In an attempt to bring widespread recognition to the interactive entertainment industry, a group of industry bigwigs banded together Tuesday to form the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences. Under the presidency of Disney Interactive VP Marc Teren, the nonprofit will organize glitzy Hollywood-style awards next spring for individuals in the CD-ROM, platform-based games, and Web entertainment industries.
"Interactive entertainment is a $5 billion dollar industry, approximately equal to total box ticket sales for the film industry, and the key message we're sending is that it is a significant cultural and entertainment force," comments Doug Lowenstein, AIAS founder and president of the Interactive Digital Software Association.
The Academy board includes Sony Interactive President Kelly Flock and former Microsoft Interactive Media VP Patty Stonesife, and upper-level execs from Electronic Arts, Disney, and Nintendo.
Lowenstein dismisses the flashy awards ceremonies already established for the interactive entertainment industry, such as Digital Hollywood or Cool Site of the Year: "Digital Hollywood doesn't have the critical mass of support from the dominant names in the industry."
AIAS hopes to differentiate itself by basing the awards on peer review, a la Pulitzer.
