This year’s Spike Video Game Awards are already shaping up to be a major production, for what is fast becoming the biggest production in gaming awards. While Spike and core gamers have always had an interesting love-hate relationship with each other, it cannot be denied that the VGAs are becoming a major part of gaming culture.
This year serves to be no different, with major announcements today regarding exclusive trailers and nominations. Leading off on the nods is The Legend of Zelda, which will be the first franchise inducted into the ‘Video Game Hall of Fame.’
The nominations are a grand sweep of some of the biggest titles this year, with Batman: Arkham City, Portal 2 and Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception all taking away major nominations.
"The 'VGAs' always celebrate the best games of the year and previews the future with world premieres," said Casey Patterson executive producer of the "VGAs" and executive vice president of event production for Viacom Media Networks Entertainment Group. "Now our Video Game Hall of Fame will recognize the game franchises throughout history that have brought the industry to where it is today."
"It is only natural to start with 'Zelda,'" said Geoff Keighley, executive in charge, publisher relations, Spike. "'The Legend of Zelda' is a franchise that inspired many of us to see the potential of games when it debuted 25 years ago, one that has successfully transitioned from one game console generation to the next and has continually shown the narrative and artistic potential of the medium."
"All of us at Nintendo are truly honored to have 'The Legend of Zelda' as the first inductee into Spike's Video Game Hall of Fame," said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of sales & marketing. "As we mark the 25th anniversary of the 'Zelda' series, we look forward to the December 10th 'VGA' event as a very special way to celebrate with fans and SPIKE viewers around the globe."
Several big titles will also be showing off new content, including the newly announced Rainbow Six: Patriots. Metal Gear Rising and BioShock: Infinite will also have new content to show off during the awards ceremony, and BioWare has indicated that it will be unveiling a brand-new game.
