WhatCulture Gaming The Problem With Geoff Keighley Live Shows
Aug 21, 2025
The conversation kicks off with critiques of Gamescom's Opening Night Live, discussing presentation choices and their effects on the community. There's a deep dive into the stagnation of game innovation, highlighting the need for diversity in genres. Lego Batman's upcoming game sparks skepticism over its narrative depth and open-world design. Excitement builds around new releases like Silent Hill F and Ninja Gaiden 4, but concerns about gameplay accessibility also arise. Finally, the evolution of historical war games highlights the unique offerings of niche titles.
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Show Felt Overproduced And Canned
- Scott and Ewan found Opening Night Live visually polished but emotionally canned and promo-heavy.
- They felt Jeff Keighley’s control over major reveal shows leads to repetitive, sponsorship-driven presentations.
Unreal Engine Homogenizes Visual Identity
- Ewan argues Unreal-era visual homogenization flattens art direction across many games.
- He worries particle effects and fidelity often replace distinctive visual identity.
Stylish Screenshots Can Mask Sameness
- Scott admires 3D anime visuals as a tech triumph but notes lack of variety when many studios use the same style.
- Rapid successive reveals reduce distinction between titles and tire audiences.