Geoff Keighley clarifies how trailers are selected for Gamescom Opening Night Live
Geoff Keighley has clarified the selection process for trailers featured at Gamescom’s Opening Night Live digital showcase, scheduled for next week. According to Keighley’s press briefing, the event employs a two-tier system: games selected through editorial discretion are included for free, while other developers and publishers can secure trailer placements through paid sponsorships.
This clarification comes amid ongoing scrutiny of paid placement practices in major gaming industry events. Kotaku previously reported that securing a 60-second trailer slot at The Game Awards—another Keighley-hosted event—could cost up to $450,000. Similarly, Aftermath reported last summer that Gamescom Opening Night Live charged approximately €102,500 (about $119,600) for equivalent 60-second placements.
The distinction between editorially selected and paid content appears designed to balance industry prestige with revenue generation. Keighley hosts both The Game Awards and Opening Night Live, positioning him as a central figure in gaming’s showcase ecosystem. The transparency around selection criteria may address industry concerns about fairness and accessibility for smaller studios and independent developers seeking exposure at major events.