Shashdot is reporting about the Gamasutra questions of the week concerning the possibility of a video game Oscars. Thankfully, the question of the week had a few mentions of the GDCAs, though mostly from people I know (Darius is quoted, as well as Coray).

I think probably the best comment in the whole thing comes from Ben Hoyt:

Perhaps the most fundamental difference between our industry and those for which these awards shows are more successful, is this that these industries can legitimately claim to have “an Academy” that represents it. To do that, one of these organizations (IGDA, AIAS, perhaps another), must offer a package of services that makes membership worthwhile, while also limiting that membership to truly qualified professionals. Only then will such an organization be able to really claim that it speaks with a voice that represents the opinions of the people who make games.

I have to agree with Ben here. The IGDA tries, but in my mind it still can’t really say that it is the definitive voice for of developers with “only” about 10,000 members (though I will say, that number is pretty awesome). I do think, though, that this is changing as the organization grows both through the IGDA’s own efforts and through the evangelism of some of its members. Furthermore, as more and more student and independent members, some of whom are very active and very strongly believe in the mission of the IGDA, begin to grow into their positions as professional game developers, that 10,000 number begins to get more slanted toward the true voice of developers. I know many student members or simply “unsigned” members that over the past few years have joined the rank of the professional, and are still just as evangelical about the IGDA as the were when they started. This is good, I think, and it can only get better.

Going back to award shows, there are two (serious) shows that are mentioned in the Gamasutra article: the GDCAs and the DICE awards. I could go into the reasons I personally like the IGDA over the AIAS generally, but in terms of awards, there’s one major reason: take a look at the nominee list for the IGDA over the AIAS. Notice anything missing from the AIAS awards? How about the actual people responsible? Jason made a post about this, which is why it’s fresh in my mind, but I think it’s important. It’s like this quote from the Gamasutra article (which I actually whole heartedly agree with):

The industry needs to starting approaching public relations by identifying individuals associated with the creative process of electronic games. Get Tim Schafer on Conan O’Brian. Get Will Wright on the Today show. Once the public starts identifying individuals with the electronic game industry, more clout for an awards ceremony for the industry would exist.
-John Seggerson

Although many game developers would reply with “but I don’t want to be famous” (or as I’ve overheard Warren say (paraphrased), “there’s nothing more ironic about fame in an industry that wants to take control away from the creators.”) but, really, we need to put a more human face on game development. It doesn’t matter that, in reality, a whole team made a game. A whole team makes a movie, but only the actors and the directors go on the press tours. What’s wrong with your EP or designer going on the press tour? He’s selling “your” game! More people will see “your” work! It’s a good thing! Anyway, that’s what I think.

As it stands, I think the IGDA will eventually “win” the awards “battle,” for one very good reason: for the IGDA, the GDCAs are a means to an end, for AIAS, DICE is the end. It’s labeled quite clearly in their respective goals:

AIAS:

Recognize outstanding achievement in interactive content and the entertainment software community.
Conduct an annual awards show and enhance the image and awareness of entertainment software.

IGDA:

To increase the recognition and respect of game developers and the art form of games.

Personally, I’m glad I’m with the organization that looks to gain respect for the developers and their art form, rather than the one that’s mostly interested in the end content.