Geoff Keighley’s Insane Attempt to Copyright ‘Game Awards’

Geoff Keighley Moves to Trademark 'The Game Awards,' Threatening Independent Creators Like Stuttering Craig

Geoff Keighley, the face of The Game Awards, has filed a trademark for the term “The Game Awards,” a move that could spell trouble for smaller creators and independent outlets. Notably, Stuttering Craig of SideScrollers and his upcoming The Real Game Awards could face legal issues if Keighley’s filing is approved.

Keighley launched The Game Awards in 2014 as a celebration of gamers and their favorite titles. However, critics argue the show has evolved into a corporate-driven spectacle, prioritizing exclusive trailers and studio partnerships over authentic gamer engagement.

One major point of contention is the voting process. While The Game Awards boasts a public voting system, the audience vote accounts for only 10% of the results. The remaining 90% is decided by a media jury composed of journalists from major outlets like IGN, Polygon, and Variety. Following criticism in late 2023, including a video exposé by Moriarty of the ReallyCool YouTube channel, the show quietly removed its jury page, raising further suspicion.

The awards also highlight categories like “Games for Impact,” a divisive segment celebrating titles with “pro-social meaning.” Critics argue this category prioritizes social agendas, while traditional genres like sports barely get recognition.

YouTuber SmashJT tackled this issue in his video “Geoff Keighley Must Be Stopped,” where he criticized Keighley’s trademark attempt as a power grab. “The Dorito Pope is actually moving forward with trying to silence any kind of opposition,” SmashJT said, referencing Keighley’s infamous nickname tied to excessive product placement during a 2012 interview.

Keighley’s trademark filing could directly impact initiatives like Stuttering Craig’s The Real Game Awards. Craig’s vision focuses on player-driven voting rather than journalist panels. If the trademark is approved, Keighley could take legal action against any awards show using “game awards” in its name or marketing.

Trademarking such a generic term may face challenges, as U.S. patent laws generally prohibit common-use language from being copyrighted. However, Keighley’s resources and industry clout could tip the scales in his favor.

SmashJT summed it up: “It’s the most generic terminology for an award show you could imagine. If he gets the right people to approve this, it could crush anyone else trying to celebrate games on their own terms.”

Keighley’s move has sparked backlash from creators and fans alike, with many seeing it as an attempt to monopolize recognition in the gaming industry