Future Class cohort was both award and incubator for admirable individuals in the gaming industry
Beyond nominating video games for different categories of awards, The Game Awards has also propagated a Future Class in the past. Those recognized as a part of the Future Class cohort were meant to reflect the “bright, bold, and inclusive future” of video games, much like Forbes age lists give props to thought leaders every year. But the Future Class designation is going away, according to organizers speaking to Game Developer.
Future Class was more than just a nod to standout individuals in the world of gaming. It also acted as a nexus for networking and career advancement. While some alumni have expressed gratitude for being a part of Future Class, others have felt that the program did not do enough for its cohort. Complaints were levied against multiple aspects of Future Class, from the lack of assistance to attend the show to providing no compensation for mentoring new inductees.
Future Class appeared to be put on hold in 2024, when The Game Awards did not include the award in its programming. The absence followed after a 2023 controversy where some Future Class participants signed a letter urging the event to use its platform to voice support for the Gaza crisis.
“You gave us the role of ambassadors of a better future — as such, our duty towards you and all the players world-wide compels us to speak up,” the letter said. The letter also argued that the gaming industry routinely dehumanized Black and brown people, and challenged creators in the space to do better.
Though this is the second year that TGA has not nominated a Future Class, event organizers had not officially announced its cancellation until now. The absence has been noted, in part, due to the apparent erasure of any mention of Future Class on the official Game Awards website. Show creator and producer Geoff Keighley did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Game Awards 2025 are scheduled for Dec. 11.
