Game Artists And Stars Get Awards Show

Lara Croft may be walking a red carpet next to PacMan, as video game stars are about to get their first awards ceremony. U.S. cable network The New TNN, a unit of the MTV Network's division of Viacom Inc., has announced plans to host an awards show honoring the creators and stars of the best video games. Airing exclusively on The New TNN, the Video Game Awards is scheduled to debut in the latter part of 2003, with a two-hour telecast. The show is the brainchild of and executive produced by Albie Hecht, president of film and television entertainment for The New TNN. The network is promising a unique and wild show, which will honor the best video games as voted by players and fans. Categories will include: Hottest Hero and Heroine; Most Addictive; Coolest Villain; Best All-Around Badass; Most Difficult to Master; Best Free For All Carnage; Best Soundtrack; Hottest Graphics; Best Kick Ass Weapon; Best Game Based on a Movie; Best Celebrity Actor and Actress in a Game; Best Pro-Sports Game; "Hall of Fame" Award; and Game of the Year.