Industry And Government Take Centre Stage For The British Academy Video Games Awards

In association with Nokia N-Gage & PC World

London, September 1 2006. Today BAFTA headquarters played host to some of the biggest names in the UK games industry, as the British Academy shared its vision, ambitions and support for the fastest-growing art form of the 21st century. The presence of Shaun Woodward, minister for the Creative Industries and Tourism, and Will Wright, legendary creator of The Sims and Spore showed commitment to the industry and the art form respectively.

Today's event further highlights the Academy's commitment to the development of the contemporary art form of video games, and to lending equal weight to its British Academy Video Games Awards as that given to film and television.

Speaking prior to the event, Creative Industries Minister, Shaun Woodward said: "It's absolutely right that BAFTA recognises the talent and creativity in the games industry.

"Video games are a huge part of the creative industries in the UK and deserve full recognition for their vital role in our economy. The huge diversity of games, from entertainment to education, put them at the centre of culture in Britain."

October 5 2006 sees the launch of the new British Academy Video Games Awards ceremony at the Roundhouse. The high-profile Awards ceremony will reward artistic, creative and technical innovation within all aspects of video games creation.

Now poised to be the global benchmark for excellence in video games, the Awards have the full support of the industry, together with ELSPA, TIGA, the London Development Agency and the BAFTA Video Games committee which comprises senior executives and creatives from Microsoft, Sony, Eidos, Activision, Nintendo, Sega, EA, and Ubisoft.

Key speakers and order of play

· Hilary Bevan-Jones, chairman of the Academy, outlines the Academy's support of video games

· Shaun Woodward, minister for Creative Industries and Tourism, on the government's support of the Awards and industry

· Rob Cooper, chairman of the London Games Festival and managing director of Ubisoft on the context of the awards and an introduction to the festival

· Paul Jackson, chairman of the BAFTA Games committee and director general of ELSPA on the importance of the Awards and their contribution to mainstream acceptance

· Ray Maguire, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, UK, Ireland and Nordic countries for Sony Computer Entertainment Europe on the future of entertainment

· Will Wright, Vice President and Chief Designer, Electronic Arts & Creator of The Sims series and Spore, on video games as an art form

About BAFTA

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is the UK's leading organisation dedicated to the recognition and promotion of excellence in the fields of the moving image. Renowned for its high profile Film & Television Awards ceremonies, the prestigious BAFTA mask has long been seen as a symbol of excellence.

For more information, please contact:

Ben Mason / Charlotte Fraczek

Fleishman Hillard - 020 7395 7061 / 7072

ben.mason@fleishmaneurope.com charlotte.fraczek@fleishmaneurope.com