The International Game Developers Assoc. (IGDA) announced the six gaming professionals receiving special honors at the 4th Annual Game Developers Choice Awards for contributions invaluable to the evolution of interactive entertainment. The founders of PopCap Games will receive the IGDA's newest honor, the Maverick award; game music pioneer Masaya Matsuura will receive the First Penguin award; and BioWare CEOs Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk will be acknowledged for Community Contribution.
The Maverick Award recognizes the achievements of a developer who exhibits independence in thought and action while experimenting with emerging forms of digital games. The first recipients will be the three founders of PopCap Games, Brian Fiete (engineer), Jason Kapalka (game designer) and John Vechey (business development).
"Having ventured into the online space during the ill-fated Internet bust, the founders of PopCap Games have demonstrated true maverick qualities," said Jason Della Rocca, program director, IGDA. "While entrepreneurs' dreams were being crushed, they persevered and carved out a niche in online gaming, which has now become a mainstream pastime."
Acknowledging developers who have taken risks to break new ground, the First Penguin award will go to music genius Masaya Matsuura for his trailblazing work with beat-rhythm and music games. Matsuura was instrumental in the release of PARAPPA THE RAPPER in Japan, one of the first break-through music games.
"I am honored to be recognized for breaking the ice in bringing music to the gaming world," said Matsuura. "I feel proud that my passion for blending rhythm and images has made an impact on an industry. The exciting thing is that games have so much growth potential."
The IGDA Award for Community Contribution is presented to a developer who has made significant efforts in building community and advancing the art form of interactive entertainment. This year's award will be given to BioWare's joint ceos, Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk. Serving on a number of boards and committees year after year, Muzyka acting as founding co-chair on the IGDA Business Committee and Zeschuk acting as IGDA board member.
"We can only hope to find more gems like Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk," said Della Rocca. "As these inspiring CEOs strive to improve our industry, they will undoubtedly impact and foster more influential leaders."
The 4th annual Game Developers Choice Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 24, 2004, during the Game Developers Conference (GDC), the leading professional development event for the interactive entertainment industry, in San Jose, California.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
