Spike Video Game Awards Explained

Spike Video Game Awards
Awarded For:Outstanding achievements in the video game industry
Location:Santa Monica, California / Las Vegas, Nevada
Country:United States

The Spike Video Game Awards (in short VGAs, known as the VGX for the final show) was an annual award show hosted by American television network Spike from 2002 that recognized the best computer and video games of the year. Produced by GameTrailers TV's Geoff Keighley, the show featured preview trailers for upcoming games, live music performances and appearances by popular performers in music, movies, and television.

The VGAs was held at various locations in Los Angeles and Santa Monica, California as well as Las Vegas, Nevada. Spike's only Video Game Hall of Fame award, given to The Legend of Zelda, was awarded at the 2011 awards show.

On November 15, 2013, Spike announced a new format under the name VGX, calling it "The next generation of the VGAs". The last award show, carrying this name, aired on December 7.[1] Changes from the previous format included "in-depth extended demos of the next generation of games and interactive one-on-one interviews and panels in an intimate studio setting."[2]

On November 10, 2014, it was announced that Spike would drop their award show, ending their decade-long run.[3] Geoff Keighley went on to create his own video game award show in the form of The Game Awards starting in that year, dropping the support from Spike.[3]

VGX

2013 awards

The 2013 awards, the final awards show, was rebranded as VGX and held on December 7, 2013, and was hosted by Joel McHale.[1] The show featured a different format from previous years. It featured extended demos of next-generation games, one-on-one interviews, and "a more intimate studio setting." Rather than airing live on Spike TV, the show was livestreamed online on Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Twitch, Steam, iOS, and Android devices, as well as on GameTrailers.com and the websites of Spike, Comedy Central, MTV, MTV2, and BET.[4] As with previous years, the show featured exclusive world premieres of game demos and trailers. The 2013 VGX premieres included Telltale Games' and Gearbox Software's collaboration Tales from the Borderlands, Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition (an Xbox One and PlayStation 4 port with graphical updates and all DLC included), Remedy Entertainment's Agents of Storm for iOS, Telltale Games' Game of Thrones, and independent developer Hello Games' No Man's Sky. The 2013 show also featured reveals of Titanfall, Thief, Quantum Break, , Broken Age, Dying Light, Tom Clancy's The Division, and . Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé demoed an upcoming Wii U game, , and Rockstar Games worked with the production team to produce a musical performance of the music of Grand Theft Auto V.[5]

AwardWinner[6] Nominees[7]
Game of the YearGrand Theft Auto V
Studio of the YearNaughty Dog, The Last of Us
Character of the YearThe Lutece Twins, BioShock Infinite
  • Lara Croft, Tomb Raider
  • Trevor Philips, Grand Theft Auto V
  • Naiee and Nyaa,
Best ShooterBioShock Infinite
Best Action-Adventure Game
Best Sports GameNBA 2K14
Best Independent GameGone Home
Best RPG
Best Fighting Game
Best Driving GameForza Motorsport 5
Best DLC
  • Dishonored: The Knife of Dunwall
Best Xbox Game
Best PlayStation GameThe Last of Us
Best Nintendo GameSuper Mario 3D World
Best PC GameGone Home
Best Handheld Game
Best Casual Game
Best Mobile Game
Best Voice ActorTroy Baker as Joel, The Last of Us
  • Troy Baker as Booker DeWitt, BioShock Infinite
  • Steven Ogg as Trevor Philips, Grand Theft Auto V
  • Willem Dafoe as Nathan Dawkins, Beyond: Two Souls
Best Voice ActressAshley Johnson as Ellie, The Last of Us
Best SoundtrackGrand Theft Auto V
Best Song in a Game"Will the Circle Be Unbroken?" performed by Courtnee Draper and Troy Baker, BioShock Infinite
Most Anticipated Game Titanfall

Spike Video Game awards

2012 awards

The 2012 VGAs (promoted as VGA 10 for the tenth anniversary) was held on December 7, 2012, at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California. Samuel L. Jackson returned to host for a fourth time.[8] This was the last year under the name "Spike Video Game Awards". For the first time, the awards were broadcast on Xbox Live. Live users could "play" the show as it aired live. Responses to poll questions were tabulated in real time on screen for the Xbox Live audience and users with Xbox SmartGlass devices got a unique second-screen experience that updated in real time alongside the show content. Additionally, Spike TV and Entertainment Weekly partnered to create the first-ever "Entertainment Weekly and Spike VGA Best Game of the Decade" award. Exclusive world premieres that debuted at VGA 10 include Naughty Dog's The Last of Us, Epic Games' , Obsidian Entertainment's , Konami's , Irrational Games' BioShock Infinite, Crystal Dynamics' Tomb Raider, Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed III: The Tyranny of King Washington, and 343 Industries' . Two new games were announced, including Dark Souls II by FromSoftware, and a new game called The Phantom Pain (later revealed to be ). The event also had appearances from all past hosts of the VGAs except David Spade. The event featured musical performances by Linkin Park, Tenacious D, Gustavo Santaolalla and Wolfgang Gartner.[9]

