Geoff Keighley has sparked widespread speculation with a hellish statue in California's Joshua Tree National Park, hinting at a surprise for The Game Awards on December 11, 2025. The installation features glowing red tendrils and eerie sounds, drawing visitors and online buzz. Insiders have debunked popular theories, building anticipation for the event.
Teaser Campaign Overview
Geoff Keighley, host and producer of The Game Awards, initiated a real-world marketing stunt on November 28, 2025, by posting the cryptic phrase 'regal.inspiring.thickness' alongside an image of a massive carving depicting humanoid figures in a desert setting. The next day, he shared a Google Maps pinpoint in Joshua Tree National Park, California, off Yucca Mesa Road. Visitors have documented the monolith—a demonic statue etched with screaming skeletons of humans and creatures, illuminated by red-glowing tendrils at night. It emits ambient, hellish sounds resembling echoes from a cavern with lurking demons, and knocking on its door prompts a response from within. A security guard oversees the site.
On December 5, Keighley escalated the mystery with another teaser: 'The █████ are silent. █████ bleeds. New █████ stir.' This has fueled viral discussions on social media, Reddit, and TikTok, reminiscent of past alternate reality games like I Love Bees for Halo 2 or the Frog Fractions 2 puzzle.
Theories and Denials
Speculation has linked the statue to various titles due to its infernal theme. Some pointed to Diablo 4's 2026 expansion, citing the hellish imagery, but Windows Central's Jez Corden's claim was refuted by Bloomberg's Jason Schreier, who stated it is unrelated. Schreier also denied connections to The Elder Scrolls 6, joking he'd only reveal more after drinks at the event. God of War veteran Cory Barlog confirmed it's not for the next God of War game. Other guesses include The Elder Scrolls Online—suggesting the crocodile carving as a Daedroth and the desert as Alik'r Desert reference—or even Half-Life 3 and Doom. Devolver Digital humorously claimed it for Skate Story, but that's unfounded.
'No idea where Jez is getting that, but this statue is not teasing the Diablo 4 expansion. (I don't currently plan on reporting what it is, sorry, but it's a good one),' Schreier wrote. The ambiguity serves to hype The Game Awards itself, ensuring viewers tune in for the reveal amid awards for Game of the Year and world premieres.
This stunt echoes extravagant past promotions like Microsoft's Xbox 360 desert launch in 2005, contrasting with today's viral, low-key tactics amid AAA gaming's challenges.