Life is Strange: Double Exposure Wins Social Impact Award Amidst Industry Concerns
The conceptual merit of Life is Strange: Double Exposure has been debated, with some, including PC Gamer’s Mollie Taylor, finding it enjoyable yet somewhat “unnecessary.” However, recent news regarding the game’s recognition at the Game Developers Choice Awards (GDC) has sparked a different kind of reaction.
The fact that no representative was present to accept the award for Life is Strange: Double Exposure has been met with concern. This absence is viewed by some as a stark indicator of broader issues within the gaming industry.
Absence at GDC Awards Ceremony Raises Questions
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As illustrated in the video (via IGN), Life is Strange: Double Exposure was honored with the Social Impact Award, triumphing over titles such as 1,000 Times Resist, Astro Bot, Frostpunk 2, and Neva. This award, introduced in 2022, acknowledges games that champion equality, justice, intersectionality, and sustainability, aiming to make a positive difference in lives. However, the award felt bittersweet as no representatives from Life is Strange: Double Exposure’s development team were present to accept it.
Stephen Totilo, a journalist present backstage, noted, “Nearly every winning game had representatives accepting their trophies with elation. The absence of anyone for Life is Strange, the Social Impact award recipient, was conspicuous.”
Layoffs at Deck Nine Contribute to Award Absence
Former Deck Nine narrative designer and writer, Elizabeth Ballou, explained on BlueSky that the team’s absence stemmed from a lack of expectation and subsequent layoffs. “It is ironic that nobody was present to receive the GDCA award for Double Exposure, given that most of us were laid off,” she stated. She added a lighthearted note, “Don’t be concerned for me; I am fortunate to be working on BitLife now, which I enjoy.”
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Ballou, employed at Deck Nine for nearly two years, was among the initial wave of layoffs at the studio in February 2024. Despite her positive outlook, the situation remains concerning, particularly as Deck Nine experienced a second substantial round of layoffs in December, contributing to this very circumstance.
Miscommunication or Symptom of Industry Challenges?
While miscommunication from the event organizers could be a contributing factor, as Ballou mentioned, “some of us are at GDC, but we were unaware of the nomination, hence unprepared to accept,” it is also reasonable to consider broader industry implications.
The idea that developers laid off from a studio might not be informed of an award nomination, or even consider it a possibility, is not entirely unfounded. This is particularly relevant given Square Enix’s recent announcement in a financial meeting that Life is Strange titles had not been profitable. Adding to the somber tone is the implication that Deck Nine might not have had any staff available to represent them at the event.
In a subsequent post featuring an image of the award, Ballou appealed, “Please hire the individuals who created this game and were subsequently laid off.”
Industry-Wide Concerns Acknowledged
This situation serves as a poignant example of the difficulties currently facing the gaming industry. The Game Awards, typically known for its celebratory atmosphere, also acknowledged the industry’s challenging climate last year, recognizing the widespread concerns.