AwardWinnerNominees
Game of the Year
Studio of the YearTelltale Games, The Walking Dead: The Game
Best Xbox 360 GameHalo 4
Best PS3 GameJourney
Best Wii/Wii U GameNew Super Mario Bros. U
Best PC Game
Best Handheld/Mobile GameSound Shapes
Best ShooterBorderlands 2
Best Action Adventure GameDishonored
Best RPGMass Effect 3
Best Multi-player GameBorderlands 2
Best Individual Sports GameSSX
Best Team Sports GameNBA 2K13
Best Driving GameNeed for Speed: Most Wanted
Best Fighting GamePersona 4 Arena
Best Independent GameJourney
Best Adapted Video GameThe Walking Dead: The Game
Best Song in a Game"Cities" by Beck, Sound Shapes
Best Original ScoreJourney
Best GraphicsHalo 4
Best Performance by a Human MaleDameon Clarke as Handsome Jack, Borderlands 2
Best Performance by a Human FemaleMelissa Hutchison as Clementine, The Walking Dead: The Game
Best Downloadable GameThe Walking Dead: The Game
Best Social GameYou Don't Know Jack
Best DLC
  • Mass Effect 3 – Leviathan
  • Borderlands 2 – Mechromancer Pack
  • Portal 2 – Perpetual Testing Initiative
Most Anticipated GameGrand Theft Auto V
Character of the YearClaptrap, Borderlands 2
Best Game of the DecadeHalf-Life 2

2011 awards

The 2011 VGAs was held Saturday, December 10, 2011, at the Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California, hosted by Zachary Levi. The awards previewed world premieres of , , BioShock Infinite, Alan Wake's American Nightmare, , Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD, The Amazing Spider-Man, the exclusive PlayStation 3 game The Last of Us developed by Naughty Dog, from BioWare Victory, and Fortnite from Epic Games. New trailers for both and Mass Effect 3 were aired during the show, as well as a pre-show announcement for Tekken Tag Tournament 2. Mark Burnett was the Executive Producer for the event, and for the first time, the VGAs aired live on MTV 2 (US), Spike.com (US) and Ginx TV (UK), in addition to Spike TV. The winners, as well as world premiere trailers, were announced during a pre-show red carpet live event hosted by GTTV's Amanda MacKay and Daniel Kayser. The 2011 VGAs also honored The Legend of Zelda franchise with its first ever "Video Game Hall of Fame Award".[10] Another unique award at the 2011 VGAs was the NFL Blitz Cover Athlete award. This award, determined by live online voting during the event (just like Character of the Year), determined which NFL athlete would be on the cover of the EA Sports game, NFL Blitz.[11] Appearances were by Charlie Sheen, Brooklyn Decker, Seth Green, Felicia Day, LL Cool J, Jason Biggs, Seann William Scott, Tony Hawk, will.i.am, Hulk Hogan, Stacy Keibler, Bellator MMA stars Eddie Alvarez and Michael Chandler, Blake Anderson, Adam Devine, Anders Holm, and game designers Cliff Bleszinski of Epic Games and Hideo Kojima of Konami. Musical performances were by The Black Keys and Deadmau5.[12]

AwardWinnerNominees
Game of the Year
Video Game Hall of FameThe Legend of ZeldaN/A
Gamer GodBlizzard EntertainmentN/A
Studio of the YearBethesda Game Studios, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Best Xbox 360 Game
Best PS3 Game
Best Wii Game
Best PC GamePortal 2
Best Handheld/Mobile GameSuper Mario 3D Land
Best Shooter
Best Action Adventure Game
Best RPG
Best MultiplayerPortal 2
Best Individual Sports GameFight Night Champion
Best Team Sports GameNBA 2K12
Best Driving GameForza Motorsport 4
Best Fighting GameMortal Kombat
Best Motion Game
Best Independent GameMinecraft
Best Adapted Video Game
Best Song in a Game"Build That Wall (Zia's Theme)" by Darren Korb, Bastion
  • "Exile Vilify" by The National, Portal 2
  • "I'm Not Calling You a Liar" by Florence + the Machine, Dragon Age II
  • "Setting Sail, Coming Home (End Theme)" by Darren Korb, Bastion
  • "Want You Gone" by Jonathan Coulton, Portal 2
Best Original ScoreBastion
Best Graphics
Best Performance by a Human MaleStephen Merchant as Wheatley, Portal 2
Best Performance by a Human FemaleEllen McLain as GLaDOS, Portal 2
Best Downloadable GameBastion
Best DLCPortal 2: Peer Review
Most Anticipated GameMass Effect 3
GameTrailers.com Trailer of the Year, E3 2011 Trailer
Character of the YearThe Joker, Batman: Arkham City
NFL Blitz Cover AthleteRay Rice

2010 awards

The 2010 VGAs was held Saturday, December 11, 2010, in Los Angeles, California at the L.A. Convention Center and returned to using a host which was Neil Patrick Harris. Unlike previous years, all the awards were not awarded during the show. Several new games were announced which include BioWare's announcement of Mass Effect 3, Prototype 2, Insane from acclaimed movie director Guillermo del Toro, , Mortal Kombat featuring Kratos, Resistance 3, Portal 2, , and Forza Motorsport 4. had another CGI trailer debut and the first trailer of aired during the awards. Appearances included AnnaLynne McCord, video game star Chris Hemsworth, Dane Cook, Olivia Munn, Dominic Monaghan, Michael Chiklis, Academy Award nominated film director Guillermo del Toro, star and VGA nominee Nathan Fillion, Nick Swardson, Tony Hawk, and the cast from the hit series It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, Danny DeVito, Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Kaitlin Olson, and Rob McElhenney. Musical performances included award-winning violinist Diana Yukawa,[13] My Chemical Romance, and José González. The show featured use of ground breaking augmented reality technology, conceived by Done and Dusted; with Lee Lodge, in partnership with Weider Design, Full Mental Jacket, and Orad.[14]

