The Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences (AIAS) has announced the recipients of its 4th annual Interactive Achievement Awards. The Awards were presented at a gala event held in San Jose at Polly Esther’s on March 22. DIABLO II (PC), developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment, garnered three awards, including the top honor of overall Game of the Year 2001 and Computer Game of the Year.

On Thursday, March 22, 2001, one of the fathers of TV animation, William Hanna, died at his home in North Hollywood, California. He was 90 years old. Born in Melrose, New Mexico, on July 14, 1910, Hanna and his partner, Joseph Barbera created such beloved cartoon characters as Tom and Jerry, The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound and Scooby-Doo. Hanna, a trained engineer, began his animation career during the Depression when he took an ink and paint position at Harman-Ising Studios.

Rainbow Studios has opened a new office in Phoenix and a new satellite office in San Francisco. "At a time where many studios are downsizing or restructuring to remain competitive, Rainbow Studios is experiencing tremendous growth in all aspects of our business -- from digital cinema to game development," said Scott Novis, vice president of engineering at Rainbow Studios.

* Friday, April 20 - Saturday, April 21, 2001. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

* Monday, April 30, 2001. Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.A.

* Thursday, October 25 – Sunday, November 4, 2001. Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.

Entry Deadline: May 15, 2001.

* Friday, April 27 – Sunday, April 29, 2001. Everett, Washington, U.S.A.

* Friday, April 27, 2001. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

* Friday, September 14 – Thursday, September 20, 2001. New York, New York, U.S.A.

Entry Deadline: May 15, 2001

* Wednesday, April 25 – Thursday, April 26, 2001. Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.