And I'm not just talking physically--though the set looks amazing and hot damn do I wish I could be there in-person.
It's one thing to have an infotainment podcast put on a huge production for a rankings list; it's another thing entirely to use that as a foreground for what I can only describe as a jubilant, raucous, and beautiful celebration of the video game medium.
From the incredible cast of talent that have lent their voices towards this production--Jack Quaid, Ben Starr, Alanah Pearce, Nolan North--to the actual developers phoning in to say how much it means to them that their game was included, this is an amazing showcase of the relationships that the KF crew have been building over the years. And that's significant for a few reasons: first, it shows that--agree or disagree with their takes or jokes or demeanor--the KF crew have a tremendous amount of respect in the industry. I know we all know this, but these past few days have really demonstrated the weight behind that. Second, and maybe most important, this is a reminder that games are not just products: they are collaborative and challenging works of art created by people, for people. Putting the human talent of games in front and center of the conversation makes that fact indelible.
I won't go on about how difficult this time in the industry is or how "now more than ever we need recognition of human artists" etc etc. We all know this; hell, it's all they talk about on Gamescast whenever another shitty AI or Studio Closure story comes up in the news. But it's true, and I'm just blown away by how fucking life affirming this whole event has been in the face of all that bullshit. Geoff Keighley likes to call the Game Awards a "celebration of games," but the TGAs feel like an extended Youtube ad compared to what KindaFunny have done with this.
On a personal note: thank you KF for helping me to get through my dull workdays. Thank you for giving me hope that there are still so many people out there who actually give a shit. Thank you Nick and Andy for letting me crash your Marathon stream that one time. Thank you Blessing for agreeing to play every single Bionicle game on stream, something you definitely remember agreeing to and will definitely not take back.
Thank you everyone. This has been such a special thing to be a part of.
~Zekespeke