AwardWinnerNominees
Game of the YearRed Dead Redemption
Studio of the YearBioWare, Mass Effect 2
Best Xbox 360 GameMass Effect 2
Best PS3 GameGod of War III
Best Wii GameSuper Mario Galaxy 2
Best PC Game
Best Handheld Game
Best Shooter
Best Action Adventure Game
Best RPGMass Effect 2
Best Multiplayer
Best Individual Sports GameTiger Woods PGA Tour 11
Best Team Sports GameNBA 2K11
Best Driving GameNeed for Speed: Hot Pursuit
Best Music GameRock Band 3
Best SoundtrackDJ Hero 2
Best Song in a Game"Far Away" by José González, Red Dead Redemption
Best Original ScoreRed Dead Redemption
Best GraphicsGod of War III
Best Adapted Video Game
Best Performance by a Human MaleNeil Patrick Harris as Peter Parker/Amazing Spider-Man, Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions
Best Performance by a Human FemaleTricia Helfer as Sarah Kerrigan, StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty
Best Downloadable GameCostume Quest
Best DLC
  • BioShock 2: Minerva's Den
  • Borderlands: The Secret Armory of General Knoxx
Best Independent GameLimbo
Most Anticipated GamePortal 2
Character of the YearSgt. Frank Woods, Call of Duty: Black Ops
Strongest Heroes of All Time
Best Original GameRed Dead RedemptionN/A
Best Zombie GameN/A
Best Dressed AssassinEzio Auditore da Firenze, Assassin's Creed: BrotherhoodN/A
Biggest BadassKratos, God of War IIIN/A

2009 awards

The 2009 VGAs was held on December 12, 2009, at the Nokia Event Deck in Los Angeles, California and is the only VGAs that did not feature a host. It opened with a trailer announcing the sequel to . There were other exclusive looks at , UFC 2010 Undisputed, , , Medal of Honor, Crackdown 2, Bonanza, , Rock Band 3, , and True Crime. Samuel L. Jackson previewed LucasArts newest upcoming Star Wars game, . In addition, was announced and accompanied with a trailer. Appearances were made by Stevie Wonder, the cast of MTV's Jersey Shore, Green Day, and Jack Black, with live music performances by Snoop Dogg and The Bravery.[15]

AwardWinnerNominees
Game of the Year
Studio of the YearRocksteady Studios, Batman: Arkham Asylum
Best Independent GameFlower
Best Xbox 360 GameLeft 4 Dead 2
Best PS3 Game
Best Wii GameNew Super Mario Bros. Wii
Best PC Game
Best Handheld Game
Best Shooter
Best Action Adventure GameAssassin's Creed II
Best RPG
Best Multiplayer Game
Best Fighting GameStreet Fighter IV
Best Individual Sports GameUFC 2009 Undisputed
Best Team Sports GameNHL 10
Best Driving GameForza Motorsport 3
Best Music Game
Best SoundtrackDJ Hero
Best Original Score
Best Graphics
Best Game Based On A Movie/TV ShowSouth Park Let's Go Tower Defense Play!
Best Performance By A Human MaleHugh Jackman as Wolverine, X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Best Performance By A Human FemaleMegan Fox as Mikaela Banes, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Best CastX-Men Origins: Wolverine
Best VoiceJack Black for the voice of Eddie Riggs, Brütal Legend
Best Downloadable GameShadow Complex
Best DLC
Best Comedy GameN/A
Most Anticipated Game of 2010God of War III

2008 awards

The 2008 VGAs was held on December 14, 2008, at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City.[16] Hosted by Jack Black, the show featured previews of Brütal Legend, Dante's Inferno, Fight Night Round 4, Gears of War 2 "Combustion" map pack announcement and trailer, God of War III, , Mafia II, Pearl Jam's album Ten for Rock Band, Terminator Salvation, , and . Musical performances included 50 Cent, The All-American Rejects, Weezer, and LL Cool J.[17] [18]

AwardWinnerNominees[19]
Game of the YearGrand Theft Auto IV
Best Action Adventure GameGrand Theft Auto IV
Studio of the YearMedia Molecule, LittleBigPlanet
Gamer GodWill Wright, creator of The Sims and SporeN/A
Best ShooterGears of War 2
Best Music GameRock Band 2
Best SoundtrackRock Band 2
Best RPGFallout 3
Best Independent Game Fueled By DewWorld of Goo
Best Team Sports GameNHL 09
Best Individual Sports GameShaun White Snowboarding
Best Game Based on a Movie or TV Show
Big Name in the Game MaleKiefer Sutherland as Sgt. Roebuck, Call of Duty: World at War
Big Name in the Game FemaleJenny McCarthy as Special Agent Tanya Adams, Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3
Best Xbox 360 GameGears of War 2
Best PS3 GameLittleBigPlanet
Best Wii GameBoom Blox
Best PC GameLeft 4 Dead
Best Multiplayer GameLeft 4 Dead
Best Fighting GameSoulcalibur IV
Best Handheld GameProfessor Layton and the Curious Village
  • Patapon
Best Driving GameBurnout Paradise
Best Graphics
Best Original Score
Best Male VoiceMichael Hollick as Niko Bellic, Grand Theft Auto IV
Best Female VoiceDebi Mae West as Meryl Silverburgh, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

