It hasn't been an easy year for The Game Awards host Geoff Keighley. For his opening monologue, Keighley got candid and emotional talking about the death of his father, David Keighley, who was the first chief quality officer for Imax.
In addition, Keighley experienced the loss of his home because of a natural disaster to start the year. "I don't usually open up about personal things on stage, but 2025 tested me in ways I didn't expect," Keighley said. "In January, my home burned down to nothing but ashes here in the Los Angeles fires. And just a few months ago, I lost my dad, who quietly sat in this audience every single year--proud, supportive, always cheering us on.
"My mom's here tonight, and we've left an empty seat beside her in his honor. I miss you, dad."
Hours before The Game Awards began, Keighley announced on X that "tonight’s show is dedicated to him." Keighley added a picture from last year's event, circling his dad sitting in the audience.
While the loss of his father has been painful, Keighley noted that The Game Awards has given him strength. He wanted tonight to be a celebration of how video games can lift us when we're down and serve as a respite from the real world.
For more, GameSpot also has you covered with all of The Game Awards winners and the biggest announcements from the show.
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In addition, Keighley experienced the loss of his home because of a natural disaster to start the year. "I don't usually open up about personal things on stage, but 2025 tested me in ways I didn't expect," Keighley said. "In January, my home burned down to nothing but ashes here in the Los Angeles fires. And just a few months ago, I lost my dad, who quietly sat in this audience every single year--proud, supportive, always cheering us on.
"My mom's here tonight, and we've left an empty seat beside her in his honor. I miss you, dad."
Hours before The Game Awards began, Keighley announced on X that "tonight’s show is dedicated to him." Keighley added a picture from last year's event, circling his dad sitting in the audience.
While the loss of his father has been painful, Keighley noted that The Game Awards has given him strength. He wanted tonight to be a celebration of how video games can lift us when we're down and serve as a respite from the real world.
For more, GameSpot also has you covered with all of The Game Awards winners and the biggest announcements from the show.
Source