”
Speaking of honors, The Game Awards also honored Nintendo's former president Satoru Iwata.
Polygon reports that they did so by taking a break from all the announcements, awards and celebrations, and instead paid tribute to him.
Host Keighley briefly shared some memories of the former president, whom he had met shortly before passing away. After a short photo reel, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime went up the stage and gave his reflections on the man who had led the game company for a while.
"Satoru Iwata was one who clearly was unique, in the fullest meaning of the word," Fils-Aime said. "The man was fearless," he added.
Iwata died earlier in July, and has been replaced by president Tatsumi Kimishima.