2007 awards

The 2007 VGAs aired December 9, 2007. Hosted by Samuel L. Jackson, the winners were announced ahead of the event which was held at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The show featured performances by Foo Fighters, Kid Rock, and exclusive world video game premieres of Borderlands, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, , and TNA iMPACT!.[20]

AwardWinnerNominees
Game of the YearBioShock
Studio of the YearHarmonix, Rock Band
Best Shooter
Best RPGMass Effect
Best Military Game
Best Individual Sports GameSkate
Best Handheld Game
Best GraphicsCrysis
Best Game Based on a Movie or TV ShowThe Simpsons Game
Best Rhythm GameRock Band
Best Driving Game
Best Action GameSuper Mario Galaxy
Best Team Sports GameMadden NFL 08
Best SoundtrackRock Band
Breakthrough TechnologyThe Orange Box/Portal
Best Xbox 360 GameBioShock
Best Wii GameSuper Mario Galaxy
Best PS3 Game
Best PC GameThe Orange Box
Best Original ScoreBioShock
Best Multiplayer GameHalo 3
Most Addictive Video GameHalo 3

2006 awards

The 2006 VGAs aired December 13, 2006, at the Galen Center in Los Angeles and were hosted by Samuel L. Jackson. The show featured a world premiere of Blizzard Entertainment's opening cinematic movie for its highly anticipated expansion set, . The event featured musical performances by Tenacious D and AFI and show appearances by 50 Cent, Eva Mendes, Sarah Silverman, Seth Green, Masi Oka, Hayden Panettiere, Yellowcard, Brandon Routh, Rachael Leigh Cook, Tony Hawk, Michael Irvin, Method Man, Maria Menounos, Tyrese Gibson, Xzibit, James Gandolfini, Kurt Angle, among others. In character as Stewie Griffin and Tom Tucker from Family Guy, Seth MacFarlane served as the voice of the VGAs.[21] [22]

AwardWinnerNominees
Game of the Year
Studio of the YearEpic Games, Gears of War
Cyber Vixen of the YearAlyx Vance, Half-Life 2: Episode One
  • Lara Croft, Tomb Raider: Legend
  • Princess Peach, Super Mario Bros.
  • Enrica, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent
  • Jen, Prey
Best Individual Sports GameTony Hawk's Project 8
Best Team Sports GameNBA 2K7
Best Game Based on a Movie or TV Show
Best Performance by a Human MalePatrick Stewart as Emperor Uriel Septim VII, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Best Supporting Male PerformanceJames Gandolfini as Tony Soprano, The Sopranos: Road to Respect
  • Seth Green as Chris Griffin, Family Guy Video Game!
  • James Woods as George Sheffield, Scarface: The World Is Yours
  • James Caan as Sonny Corleone, The Godfather: The Game
  • Philip Michael Thomas as Lance Vance, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
Best Performance by a Human FemaleVida Guerra as Femme Fatale, Scarface: The World Is Yours
  • Tia Carrere as Lin, Saints Row
  • Emmanuelle Vaugier as Nikki, Need For Speed: Carbon
  • Keely Hawes as Lara Croft, Tomb Raider: Legend
  • Rosario Dawson as Tina, Marc Eckō's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure
Best Supporting Female PerformanceRachael Leigh Cook as Tifa Lockhart, Kingdom Hearts II
  • Elisha Cuthbert as Kim Bauer, 24: The Game
  • Brittany Murphy as Karen Light, Marc Eckō's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure
  • Mila Kunis as Meg Griffin, Family Guy Video Game!
  • Lynda Carter as Female Nords / Female Orcs, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Best CastFamily Guy Video Game!
Best Song"Lights and Sounds" by Yellowcard, Burnout Revenge
  • "LocoRoco No Uta" by Nobuyuki Shimizu, LocoRoco
  • "Heavenly Star" by Genki Rockets, Lumines 2
  • "Helicopter" by Bloc Party, Mark Eckō's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure and Burnout Revenge
  • "Summer Shudder" by AFI, Madden NFL 07
Best SoundtrackGuitar Hero II
Best Original Score
Best Driving GameBurnout Revenge
Most Addictive Game
Best Fighting Game
Best Action GameDead Rising
Best ShooterGears of War
Best Military GameCompany of Heroes
Best GraphicsGears of War
Best Handheld GameNew Super Mario Bros.
Best Multiplayer GameGears of War
Breakthrough TechnologyWii
Best RPG
Best PC GameCompany of Heroes
Best Wireless GameSWAT Force
Critic's Choice (released after November 15, 2006, and before December 31, 2006)
Breakthrough PerformanceRosario Dawson as Tina, Marc Eckō's Getting Up: Contents Under PressureN/A
Character of the YearJack Sparrow portrayed by Johnny Depp, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Jack SparrowN/A

2005 awards

The 2005 VGAs was held December 10, 2005, at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Los Angeles.[23] The first VGAs hosted by Samuel L. Jackson, the show featured world premieres of from 2K Games, from Midway Games, from LucasArts, and , as well as a 25th anniversary comic tribute to Pac-Man from Namco. Musical performances were by 50 Cent, Def Leppard, and Missy Elliott, and show appearances by Charlize Theron, Kiefer Sutherland, Jack Black, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Rock, Vin Diesel, Carson Daly, Donald Faison, Jaime Pressly, Josie Maran, Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, Carmen Electra, Natasha Bedingfield, and Dane Cook, among others.[24]

