TNN considers video game awards show

Thursday December 19, 2002

LOS ANGELES (AP) A cable TV channel said Thursday it wants to honor the coolest villain, hottest heroine and best free-for-all carnage that video games have to offer.

The National Network is hoping to present the Video Game Awards late next year, although plans still are in the works.

Categories would include game of the year, best pro sports game, soundtrack, graphics and most difficult to master.

Fans and industry insiders would vote for the winners.

TNN's show concept hasn't impressed the academy because it could spotlight old games around the holiday shopping season, when new games are being promoted.

``The game industry is not interested in supporting a show that honors games they don't even have on the shelf anymore,'' said Paul Provenzano, president of the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences.

U.S. consumers spent $9.4 billion last year on video game hardware and software $1 billion more than they spent to buy movie tickets.

The industry already has the Interactive Achievement Awards ceremony.

(Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)