AIAS and IFC to Televise Interactive Achievement Awards

So, did the Spike TV Video Game Awards show leave you feeling, well, a little juvenile about the industry? Looking to see the video game industry I a little more of a professional light? Well, it looks like you’re going to be getting your wish. Earlier today, the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences (AIAS) and IFC (Independent Film Channel) announced that they’ve entered into a partnership to bring the 12th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards to television audiences for the first time. The awards presentation will take place on Thursday, February 19th at the Red Rock Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, while broadcast of the show will take place on IFC in April 2009. The IAA broadcast will be condensed into a half hour special with highlights from the IAAs and will be hosted by comedian, actor, and “proud game enthusiast”, Jay Mohr.

“Bringing the Interactive Achievement Awards to our audience marries alternative culture with alternative content,” said Jennifer Caserta, executive vice president and general manager of IFC said. “The Interactive Achievement Awards is an exciting and highly anticipated addition to our programming line-up that will include award highlights, scenes from the red carpet and interstitials hosted by IFC News’ Matt Singer.”

Unlike a lot of other awards (ahem … you listening out there Writers Guild?), the IAAs are supported by all of the major video game publishers and developers in the industry. No person may vote unless he or she can demonstrate a threshold level of experience and professional credits in the industry. The IAAs are “the only peer-based awards that recognize the year’s best games, computer games, online entertainment, outstanding individuals and groundbreaking developments teams.”

“The Academy is excited to bring the Interactive Achievement Awards — the Oscars of video games — to the IFC audience,” said Joseph Olin, President, AIAS. “The amazing popularity of interactive entertainment is attributed to the manner that today’s games allow people to be part of fantastic worlds, incredible challenges and the simple fun of sharing these experiences with friends and family. As IFC celebrates the creative spirit of independent filmmaking, I can think of no better place to showcase the talented men and women who are responsible for our dynamic entertainment art form.”