AwardWinnerNominees
Game of the YearResident Evil 4
Action Game of the YearGod of War
Best Individual Sports GameTony Hawk's American Wasteland
Best Team Sports GameMadden NFL 06
Cyber Vixen of the YearMaria Menounos as Eva, James Bond 007: From Russia with Love
  • Charlize Theron as Æon Flux, Æon Flux
  • Jessica Alba as Invisible Woman, Fantastic 4
  • Traci Lords as Cassandra Hartz, True Crime: New York City
  • Laurence Bouvard as Joanna Dark, Perfect Dark Zero
Best Game Based on a Movie
Best Performance by a Human MaleJack Black as Carl Denham, Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie
  • 50 Cent as himself, 50 Cent: Bulletproof
  • Michael Chiklis as Thing, Fantastic 4
  • Sean Connery as James Bond, James Bond 007: From Russia With Love
  • TC Carson as Kratos, God of War
Best Supporting Male PerformanceChristopher Walken as Gabriel Whitting, True Crime: New York City
  • Eminem as himself, 50 Cent: Bulletproof
  • Dr. Dre as himself, 50 Cent: Bulletproof
  • Michael Clarke Duncan as Blackmore, The Suffering: Ties That Bind
  • P. Diddy as Dip, Marc Eckō's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure
Best Performance by a Human FemaleCharlize Theron as Æon Flux, Æon Flux
  • Naomi Watts as Ann Darrow, Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie
  • Josie Maran as Mia Townsend, Need for Speed: Most Wanted
  • Jessica Alba as Invisible Woman, Fantastic 4
  • Cornelia Hayes O'Herlihy as Fiona Belli, Haunting Ground
Best Supporting Female PerformanceTraci Lords as Madam Cassandra Hartz, True Crime: New York City
  • Maria Menounos as Eva, James Bond 007: From Russia With Love
  • Rosario Dawson as Tina, Marc Eckō's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure
  • Natasha Bedingfield as Elizabeth Stark, James Bond 007: From Russia With Love
  • Mariska Hargitay as Deena Dixon, True Crime: New York City
Best Original Song"Maybe We Crazy" by 50 Cent, 50 Cent: Bulletproof
Best SoundtrackGuitar Hero
Best Original ScoreWe Love Katamari
Designer of the YearDavid Jaffe, God of War
Best Driving GameBurnout Revenge
Most Addictive GameWorld of Warcraft
Best Fighting GameFight Night Round 2
Best First-Person ActionF.E.A.R.
Best Military GameCall of Duty 2
Best GraphicsResident Evil 4
Best Handheld GameLumines
Best Multiplayer GameGuild Wars
Best Breakthrough TechnologyPlayStation Portable
Best RPGWorld of Warcraft
Best PC GameWorld of Warcraft
Best Wireless Game
Best CastN/A

2004 awards

The 2004 VGAs was held in Santa Monica, California on December 14, 2004, at the Barker Hangar and hosted by Snoop Dogg. The show featured exclusive world premiere game play and footage of Midway Games' Fear & Respect, from John Singleton and Electronic Arts, and for the PlayStation Portable. Musical performances included Sum 41, Ludacris, and a special live performance by Snoop Dogg and the remaining members of The Doors performing "Riders on the Storm". Other performances included Snoop Dogg and Pharrell, Mötley Crüe, Busta Rhymes, and Method Man and Redman in the first-ever performance. Celebrity appearances included Brooke Burke, Samuel L. Jackson, Vin Diesel, Green Day, Giovanni Ribisi, Gabrielle Union, Tara Reid, Papa Roach, Tony Hawk, John Singleton, Danny Masterson, Frankie Muniz, Bai Ling, Ron Perlman, Bam Margera, Freddy Adu, Fabolous, Bobby Crosby, Barry Zito, and Michelle Rodriguez, among others.[25] [26]

AwardWinnerNominees
Game of the Year
Best Game Based on a Movie
Best Performance by a Human FemaleBrooke Burke as Rachel Teller, Need for Speed: Underground 2
Best Performance by a Human MaleSamuel L. Jackson as Sergeant Frank Tenpenny, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Cyber Vixen of the YearBloodRayne, BloodRayne 2
  • Tina Armstrong, Dead or Alive Ultimate
  • Carmen Electra, Def Jam: Fight For NY
  • Luba Licious, Leisure Suit Larry: Magda Cum Laude
  • Rachel Teller (played by Brooke Burke), Need for Speed: Underground 2
Best Driving Game
Best Sports GameMadden NFL 2005
Best Fighting Game
Best Action Game
Best First-Person ActionHalo 2
Best Song in a Video Game"American Idiot" by Green Day, Madden NFL 2005
Best SoundtrackGrand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Designer of the YearJason Jones and Bungie, Halo 2
Best Military Game
Best PC GameHalf-Life 2
Best Wireless GameMight and Magic
  • CBS Sportsline Baseball 2004
  • Jamdat Sports NFL 2005
  • National Treasure
Best GraphicsHalf-Life 2
Best New TechnologyNintendo DS
Best Handheld
  • Pokémon FireRed Version
Best Massively Multiplayer GameCity of Heroes
Best RPGFable
Most Addictive Game (viewer's choice)
Best Gaming Publication (fan favorite)Game Informer
Best Gaming Web Site (fan favorite)GameSpot

