The Unscripted Moments That Stole the Show at Game Awards

13 January 2026

Every December, gamers around the world gather around their screens to watch the Game Awards—a night dedicated to celebrating the very best of what the gaming industry has to offer. Of course, the awards themselves are incredible, and the reveals often leave us breathless. But let’s be real here, it’s not just the glitzy announcements or the golden trophies that keep us glued to the event. No, what really captures our hearts are those unplanned, unscripted moments that remind us the Game Awards is more than just a rehearsed ceremony. It’s a gathering of passionate people who love video games, and sometimes that passion spills out in magical—and often hilarious—ways.

In this article, we’ll walk through some of the most memorable unscripted moments in Game Awards history. Buckle up—this ride is about to get delightfully chaotic.

What Makes Unscripted Moments So Special?

You know that saying, "Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans?" The same holds true for live events like the Game Awards. Sure, organizers meticulously plan every second of the show, from the stage lights to the teleprompter scripts. But it’s the moments that weren’t in the script that end up becoming the stuff of legend.

Think about it—these are the moments when the human element of the gaming community shines brightest. Whether it’s an emotional speech, a funny mishap, or a totally unexpected interruption, unscripted moments remind us that gaming isn’t just about pixels and polygons. It’s about people. And, honestly, who doesn’t love a good surprise?

History-Making Unscripted Moments

1. "Reformed Orthodox Rabbi Bill Clinton" (2022)

Let’s kick it off with one of the wildest unscripted moments in Game Awards history. Picture this: Elden Ring had just won the Game of the Year award in 2022. The developers were on stage, basking in their well-deserved glory. All was right with the world... until a random kid appeared out of nowhere during their speech.

As the music swelled and the audience applauded, the unnamed teenager calmly walked up to the mic and said, "I want to thank my reformed orthodox rabbi, Bill Clinton." Cue confusion, laughter, and a lot of memes. The audience didn’t even know what hit them.

The incident went viral in a matter of minutes, leaving everyone scratching their heads and the internet doing what it does best—turning chaos into comedy. Was it an elaborate prank? A performance art piece? Who knows? One thing’s for sure: it was an unscripted moment for the ages.

2. Josef Fares' "Eff the Oscars" Rant (2017)

If you’ve been following the Game Awards for a while, you probably remember Josef Fares. He’s the wildcard developer behind games like It Takes Two and A Way Out. Back in 2017, Fares took the stage to promote A Way Out, but instead of sticking to the script, he went full send.

In a passionate—and slightly tipsy—moment, Fares went on a mini-rant about how much he loves gaming, even throwing shade at the Oscars in the process. "The Oscars? Eff the Oscars! You know what? Eff them!" he yelled, punctuating it with a thumbs-down.

Was it professional? Not really. Was it unforgettable? Absolutely. Fares’ unfiltered energy was a reminder that gaming brings out raw, unpolished passion in people, and honestly, we stan.

3. Keanu Reeves Calling Us "Breathtaking" (2019)

When Cyberpunk 2077 was still riding the hype train in 2019, none other than Keanu Reeves graced the stage to present the game. Now, we all know Keanu is as wholesome as it gets, but what happened next cemented his status as an internet legend.

While hyping up the game’s world, Keanu declared, “The feeling of being there, of walking the streets of the future, is really going to be breathtaking.” That’s when a fan in the audience shouted, “You’re breathtaking!” And what did Keanu do? He pointed right back and said, “You’re breathtaking! You’re all breathtaking!”

Boom. The internet exploded. Memes were born. Hearts were melted. It was a simple exchange, but it felt so genuine that it resonated far beyond the gaming world.

4. Christopher Judge’s Surprisingly Long Speech (2022)

When God of War: Ragnarok won Best Performance at the 2022 Game Awards, Christopher Judge (Kratos himself) took to the stage to accept the award. What should have been a short and sweet speech turned into an epic, heartfelt monologue that stretched nearly eight full minutes.

Judge took his time thanking everyone he could think of—from the developers to his family—and reflecting on his journey as an actor. Was it long? Yes. But it was also deeply moving. By the end, fans were cheering him on while Geoff Keighley (the host) visibly panicked about the schedule.

The internet had a field day with memes about the speech, but deep down, we all knew Judge deserved his moment. And hey, who needs a clock when you’re pouring your soul out, right?

5. Hideo Kojima and the Del Toro Bromance (2016)

Hideo Kojima, the legendary creator of Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, has had his fair share of iconic Game Awards moments. But it was in 2016, after a messy breakup with Konami, that Kojima stole the spotlight.

As he took the stage to accept the Industry Icon Award, fans erupted in cheers. Guillermo del Toro, Kojima’s long-time collaborator and friend, stood by his side and later took to Twitter to deliver an unfiltered message: “F* Konami.”

The unscripted camaraderie between Kojima and del Toro was a beautiful moment of solidarity, showing that even in the corporate world of gaming, genuine friendships trump all.

Why Do These Moments Resonate So Much?

Ever notice how the best moments in life are rarely planned? A game crashing hilariously, a streamer forgetting their mic is hot, or a cosplayer photobombing someone’s selfie—these moments remind us why we love gaming culture. It’s raw. It’s real. It’s human.

The unscripted moments at the Game Awards work the same way. They cut through the corporate polish to deliver genuine, often unexpected, joy. Whether it’s a fan yelling from the audience, an improvised one-liner, or even a meme-worthy gaffe, these moments become a part of gaming folklore.

What’s Next for Game Awards Chaos?

If history is any indication, the 2023 Game Awards are bound to deliver another dose of unscripted magic. Maybe it’ll be another surprise guest crashing the stage. Maybe someone will give a speech so chaotic, it makes Josef Fares’ rant look tame. Or perhaps a live demo will go hilariously off the rails.

One thing’s for sure—we’ll be tuning in, popcorn in hand, hoping for another iconic moment to add to the list. Because let’s face it, perfection is overrated. Give us chaos. Give us heart. Give us breathtaking Keanu-level vibes.