Ken Kutaragi, the former head of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc, is to be awarded the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award by The Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences.
Regarded colloquially as the “father of PlayStation” by gamers and industry folk worldwide, Kutaragi has been honoured for revolutionising the in-home entertainment market thanks to the success of the Sony PlayStation, which launched in 1994 and eventually went on to sell over 100 million units worldwide.
President of AIAS, Joseph Olin commented, "Ken Kutaragi’s passion, innovative thinking and business savvy sparked a monumental movement that was unstoppable.”
"If it wasn’t for Ken and his concept of the original PlayStation, there wouldn’t be the billion dollar industry there is today. His contributions have clearly set new standards for developers, publishers and consumers worldwide."
"Ken Kutaragi is the smartest guy in the history of the video game business," added Trip Hawkins, founder of Electronic Arts and AIAS Hall of Fame member.
"Without Ken, there is no Sony PlayStation, and that is beyond comprehension."
Kutaragi will receive his award at the Interactive Achievements Award ceremony in Las Vegas on February 7, 2008. The event will run concurrently with the annual D.I.C.E Summit.