Apart from honoring video games in multiple award categories, TGA in the past highlighted a Future Class. Individuals chosen within the Future Class cohort were intended to embody the “bright, bold, and inclusive future” of video games, much like how certain yearly lists feature key figures. Yet, the Future Class program is going away, per program organizers.
Future Class was not just a nod to prominent individuals in the video game world. It also served as a hub for networking and career development. Although certain past members expressed appreciation for participating in the program, some believed that the initiative did not do enough for its members. Complaints was directed at multiple aspects of Future Class, including the lack of assistance to attend the show to offering no payment for guiding recent participants.
Future Class was put on hold in the current year, when TGA left out the recognition during the event. This omission followed a 2023 issue where a number of those in the program endorsed a letter encouraging the event to employ its stage to express solidarity with a particular global crisis.
"You gave us the responsibility of representatives of a brighter tomorrow — accordingly, our duty towards you and all the players around the world compels us to voice our views," the letter stated.
The letter further contended that the games community routinely dehumanized specific communities, and challenged professionals in the space to do better.
Although this is the second consecutive year that The Game Awards has omitted a Future Class, event organizers had not formally declared its end until now. The absence has been noted, in part, due to the seeming deletion of all references of Future Class on the the event’s online portal. The show creator and producer did not immediately respond to a request for a statement.
Next year’s Game Awards are scheduled for the 11th of December.
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