2003 awards

The 2003 Spike Video Game Awards was the first video game award show to be hosted by Spike TV. It was held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 2, 2003, and aired on December 4. The event was hosted by David Spade and featured appearances by Lil' Kim, Jaime Pressly, DMX, P.O.D., Orlando Jones, and Cedric the Entertainer.[27] The event also featured a WWE tag team wrestling match with the superstars Rey Mysterio, Chris Jericho, Trish Stratus, and Victoria.[28] [29]

AwardWinnerNominees
Game of the YearMadden NFL 2004
Best Sports GameTony Hawk's Underground
Best Action Game
Best AnimationDead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball
Best Game Based on a MovieEnter the Matrix
Best Driving GameNASCAR Thunder 2004
Best MusicDef Jam Vendetta
Best Performance by a HumanRay Liotta as Tommy Vercetti, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
  • Christina Aguilera as herself, The Sims: Superstar
  • Christopher Walken as George, True Crime: Streets of LA
  • David Duchovny as XIII, XIII
  • DMX, Method Man, and more as themselves, Def Jam Vendetta
  • Giovanni Ribisi as Pvt Elder, Call of Duty
  • Jada Pinkett Smith as Niobe, Enter the Matrix
  • Jenna Jameson as Candy Suxxx, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
  • Snoop Dogg as himself, True Crime: Streets of LA
Most AnticipatedHalo 2
Most AddictiveSoulcalibur II
Best PC Game
Best Online GameFinal Fantasy XI
Best Handheld GameTom Clancy's Splinter Cell
Best Fighting GameWWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain
Best First Person ActionCall of Duty
Best Fantasy GameStar Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Spike's Video Game Hall of Fame

Spike's Video Game Hall of Fame was established to recognize video game "franchises throughout history that have brought the industry to where it is today" – Casey Patterson, executive producer of the VGAs and executive vice president of event production for Viacom Media Networks Entertainment Group. The only inductee, due to the award show ending in 2013, was awarded at the ninth annual Spike Video Game Awards on December 10, 2011. The inaugural, and subsequently only, recipient was The Legend of Zelda franchise. Shigeru Miyamoto accepted the award.

Nomination

With the exception of the fan-voted "Most Anticipated Game", "Character of the Year", and a few other non-annual categories, the award nominees and winners are voted by an advisory council, featuring over 20 journalists from various media outlets. Fans, however, can vote online for which games they think should win each category.

VGX Advisory Council as of November 2013[30]
MemberPositionPublication
Andy McNamara Editor in Chief Game Informer
Ben Silverman Writer Yahoo! Games
News Editor Polygon
Chris Grant Editor Polygon
Chris Kohler Games Editor Wired
Dale North Editor in Chief Destructoid
Darren Franich Staff Writer Entertainment Weekly
Francesca Reyes Editor in Chief Official Xbox Magazine
Host/Executive Producer GameTrailers TV with Geoff Keighley/Spike TV
Editor in Chief Giant Bomb
Jeremy Parish Editorial Director usgamer.net
Co-Creator Penny Arcade
Justin Calvert Executive Editor GameSpot
Logan Decker Editor in Chief PC Gamer
Lou Kesten Reviewer/Editor Associated Press
Ludwig Kietzmann Editor in Chief Joystiq
Co-Creator Penny Arcade
Mike Snider Entertainment Reporter USA Today
Russ Frushtick Senior Editor Polygon
Sophia Tong Editor in Chief GamesRadar
Stephen Totilo Deputy Editor Kotaku
Tal Blevins VP Games Content IGN
Tina Amini Coordinator Editor Kotaku

Reception

Video game journalism veteran Jeff Green has been vocal in his criticism of the Spike Video Game Awards. In his assessment of the 2010 VGAs, Green laments that Spike TV alienated viewers due to their decision to focus the awards on its own primary demographic, rather than the video game community at large. Green states that this leads to appearances by celebrities who "either didn't want to be or know why they were there."[31] 2011 VGA host Zachary Levi recognized this and prior to hosting the event, told MTV in an interview that, "I'm happy to work on the VGAs on Spike and make the network happy, but I want to be respectful to the community of gamers because I am one myself. And [with] the humor involved, I want it to be smart, I want it to be honest, and accurate." Giant Bomb's Alex Navarro has also commented on the VGAs, questioning the importance of the awards themselves next to the VGA's focus on its exclusive reveals.[32]

The 2011 VGAs were given similar criticisms. Kotaku reported that VGA nominees Mark Hamill and Tara Strong were disappointed that they were present at the event but their respective categories were not present at the show, only finding out the results of the "Best Performance by a Human Male" and "Best Performance by a Human Female" awards after the show.[33] Wired.com writer Jason Schreier addressed Spike TV after the event in reference to food eating segments by Felicia Day and the host Zachary Levi having simulations of a sexual act performed on him. Schreier said, "It's not hard to find the root of the problem here: You think we're dumb. You think your audience is so stupid that they'll be amused by YouTube rants and health potion gags. You think we get our jollies out of watching girls bite cupcakes off conveyor belts. You think video game references make a good substitute for humor." Schreier also quoted Joystiq's Justin McElroy, who voiced his concern at many awards being shown together in a short montage. Praise was given for the handling of The Legend of Zelda's induction into the Hall of Fame including the video package of the franchise's releases and an appearance by creator Shigeru Miyamoto.[34]

