Trailers at The Game Awards Could Cost Studios Up to $1 Million

by Jonathan Dubinski December 11, 2025

written by Jonathan Dubinski December 11, 2025

Key Takeaways

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The cost for a trailer slot at The Game Awards can reach up to $1 million, which is double the rate of Opening Night Live.
- For instance, a 60-second trailer at The Game Awards in 2025 might cost around $450,000.
Financial risk is significant for studios showcasing trailers at The Game Awards due to the high costs involved.
- While it offers major announcements and indie title exposure, the expense must be justified in terms of potential return on investment.

Game Awards Trailer Costs Studios Up to $420K per Minute, Double Opening Night Live Rates

Securing a trailer slot at The Game Awards can cost studios up to $1 million, according to Kotaku. Citing two anonymous sources, Kotaku reports that a three-minute trailer at the Geoff Keighley-presented event now exceeds that amount. This cost is double that of appearing at Opening Night Live, another event hosted by Keighley. Two studios confirmed to Kotaku that, while this year’s exact figures are not yet public, the costs align with those of previous years. Last year’s Game Awards garnered 14 million YouTube views. If every viewer watched the entire program, this translates to roughly $70 per minute, though this is unlikely. Trailer prices at The Game Awards are reportedly double those of Opening Night Live. For example, a 60-second trailer at the 2025 Game Awards cost as much as $450,000. In contrast, Opening Night Live 2025 charged $500,000 for a three-minute ad, $150,000 for 30 seconds, and $210,000 for one minute. If The Game Awards’ rates are indeed double those of Opening Night Live, approximate costs would be $300,000 for 30 seconds and $420,000 for one minute. These figures apply to longer trailers, with shorter ones costing less.

Financial Risk of Showcasing Trailers at The Game Awards for Studios

Keighley typically features major announcements and select indie titles, but it is up to each studio to determine whether the exposure justifies the expense. Ultimately, for teams considering participation, presenting a trailer at The Game Awards represents a significant financial risk.

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