Among the ceremonies dedicated to video games around the world, we now have the Grand Game Awards. They aim to reward the industry’s greatest achievements in the MENA region (Middle East, Egypt, and Maghreb).
The third edition took place on December 19. As you might have expected at this point, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was crowned Game of the Year. It also won 10 other awards, including Best Narrative, Best Soundtrack, Best Performance, Studio of the Year, and the Fan Award.
However, one award caused quite a stir. Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, won the first Industry Icon award for his leadership at Xbox over the past 11 years. In 2025, however, the American giant laid off several thousand people across many sectors. Xbox closed The Initiative, canceled Perfect Dark, and other projects.
Spencer still recorded a video speech. He said that his teams will continue to “listen to gamers, support creators, and invest in offering more choices.”
Congratulations to Phil Spencer on this well-deserved recognition! His leadership in the gaming industry has truly made a significant impact. It’s exciting to see new events like the Grand Game Awards celebrating achievements in gaming.
Absolutely, it’s great to see Phil Spencer being acknowledged for his contributions! His vision for inclusivity in gaming has really set a positive tone for the industry. It’s exciting to think about how his leadership will shape the future of gaming even further.
the gaming industry has really shaped the way we experience games today. It’s interesting how his focus on community and accessibility has influenced not just Xbox, but the entire gaming landscape.