The gaming world has been obsessed with a mysterious 8-foot demon statue that appeared in the Mojave Desert near Joshua Tree, California, and Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier just made things even more confusing. After Geoff Keighley posted coordinates to the statue location on November 29, fans immediately started speculating it was teasing Diablo 4, Elder Scrolls 6, or God of War. Schreier has now shot down all three theories, stating it’s none of those games but adding cryptically that it’s a good one. The reveal is scheduled for The Game Awards 2025 on December 11, and Schreier’s endorsement has fans more hyped than ever.
The Statue and Its Clues
Keighley’s initial social media post contained three words: regal.inspiring.thickness. This wasn’t random poetry but a What3Words location address pointing to a specific spot near Joshua Tree in the Mojave Desert. Fans quickly decoded the location and traveled to see the statue in person, discovering an elaborate art installation featuring demonic figures surrounding a sinister portal design. At night, the portal area illuminates with red light, and the statue reportedly makes knocking sounds if you knock on the door-like structure. A security guard watches over the installation, confirming this is an official marketing stunt rather than guerrilla art.
The statue depicts screaming skeletons of both humans and creatures with red tendrils glowing at night. Detailed analysis of the sculpture reveals what appears to be a bear among the demonic imagery, which initially led many to believe this was related to Diablo 4’s next expansion. Windows Central reporter Jez Corden suggested it was Diablo-related, but Schreier immediately shut that down. God of War director Cory Barlog also confirmed yesterday that the statue has nothing to do with his franchise, despite rumors that God of War could be heading to Egypt for its next installment.
What Schreier Actually Said
Posting on the gaming forum ResetEra, Schreier wrote: 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. He followed up by saying he would only reveal more information if someone found him at the JW bar next week and asked really nicely after he’d had a few drinks. This playful response has only intensified speculation about what the announcement could be.
The phrase it’s a good one coming from Schreier carries weight. He’s known for being skeptical and selective about what he endorses publicly, so his approval suggests this is a genuinely exciting reveal rather than another disappointing expansion or DLC announcement. The fact that he’s deliberately withholding information despite knowing what it is demonstrates that the announcement is significant enough to preserve the surprise for The Game Awards audience.
Leading Theories
With Diablo 4, Elder Scrolls 6, and God of War eliminated, fans have pivoted to new speculation. The most popular current theory is that this could be related to Exodus, an upcoming sci-fi RPG from former BioWare developers at Archetype Entertainment. The statue’s mix of demonic imagery, alien-looking creatures, and the bear detail could potentially fit that game’s aesthetic. Some optimists are hoping for a Doom announcement given the demonic portal imagery, though that seems like wishful thinking.
Other theories include Soulframe from Digital Extremes, though they typically save major announcements for their own TennoCon event. Housemarque’s upcoming game Saros has been mentioned repeatedly in social media discussions. There’s speculation about a completely new Star Wars game separate from Star Wars Zero Company or Eclipse. A few desperate fans are still clinging to hopes for Half-Life 3 or a major surprise like Elden Ring Nightreign getting a bigger showcase than expected, though that game was already announced at Game Awards 2024.
Why This Marketing Works
Keighley and The Game Awards team have successfully created a viral marketing campaign that costs relatively little compared to traditional advertising but generates massive buzz. The physical statue installation is creative and interactive, giving fans something tangible to visit and photograph. The gradual reveal of clues keeps the conversation going for weeks rather than a single announcement that gets forgotten. Social media engagement has been enormous, with everyone from industry insiders like Sean Murray (No Man’s Sky creator) joking that Geoff is simply opening a hell portal to regular gamers debating endlessly about what it could be.
The statue strategy also benefits from speculation culture in gaming. Players love mysteries and secrets, and the gaming community has become extremely skilled at decoding cryptic hints. By giving just enough information to spark theories but not enough to confirm anything, Keighley has created the perfect viral puzzle. Whether the final reveal lives up to the hype remains to be seen, but the marketing campaign has already succeeded in driving attention to The Game Awards 2025.
FAQs
What is the mysterious statue in the desert about?
The statue is an 8-foot art installation in the Mojave Desert near Joshua Tree, California, featuring demonic figures and a glowing portal. It’s teasing a major game announcement at The Game Awards 2025 on December 11, though the specific game hasn’t been revealed yet.
What did Jason Schreier say about the statue?
Schreier confirmed the statue is not related to Diablo 4, Elder Scrolls 6, or God of War. He stated it’s a good one but declined to reveal what game it’s actually teasing, saying people will have to wait for The Game Awards to find out.
When is The Game Awards 2025?
The Game Awards 2025 will take place on December 11, 2025, at 7:30 PM EST at the Peacock Theater. The statue mystery will presumably be solved during the show with a major game announcement or trailer reveal.
Where is the desert statue located?
The statue is located at coordinates corresponding to the What3Words address regal.inspiring.thickness, which points to an area near Joshua Tree, California, off Yucca Mesa Road in the Mojave Desert. Fans can visit the location in person, and a security guard watches over it.
What are the leading theories about what the statue represents?
Current popular theories include Exodus (a sci-fi RPG from former BioWare developers), Soulframe from Digital Extremes, Housemarque’s Saros, a new Doom game, or a completely unannounced Star Wars title. However, no theory has been confirmed.
Does the statue make sounds?
Yes. According to people who have visited the statue, if you knock on the door-like structure, something will knock back. The statue also glows red at night, creating an eerie atmosphere in the desert location.
Why is everyone trusting Jason Schreier’s opinion?
Schreier is a highly respected gaming journalist at Bloomberg known for accurate insider information and reporting. When he says something is a good one, it carries weight because he’s typically skeptical and selective about what he endorses publicly.
Conclusion
The Game Awards statue mystery has become one of the most effective viral marketing campaigns in recent gaming history. By placing a physical installation in the desert and slowly revealing clues, Keighley has generated weeks of speculation and debate across social media, forums, and gaming outlets. Jason Schreier’s cryptic endorsement has only amplified the hype, eliminating obvious guesses while confirming that whatever is being revealed is worth the buildup. Whether it’s Exodus, Soulframe, Doom, or something completely unexpected, the marketing has already succeeded in making this one of the most anticipated announcements at The Game Awards 2025. We’ll find out in just a few days whether the reveal lives up to the massive expectations that this demon statue has created. Until then, the speculation continues, and that’s exactly what Keighley wanted.