The 2013 VGX received considerable negative press after airing;[35] much of the criticism was aimed at host McHale's insults towards the developers and the audience.[36] [37] [38] [39]

Parodies

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Spike Video Game Awards renamed VGX, set for Dec. 7. November 15, 2013. Samit Sarkar. Polygon. November 15, 2013. June 29, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180629211222/https://www.polygon.com/2013/11/15/5107808/spike-video-game-awards-vgx-2013-date. live.
  2. Web site: VGX About. Spike TV. November 16, 2013. November 18, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131118060933/http://www.spike.com/vgx/about. live.
  3. Web site: Takahashi. Dean. Geoff Keighley unveils The Game Awards 2014 to replace the VGAs. Venture Beat. November 10, 2014. November 29, 2014. November 27, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141127000111/http://venturebeat.com/2014/11/10/geoff-keighley-unveils-the-game-awards-2014-to-replace-the-vgas/. live.
  4. Web site: Spike VGX 2013 award nominees announced. November 18, 2013. McWhertor. Michael. Polygon. November 18, 2013. June 27, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140627041219/http://www.polygon.com/2013/11/18/5118770/spike-vgx-award-2013-nominees-announced. live.
  5. News: Spike. Staff. EXCLUSIVE "SOUTH PARK" AND "GRAND THEFT AUTO V" CONTENT TO PREMIERE AT VGX 2013. December 3, 2013. Spike.com. December 2, 2013. December 6, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131206042959/http://www.spike.com/articles/h3dw91/vgx-exclusive-south-park-and-grand-theft-auto-v-content-to-premiere-at-vgx-2013. live.
  6. Web site: VGX 2013: The Full List of Video Game Award Winners . . Jones . Elton . December 7, 2013 . November 20, 2014 . March 8, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210308201743/https://heavy.com/games/2013/12/vgx-2013-the-full-list-of-video-game-award-winners/ . live .
  7. Web site: VGX 2013 Video Game Award Categories and Nominations Officially Announced . . November 20, 2013 . Jones . Elton . November 20, 2014 . February 13, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210213163305/https://heavy.com/games/2013/11/vgx-2013-video-game-categories-nominees-spike-tv/ . live .
  8. Web site: 2012 Spike Video Game Awards Nominees Announced. November 15, 2012. Taormina. Anthony. Game Rant. November 16, 2012. March 12, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170312040250/https://gamerant.com/spike-video-game-awards-nominees-2013/. live.
  9. Web site: VGA Hosts From Past 10 Years to Join VGA Ten. November 29, 2012. Spike TV. spike.com. December 3, 2012. December 13, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141213204604/http://www.spike.com/articles/6gv02m/video-game-awards-vga-hosts-from-past-10-years-to-join-vga-ten. live.
  10. Web site: Spike Announces VGA Nominees & Honors "Legend Of Zelda" With First Ever Video Game Hall Of Fame Award. November 16, 2011. Spike Press Release. Spike. November 19, 2011. September 21, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130921091444/http://www.spike.com/press/2011/11/16/spike-announces-first-video-game-hall-of-fame-award-and-complete-list-of-vga-nominees/. live.
  11. Web site: NFL Blitz Cover Athlete To Be Determined Live By VGA Fans. December 6, 2011. VGA. Spike.com. December 10, 2011. December 6, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141206174118/http://www.spike.com/articles/fvto8s/video-game-awafrds-nfl-blitz-cover-athlete-to-be-determined-live-by-vga-fans. live.
  12. Web site: Spike TV Announces 2011 "Video Game Awards" Winners. December 10, 2011. PR Newswire. December 11, 2013. December 14, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131214023016/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spike-tv-announces-2011-video-game-awards-winners-135392198.html. live.
  13. Web site: Solo Violinist Performs Halo Music at 2010 Video Game Awards in LA. December 18, 2010. Diana Yukawa. December 11, 2013. March 15, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120315184819/http://www.dianayukawa.co.uk/Latest_Solo_Violinist_Performs_Halo_Music_at_2010_Video_Game_Awards_in_LA.html. dead.
  14. Web site: Spike TV Announces 2010 'Video Game Awards' Winners. December 11, 2010. PR Newswire. December 11, 2013. June 27, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130627064817/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spike-tv-announces-2010-video-game-awards-winners-111735219.html. live.
  15. Web site: Spike TV Announces 2009 'Video Game Awards' Winners. December 13, 2009. PR Newswire. December 11, 2013. October 8, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121008180818/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spike-tv-announces-2009-video-game-awards-winners-79149557.html. live.
  16. Web site: Spike 2008 VGA Results . December 13, 2009 . December 15, 2008 . Blend Games . February 4, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090204125003/http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Spike-2008-VGA-Results-14035.html . live .
  17. Web site: Spike TV Announces 2008 Video Game Awards Winners . Eric Bush . December 13, 2009 . December 18, 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20081218194710/http://www.planetxbox360.com/article_5364/Spike_TV_Announces_2008_Video_Game_Awards_Winners . live .
  18. Web site: Spike Video Game Awards 2008 Trailer and News Round-Up. December 15, 2008. 1UP Staff. 1UP.com. December 11, 2013. December 13, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131213112511/http://www.1up.com/news/spike-video-game-awards-2008. dead.
