The Best Game Awards Moments That Will Live On Forever

6 May 2025

The Game Awards, often dubbed as gaming's version of the Oscars, has become the annual spectacle where gamers, developers, and industry veterans gather to celebrate the best of the best in gaming. And let’s be honest—this event has delivered some truly epic moments that we'll be reminiscing about for years. From jaw-dropping surprises to tear-filled speeches, The Game Awards is a treasure trove of unforgettable memories.

So, grab your favorite gaming snack, sit back, and let’s take a nostalgic trip down memory lane to revisit the best Game Awards moments that will live on forever.

1. The "Keanu Reeves, You're Breathtaking" Moment

Let’s kick things off with one of the most legendary moments in Game Awards history: Keanu Reeves’ surprise appearance in 2019. It was during Xbox’s showcase of Cyberpunk 2077 when Keanu casually strolled onto the stage to the sound of a roaring crowd.

But what truly made the moment iconic wasn’t just Keanu's undeniable charm—it was that perfect, unscripted moment when a fan shouted, “You’re breathtaking!” Without skipping a beat, Keanu fired back with, “No, YOU’RE breathtaking!”

It wasn’t just a wholesome exchange; it cemented the internet's love for Keanu and gave us infinite gifs, memes, and warm fuzzies. Seriously, has there ever been a more meme-worthy Game Awards moment? I think not.

2. The "Hideo Kojima FINALLY Gets His Standing Ovation" Moment

If you were around in 2015, you probably remember the massive controversy when legendary game director Hideo Kojima was barred from attending The Game Awards by Konami (yes, we’re still side-eyeing you for that, Konami). It was awkward, it was petty, and it left everyone in the gaming community fuming.

Fast forward to 2016, and Geoff Keighley made sure to right that wrong. Kojima finally took the stage to accept his well-deserved Industry Icon Award, receiving a standing ovation that could have been heard across the multiverse.

The moment wasn’t just a victory for Kojima—it was a victory for creativity, passion, and everything that makes video games an art form.

3. The Orchestra That Brought Goosebumps

The Game of the Year medley has become a staple at The Game Awards, and honestly, we’re here for it. But the 2017 orchestral performance? That was NEXT LEVEL.

Imagine a live orchestra seamlessly weaving through tracks from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Horizon Zero Dawn, Persona 5, and PUBG. It was the kind of musical magic that gives you chills.

You didn’t have to be a hardcore gamer to appreciate it either. The sheer talent and passion on display reminded everyone why gaming deserves to be celebrated on such a grand stage.

4. Josef Fares and His "F the Oscars" Rant

You can’t talk about The Game Awards without mentioning the now-legendary Josef Fares moment. During the 2017 show, the creator of A Way Out* took the stage and, well... let’s just say he let loose.

Standing next to Geoff Keighley, Josef went on a passionate, unscripted rant filled with energy, excitement, and a couple of expletives for good measure. The highlight? When he proudly proclaimed, “F* the Oscars!” while vigorously defending video games as a superior medium of art and storytelling.

The sheer authenticity and chaos of it all made the moment unforgettable. Love him or hate him, you have to admit—Josef Fares gave us something to talk about for years.

5. When "Among Us" Got Its Flowers

It’s easy to assume that games like Among Us were always destined for success, but anyone who’s been paying attention knows that isn’t the case. The indie gem from Innersloth actually launched in 2018 but didn’t gain traction until 2020, thanks to streamers and a global pandemic that had us all yearning for social connection (and low-key betrayals).

When Among Us won the Best Multiplayer Game award in 2020, it was a truly heartwarming moment. The small, humble team at Innersloth couldn’t contain their emotion, and their genuine gratitude was a beautiful reminder of why the indie scene matters.

Now, every time you yell “SUS!” at your friends, you can thank The Game Awards for highlighting this gem.

6. Reggie, Iwata, and Miyamoto Take the Stage

Let’s rewind to the 2014 Game Awards for a moment that hit us right in the feels. Reggie Fils-Aimé, Satoru Iwata, and Shigeru Miyamoto shared the stage to celebrate Nintendo’s legacy and unveil new footage of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

It was pure magic seeing these industry legends together, but there was an added layer of poignancy knowing that Iwata, Nintendo’s beloved president, would sadly pass away the following year. This moment now stands as a bittersweet reminder of Iwata’s impact on gaming and the indelible mark he left on the industry.

7. The Stunning Reveal of Elden Ring

There’s no denying that Elden Ring had one of the most hyped announcements in Game Awards history. When the first teaser dropped in 2019, it was the gaming equivalent of a mic drop. A collaboration between FromSoftware and Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin? Yes, please!

The cryptic trailer left us with more questions than answers (as most FromSoftware projects do), but the hype train was officially in motion. Then, in 2021, we got an extended gameplay trailer that solidified Elden Ring as one of the most anticipated games of the decade. Spoiler alert: it lived up to the hype.

8. Christopher Judge’s Record-Breaking Speech

When Christopher Judge, the voice of Kratos in God of War, accepted the Best Performance award in 2022, no one could have predicted what would come next: a speech that lasted a whopping eight minutes.

Was it long? Absolutely. Did it feel heartfelt? You bet. Judge’s emotional words resonated with fans and reminded us that the people behind our favorite games pour their heart and soul into their work. And hey, if you’re gonna set a record, you might as well do it at The Game Awards.

9. The Game Awards "Crash Bandicoot" Hype Fake-Out

The 2019 Game Awards had fans buzzing with speculation about a new Crash Bandicoot announcement, and boy, did Geoff Keighley deliver… sort of. During the broadcast, an actor in a Crash suit descended from above, leading everyone to believe a massive reveal was coming.

Instead, it turned out to be a tongue-in-cheek promo for Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled. While not quite what fans expected, the playful moment still brought plenty of laughs, and it’s a neat reminder that The Game Awards knows how to keep us guessing.

10. The Bizarre, Unforgettable "Flute Guy" Performance

Who could forget the flute guy from the 2022 orchestral performance? As the medley for Game of the Year nominees played, one musician in the orchestra stole the show with his passionate, almost over-the-top performance on the flute.

The internet exploded with memes about "Flute Guy," and he instantly became a fan favorite. His enthusiasm was a perfect encapsulation of the joy and passion that The Game Awards celebrates each year.

11. "Bill Clinton Kid" Hijacks the Show

Unfortunately, not every memorable moment is a positive one. Case in point: the bizarre hijacking of the 2022 awards by a random teenager who snuck onto the stage and gave a baffling shoutout to “my reformed rabbi, Bill Clinton.”

While the moment was confusing and somewhat awkward, it became an unintentional meme that dominated social media for weeks. Security tightened, the internet laughed, and we were all left scratching our heads.

Final Thoughts

The Game Awards isn’t just a celebration of the year's best games—it’s a snapshot of the gaming community, a place where the unexpected happens, and a stage where we witness history. These moments, from the heartwarming to the hilarious to the downright chaotic, are what make The Game Awards a can’t-miss event.

And with each new year, you can bet there will be even more moments to add to this growing list. Who knows what surprises Geoff Keighley and the gaming world have in store next?