Over the years, video games have become increasingly recognized as works of art, rather than just a series of bloodbaths and tools of escapism. While games are not quite at the recognition level that Hollywood productions receive, it’s a safe bet that interactive media still brings in truckloads of artists and oceans of raw passion. In order to help recognize this talent and the achievements that it brings, the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences (AIAS) has released a series of highlights from its 14th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards (IAAs) that are downloadable courtesy of Xbox LIVE.
Mass Effect 2 wins Game of the Year
The IAAs are a series of prominent video game awards that are intended to recognize the best that the interactive entertainment industry has to offer each year. Awards were given in various categories, including Game of the Year and Outstanding Achievement in Game Direction. “We are excited to provide Xbox LIVE members the special opportunity to view highlights from the Interactive Achievement Awards. This may be many gamers’ first introduction to the IAAs, and they will be able to see some of their favorite games from 2010 honored,” said Martin Rae, president of the AIAS. Bing Gordon and his Lifetime Achievement Award acceptance speech, “The Golden Age of Gaming,” will also be shown in its entirety.
On top of the IAAs, also included via Xbox LIVE are select sessions from the 10th Annual D.I.C.E. (Design, Innovate, Communicate, Entertain) Summit. Sessions from the conference were recorded, and include the following distinguished guest speakers:
John Stevenson, filmmaker & director of Kung Fu Panda
- Richard Garriott, Co-Founder and Creative Director, Portalarium, speaking on his foray into space and its influence on him from a game creation standpoint in his session titled, “Achieving the Impossible – Creating Games and Gateways to Space!”
- John Stevenson, filmmaker and director of Kung Fu Panda, speaking on passion and pursuing his dreams as an animator in his session titled, “Monsters, Muppets and Movies”
- Dr. Dave Gallo, Director at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, speaks on diving deep into the ocean and exploring the Titanic in “Exploring the Ocean Deep in 3D: To the Titanic and Beyond”
Anyone who has an appreciation for the finer things that go into making these interactive experiences is strongly encouraged to check out these award sessions and speeches. They are all available as free downloads on Xbox LIVE. The full show can also be viewed on G4TV’s website. Finally, a full list of the winners can be viewed AIAS’s website.
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