  19. Web site: Presenting the 2008 Spike Video Game Award nominees . Kietzmann . Ludwig . . November 13, 2008 . July 20, 2023 .
  20. Web site: Spike TV VGA 2007 Winners Announced . Digital Tech News . December 13, 2009 . December 8, 2007 . September 28, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180928225501/http://www.digitaltechnews.com/news/2007/12/spike-tv-vga-20.html . dead .
  21. Web site: Spike TV 2006 Video Game Awards Breaks the Mold . December 13, 2009 . December 16, 2006 . LAs The Place.com . January 14, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100114013336/http://lastheplace.com/2006/12/15/spike-tv-2006-video-game-awards-the-revolution-will-be-televised/ . live .
  22. Web site: Spike TV Announces 2006 Video Game Awards Winners. PR Newswire. December 11, 2013. December 14, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131214020954/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spike-tv-announces-2006-video-game-awards-winners-56060897.html. live.
  23. Web site: Spike TV VGA 2005 Honors Activision Games . November 23, 2005 . December 13, 2009 . TeamXbox . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090425091604/http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/9815/Spike-TV-VGA-2005-Honors-Activision-Games . April 25, 2009 .
  24. Web site: Winners of Spike TV Video Game Awards 2005. November 21, 2005. starplus.com. December 11, 2013. December 19, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141219014804/http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2005/11/21/winners_of_spike_tv_video_game_awards_2005. dead.
  25. Web site: 2004 VGA . December 18, 2008 . Gamespy.com . Video Game Awards 2004 Award Winners by Spike TV . December 5, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141205043221/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/half-life-2/573823p1.html . live .
  26. Web site: Spike TV Announces Winners of 'Video Game Awards 2004'. December 14, 2004. PR Newswire. December 11, 2013. February 4, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160204181154/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spike-tv-announces-winners-of-video-game-awards-2004-75837082.html. live.
  27. Web site: Unintentional Hilarity at Spike TV. https://web.archive.org/web/20040315160611/http://www.gaming-age.com/cgi-bin/specials/special.pl?spec=spiketv&pagenum=1. dead. March 15, 2004. Lewinson. Tim. December 3, 2003. Gaming Age. November 15, 2009.
  28. Web site: Spike TV's 2003 Video Game Awards. December 5, 2003. The Nbrid Network. December 11, 2013. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20150627043142/http://www.nbrid.net/node/500. June 27, 2015.
  29. Web site: Video Game Awards The Results. December 5, 2003. megagames. December 11, 2013. February 24, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210224094404/https://megagames.com/news/video-game-awards-results. live.
  30. Web site: VGX Award Advisory Council Members. Spike.com. November 18, 2013. November 18, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131118060953/http://www.spike.com/vgx/advisory-council. live.
  31. Web site: A Rant about the Spike VGAs . Jeff . Green . Greenspeak . December 12, 2010 . December 7, 2011 . December 28, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20111228144045/http://jeff-greenspeak.blogspot.com/2010/12/rant-about-spike-vgas.html . live .
  32. Web site: 2011 Spike Video Game Awards Will Award Video Games With Awards, Also Announce Things . Alex . Navarro . . November 3, 2011 . December 7, 2011 . December 6, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20111206093504/http://www.giantbomb.com/news/2011-spike-video-game-awards-will-award-video-games-with-awards-also-announce-things/3787/ . live .
  33. Web site: Mark Hamill, Tara Strong (aka The Joker and Harley Quinn) Both Miffed about the VGAs . Stephen . Totilo . . December 11, 2011 . December 11, 2011 . January 7, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120107141447/http://kotaku.com/5867014 . live .
  34. Web site: An Open Letter To The Spike VGAs . Jason . Schreier . jasonschreier.com . December 11, 2011 . December 11, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20131211090547/http://jasonschreier.com/2011/12/11/spike-vgas/. December 11, 2013. dead.
  35. Web site: Yes, Joel McHale Saved The Train Wreck That Was Spike's VGX Awards – CINEMABLEND. December 8, 2013. November 16, 2016. November 16, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161116230926/http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Yes-Joel-McHale-Saved-Train-Wreck-Was-Spike-VGX-Awards-60945.html. live.
  36. Web site: The Point – The Spike VGX Disaster. November 16, 2016. June 22, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170622121312/https://www.gamespot.com/videos/the-point-the-spike-vgx-disaster/2300-6416530/. live.
  37. Web site: Spike VGX disappoints as Joel McHale flops – Attack of the Fanboy. December 7, 2013. November 16, 2016. November 17, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161117063249/http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/spike-vgx-disappoints-joel-mchale-flops/. live.
  38. Web site: Spike VGX falls flat as awards show. December 13, 2013. November 16, 2016. November 17, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161117211252/https://badgerherald.com/artsetc/2013/12/13/spike-vgx-falls-flat-awards-show/. live.
  39. Web site: VGX And How It Set The Games Industry Back. December 9, 2013. November 16, 2016. November 17, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161117210949/http://www.thesixthaxis.com/2013/12/09/vgx-and-how-it-set-the-games-industry-back/. live.
  40. MADtv Episode #1121, Air Date: May 13, 2006.