The Grand Game Awards, an award ceremony in Algeria, has declared Shawn Layden as the Godfather for The Grand Game Awards 2026. The event will take place on December 17.
Shawn Layden has previously been President of Sony Computer Entertainment Japan, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Sony Network Entertainment International, and President and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment America. He has also served as Chairman of Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studio. The Grand Game Awards outlines what the title of Godfather represents in a press release:
The title of Godfather of the Grand Game Awards is an honorary distinction reserved for one individual per edition. It is presented to a respected personality whose career, contributions and influence represent values that the Grand Game Awards wishes to celebrate. It is presented to a respected personality whose career, contributions and influence represent values that the Grand Game Awards wishes to celebrate.
It is not a competitive award or an ordinary ceremonial position. Rather, it is a special recognition of an individual’s legacy and the impact they have had on the video game industry. Since the introduction of this distinction, the Grand Game Awards has had the privilege of welcoming three remarkable personalities:
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- Mohamed Hakim Soufi – Godfather of the 1st Edition (2023).
- Fawzi Mesmar – Godfather of the 2nd Edition (2024).
- Peter Moore – Godfather of the 3rd Edition (2025).
Now, for its 4th Edition, this exclusive honor is entrusted to Shawn Layden, adding another distinguished name to the legacy of the Grand Game Awards.
Layden will be the first guest to open the ceremony when it takes place on December 17. His opening speech will share his perspective with developers, publishers, industry professionals, and players and will usher in this year’s theme of “Dreaming and Aiming Always Higher.” The event organizers will share more details about the event via its website in the weeks leading up to its premiere.
