The legendary David Crane (Pitfall!, A Boy and His Blob) is being awarded the new “Pioneer Award” from the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences. Here are more specifics from Wired Game|Life’s Chris Kohler:
The Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences, the industry group which puts on the prestigious DICE Summit each year, would choose Crane as the recipient of its first Pioneer Award, which recognizes videogaming visionaries who took the first steps in the early days of the industry. The academy will present Crane with the award at its 13th annual Interactive Achievement Awards ceremony Feb. 18 in Las Vegas.
Crane is a legend and absolutely deserves the award, though I am a bit confused as to why the AIAS needs this award and the hall of fame. That aside, Crane had a huge influence on the industry and it’s fantastic that he’s being recognized. The AIAS is one of my favorite organizations in the business and its DICE Summit is — by far — my favorite industry event of the year. A truly great game developer being lauded by an excellent organization? That is excellent news.
