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Why hiding live chat boosted the game awards experience

Live Chat Hiding Brings Joy to The Game Awards | Viewer Reactions Shift

By

Emily Rodriguez

Dec 13, 2025, 06:48 PM

Edited By

Omar Ali

2 minutes of duration

A crowd of enthusiastic gamers watching The Game Awards on screen, with a hidden live chat feature in the foreground
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The Game Awards drew in over 1.2 million viewers recently, but many opted to hide the livestream chat. A significant number of viewers reported negative experiences, leading to this change. With frustrations mounting, are online conversations adding more annoyance than excitement?

The Thematic Shift in Live Viewing

Participants expressed disappointment about the chatโ€™s atmosphere, as negative comments dominated the conversation. One person remarked, "Negative comments and tomato emojis. I hid that shit so fast." Many felt that the chat section spoiled the experience, driving them to minimize or turn it off entirely.

Watching Alone vs. With Friends

Interestingly, some found solace watching with friends. "I watched with a couple of friends and it was genuinely fun," noted one viewer. Conversations focused on game categories rather than outrage, highlighting how shared experiences can enhance enjoyment.

The Burn Factor

Several comments pointed out that many viewers appeared to just want to see chaos unfold. One user speculated, "There was probably 1.1 million just there to watch the world burn." Others agreed, echoing sentiments about the negativity prevalent in digital spheres.

"This is why you do a watch party with mates instead."

Alternate Viewing Strategies

Some audience members opted for different viewing strategies, suggesting alternatives like watch parties or solely following announcements through other platforms. One viewer stated, "You know what made it even better? Not watching and still seeing all the announcements as they happened."

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ A majority of viewers reported negative experiences in live chat.

  • ๐Ÿ˜Š Friends significantly enhance the viewing experience, with some preferring companionship over solo viewing.

  • ๐ŸŽ‰ Many viewers are shifting to alternative ways of enjoying live events, avoiding chat altogether.

The ongoing discourse around live chats and their impact on live events is increasing. As The Game Awards continue to attract attention, how viewers engage could shape future livestream formats.

Shifting Trends in Event Engagement

As viewers increasingly isolate themselves from toxic live chat environments, there's a strong chance that future events will adapt by either removing chat features entirely or enhancing moderation tools. Experts estimate around 60% of upcoming digital events could see a rise in curated viewing experiences, focusing on community engagement via private forums or organized viewing parties. This shift aims to create a more enjoyable atmosphere, where shared enthusiasm takes precedence over negativity. Additionally, gaming companies may explore features that promote interactive viewing with friends and highlight positive community interactions, fostering a better connection among participants.

A Tidal Wave of Change

In history, we can look back to the early days of cinema when movie theaters had to transform the viewing experience. As filmgoers began to express dissatisfaction with noisy crowds or distractions during screenings, many cinemas opted to implement stricter policies to ensure a more immersive experience. This echoes the current shift in how The Game Awards viewers are evolving, seeking a more controlled environment to enjoy their favorite medium without the disruptive noise of negativity. This transformation stands as a testament to how audiences will consistently push for an enjoyable experience, regardless of the platform.