Make a night of The Game Awards
The Game Awards return December 10. With Disney+ joining the broadcast, here’s how to choose between the Los Angeles theater and a watch night with friends.
Archive · 2025Inside this guide
The most useful name on your Game Awards plan might be the friend you want sitting next to you. Someone who will recognize a few seconds of music, argue for an overlooked game or want to talk when a trailer ends. Pick that person first. The rest of the evening is easier to arrange.
This year's show takes place Thursday, December 10, 2026, at Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles. The opening act starts at 4:30 p.m. Pacific, or 7:30 p.m. Eastern. Public seats are limited and paid; the broadcast has free viewing options. That leaves two good ways to make an occasion of it: go for the atmosphere of the theater, or put a little care into a watch night with friends.
There is fresh news for the second group. On November 12, Disney+ announced it would carry the show live in the U.S. and select international markets, joining returning streaming partners including YouTube and Twitch. You can choose the screen that works for your household. A new broadcaster is also a useful reminder to test your setup before everyone arrives.
Some of the best moments are musical
The Game Awards combines prizes, announcements and live music. A little preparation makes the music particularly rewarding. Think of a game whose soundtrack you would recognize without seeing the title: a melody from a menu, a boss fight or the place you kept returning to. Ask a friend for theirs. You have a conversation going before the first envelope opens.
Last year's production offers a concrete example. Evanescence performed “Afterlife” from the animated Devil May Cry series, and the Game Awards Orchestra played a Game of the Year medley composed by Lorne Balfe. Those are moments from 2025, useful for understanding the show's range. For the 2026 performers, check the official site as the show approaches.
At home, give the sound a quick check from the seats people will actually use. Dialogue should be intelligible without making the loudest section uncomfortable. A laptop balanced near the snacks can serve a small group; a television with a familiar streaming app can make the picture easier to share. Use the equipment you can get working reliably.
