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West Coast Editors: Harrison Rose, Roger Drummond
East Coast Editorial Director of Games and Content: Michelle Alexandria
The National Academy of Video Game Testers and Reviewers Corp. was incorporated on January 4, 2001, in the State of Maryland.
Each year, a voting body of more than 950 voters has the opportunity to participate in the most comprehensive awards program
for the gaming industry. Through a vast array of unique categories, the annual awards recognize outstanding achievements
and innovations in video game art, technology, and production. The quantity of artistic categories reflects the ever-growing
similarities between the interactive entertainment industry and the traditional Hollywood movie industry.
Through annual awards, television specials, videos, and other future plans involving asset archives in public libraries
and universities, we hope to preserve the history of the medium as well as honor the creative and technical individuals who
have paved the way for new ideas and innovations.
The public perception of the industry is also a focus for the Academy. We believe that by encouraging more recognition
of many of the industry’s talented individuals, the enhanced visibility of these leaders will lead to a greater public
appreciation of the medium as an art form, and possibly change the face of video game marketing.
This Academy wants to change all that. Dedicated members of the industry and members of the press are stepping
forward to recognize the video game achievements that you don't hear about on the evening news' entertainment report.
Our mission is to bring awareness to this industry so that the public understands the limitless artistry that can come from
this interactive medium. Video games are an art form, and our unique award categories reflect just how far that art
has come.
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"Back in '82 when I was executive editor on Electronic Games magazine, we were constantly asking
the industry [why] it refused to publicize its creative talent. Imagine any other entertainment industry -- books, movies,
TV, music, etc. -- where successful past product by an artist or artists was not used to market current and future product.
How many times have we seen [ads saying] 'From the people who brought you [name of hit game]' or 'By the creators of [name
of game]?' Not many. As long as the developers remain anonymous, they will never have any value beyond 'What have
you done for us lately?' (read: the last quarter)."
-Bill Kunkel
In its effort to recognize emerging talent and new ideas, NAVGTR Corp. includes categories for Original Games in addition
to the sequel or series categories. This strategy not only allows the voters of the Academy to recognize and honor a
greater variety of products, but also gives original IP a fighting chance against the well-known franchises in a tremendously
sequel-driven industry.
As a new service to our reviewers in the media, the Academy web site will begin listing upcoming game releases and their
contacts for media. Listings may include games, game peripherals and game-related books. For more information,
please contact our editor.
In the coming weeks and months, the Academy will also survey its active voters to develop a match-a-reviewer tool for consumers
to track critics that share their values, sensibilities, and priorities.
In addition, the Academy will also launch a program to foster the creative development of new writers with the participation
of established editors looking for new and qualified voices for outstanding freelance work.
The program will culminate in recognition for the most outstanding credentialed, independent, and newcomer
reviewers.
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