Beyond honoring video games in different award categories, The Game Awards previously showcased a Future Class. Those selected as part of the Future Class were meant to reflect the “optimistic, daring, and welcoming future” of video games, akin to how other annual lists feature prominent figures. But, this initiative is going away, per event organizers.
Beyond Simply Honor: The Purpose of Future Class
Future Class was not just a tribute to exceptional figures in the gaming community. It also served as a hub for career networking and career advancement. Although a number of participants voiced gratitude for being part of Future Class, others expressed that the program was insufficient for its cohort. Feedback focused on multiple areas of the program, ranging from the insufficient support to be present at the event to offering no payment for guiding new inductees.
Recent Controversy and Program Suspension
Future Class seemed to be suspended in 2024, when The Game Awards did not include the recognition from its schedule. This omission followed a previous year dispute where some Future Class members endorsed a open letter calling on the event to leverage its influence to express solidarity with an international issue.
"You gave us the role of representatives of a brighter tomorrow — therefore, our obligation towards you and all the gamers world-wide compels us to voice our views," the statement read.
The letter additionally claimed that the video game sector often marginalized Black and brown people, and challenged developers in the industry to do better.
Official Announcement and Website Changes
Although this is the second consecutive year that TGA has not nominated a Future Class cohort, program organizers had not officially announced its cancellation until now. The omission has been remarked upon, in part, due to the seeming deletion of any trace of the program on the official Game Awards website. The event’s founder and producer did not immediately respond to a request for a statement.
The Game Awards 2025 are set for Dec. 11.
