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GDC Choice names special award recipients

Harmonix co-founders and Video Games Live co-founder to be honoured in ceremony hosted by Tim Schafer

The 2009 Game Developers Choice Awards, has named the recipients of two of its special awards, while also revealing that Double Fine founder Tim Schafer is to host this year's ceremony, set to take place at the Game Developers Conference on March 25.

Harmonix co-founders Alex Rigopulos and Eran Egozy are set receive the Pioneer Award, for the work they did on the Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchises.

"With the music game genre exploding into a true phenomenon in recent years, we wanted to honour the key developers behind its rise to power," said Meggan Scavio, event director of the Game Developers Conference.

"Alex and Eran's dedication to both music and gaming has helped to entwine the two in ways that have truly advanced the art form, and they are worthy Pioneers."

In addition, Tommy Tallarico, co-founder of the Video Games Live concert series and founder of the Game Audio Network Guild, will receive the Ambassador Award for helping to advance the game audio community.

"We're delighted to honour Tommy Tallarico for his wok advocating for game audio creators worldwide," said Simon Carless, chair of the Game Developers Choice Awards Committee.

"He's a true Ambassador for the game musician, and his larger than life persona includes a heart of gold when it comes to caring about the entire video game industry."