Alyssa Mercante’s December 10, 2025 report for Kotaku says a 60-second trailer at The Game Awards 2025 could cost up to $450,000, while a three-minute trailer could cost over $1 million. Those are estimates attributed to sources familiar with that year’s show—not rates confirmed by the organizers or a published rate card.
What did the report say a Game Awards trailer costs?
Kotaku attributed two figures for The Game Awards 2025 to sources familiar with the show:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Trailer length | Reported 2025 figure | What the wording means |
|---|---|---|
| 60 seconds | Up to $450,000 | A reported upper figure, not a confirmed standard price for every 60-second placement. |
| Three minutes | Over $1 million | The report gives a lower bound, not an exact $1 million price. |
The amounts concern the 2025 ceremony. They should not be treated as a current rate card for later shows, and the report does not establish that every featured game paid for a trailer.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
How strong is the evidence for those prices?
The rates are source-attributed estimates. Kotaku said two sources familiar with the 2025 show provided the figures. Two people in video-game publishing, who had not been briefed on that year’s rates, told Kotaku the amounts sounded consistent with what they expected based on previous years. That reaction is industry context, not independent confirmation of the 2025 prices.
#1 Best Overall
- VIDEO GAME TROPHIES: Total Size Of Each Video Gaming Trophy Is 7.25"H.
- VIDEO GAME AWARDS: Customize Now With Your Own Text Engraving! Our Design Experts Personalize Each Video Games Controller Trophy With Care.
- EYE CATCHING DESIGN: Gaming Trophies, Gaming Awards, Video Gamer Trophy, Video Game Competition Trophies And More.
Game Developer and Insider Gaming also reported the figures, but both traced them to Kotaku. Their coverage shows that the estimates circulated; it does not supply separate verification. The organizers did not publicly confirm the trailer rates in the reporting cited here, and no official rate card was provided.
Do all developers have to pay for a slot?
No. Kotaku describes a mix of paid placements and free, curated opportunities. The show sells slots for trailers, reveals, previews, and sponsorships tied to awards. Some placements are held for major surprises, while Geoff Keighley also chooses projects to champion with free slots. The report does not publish complete eligibility rules or a list identifying which games paid.
Rank #2
- Ample Quantity, Ideal for Events: This package includes 24 video game medals with neck ribbons, ensuring every participant receives their well-deserved video game award. This bounteous quantity of video game party favors prevents shortages during various gaming events and activities, making them perfect for both competitive tournaments and casual game nights.
- Distinctive Design That Resonates: Featuring an exquisite bronze color and relief game pattern design, these video game trophies are easily identifiable even from afar. The unique shape and design display deep, gaming-specific appeal, resonating with players and spectators alike, making them exceptional award choices for any video game competition.
- Ideally Sized Medals: Our video game party award medals bear the ideal diameter of about 1.97 inches/5 cm and thickness of 0.1 inch/0.25 cm, making them suitable for gaming events. We meticulously select these dimensions to enhance their appearance without compromising on comfort or utility during extended gaming sessions
- Sturdy and Reliable: Constructed from reliable zinc alloy with a smooth surface, these video game awards are sturdy and resistant to fading or deformation. Their quality build ensures they withstand regular handling, offering recipients a lasting memento to cherish from their gaming achievements. Reward your players with a video game trophy that lasts through years of gaming memories.
- Versatility for Different Occasions: Not only are these video game medals perfect for competitive gaming purposes, but they also serve as terrific motivational tools for various events. Use them in esports tournaments, gaming conventions, LAN parties, birthday celebrations, or family game nights. Always have a rewarding system at the ready with these versatile video game party medals that celebrate gaming achievements across all skill levels groups
That distinction matters: the reported figures describe paid trailer placements, not a fee every developer must pay to appear. The article also does not establish how rates vary by timing, placement terms, or other factors.
Why does the event sell promotional slots?
Kotaku describes The Game Awards as a livestream without commercial breaks that sells in-show promotion, including trailers and sponsorships. That is the commercial context for paid placements alongside curated free ones; it does not, by itself, show whether a particular fee is profitable or worthwhile for a publisher.
Rank #3
- Ample Quantity, Ideal for Events: this package includes 18 video game medals with neck ribbons, ensuring every participant receives their well-deserved video game award; This bounteous quantity of video game party favors prevents shortages during various gaming events and activities, making them perfect for both competitive tournaments and casual game nights
- Design: featuring exquisite game-themed designs, these video game trophies are easily recognizable even from a distance; Their shape and design showcase a profound, game-specific appeal, resonating with players and viewers alike, making them an outstanding award choice for any video game competition
- Ideally Sized Medals: our video game party award medals bear the ideal diameter of about 1.97 inches/5 cm and thickness of 0.1 inch/0.25 cm, making them suitable for gaming events; We meticulously select these dimensions to enhance their appearance without compromising on comfort or utility during extended gaming sessions
- Durable and Reliable: these video game medals are made of reliable zinc alloy with epoxy resin, resulting in a smooth, durable surface that resists fading or deformation; Their construction ensures they withstand daily handling, providing recipients with a permanent keepsake that they cherish for their gaming achievements; Rewarding your players with a video game trophy can be a way for them to reminisce about years of gaming
- Versatility for Different Occasions: not only are these video game medals perfect for competitive gaming purposes, but they also serve as terrific motivational tools for various events; Use them in gaming conventions, birthday celebrations, or nights; Always have a rewarding system at the ready with these versatile video game party medals that celebrate gaming achievements across all skill levels groups
The show combines announcements with awards, a balance Keighley described to The Game Business as “a balancing act.” Some viewers want more awards and others more announcements, he said, reflecting the competing roles the event tries to serve.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What did the report say about nominee tickets?
Kotaku also reported that nominated studios generally received two tickets, based on accounts from multiple developers speaking anonymously. Additional attendance could mean buying tickets: one unnamed source said Sandfall Interactive paid around $300 per ticket at face value for extra attendees. That is a single reported example, not a universal ticket price.
Rank #4
- CUSTOM ENGRAVING INCLUDED – Personalize the gold plate with up to 5 lines of text. Add a gamer name, team, tournament title, achievement, date, score, or special message to create a one-of-a-kind award.
- MADE FOR GAMING LEGENDS and CHAMPIONS – Celebrate first place, MVP, high score, most improved player, league champion, or a hard-fought win. A memorable award for casual gamers, competitive players, teams, and esports events.
- PERFECT FOR GAMERS: Ideal for gaming tournaments, competitions, or events, this trophy honors top players in style.
- MEMORABLE KEEPSAKE: Makes an impressive and lasting award that any dedicated gamer will be thrilled to receive.
- VERSATILE USE: Suitable for esports events, gaming leagues, birthday parties, and casual gaming competitions alike.
The report noted exceptions and differing experiences around access, including developers who described being offered nominee tickets and others who struggled to find adjacent resale seats. The organizers did not respond to Kotaku’s request for comment on ticket allocation. These anonymous accounts describe reported practice, not a guaranteed entitlement for every nominated studio or every year.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWhat remains unknown?
- There is no official public rate card or organizer confirmation of the cited trailer figures in the reporting described here.
- The full range of 2025 prices, placement terms, and any factors that might change the fee are not stated.
- The report does not identify which featured publishers paid, establish a return on investment, or verify rates for later editions.
Accordingly, the precise answer to “How much does a trailer at The Game Awards cost?” is limited: Kotaku reported that a 60-second 2025 slot could cost up to $450,000 and a three-minute slot over $1 million, according to sources familiar with the show. Those reported estimates are not confirmed universal prices.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
