Anybody who’s played video games, whether you’re an avid player or only have done so every once in awhile, knows that one of the most beloved properties of all time in the Nintendo universe next to Super Mario Bros is The Legend of Zelda. Today Spike TV has announced that they’re going to give the Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka-created franchise the award it deserves with handing the fantasy-adventure franchise the first Video Game Hall of Fame Award. The ceremony will be part of the many events taking place at this year’s 2011 Video Game Awards. Read on to see what everyone else has to say about the sudden and exciting announcement.
Spike TV today announced the creation of its first ever Video Game Hall of Fame Award. This annual honor will recognize the most memorable and innovative video game franchises in history. The inaugural recipient, “The Legend of Zelda,” is one of the most influential and beloved gaming franchises of all time. The legendary series will take its rightful place as the first entry into the Video Game Hall of Fame, with a special tribute at the 2011 Video Game Awards” (#VGA) – the network’s ninth annual live televised event to celebrate the best in games. Telecasting from Los Angeles, CA and featuring some of the most notable names in video games, Hollywood, music, sports and more, the two-hour event honoring the outstanding achievements within the video game industry over the past year.
“The ‘VGAs’ always celebrate the best games of the year and preview the future with world premieres,” said Casey Patterson executive producer of the “VGAs” and executive vice president of event production for Viacom Media Networks Entertainment Group. “Now our Video Game Hall of Fame will recognize the game franchises throughout history that have brought the industry to where it is today.”
“It is only natural to start with ‘Zelda,’” said Geoff Keighley, executive in charge, publisher relations, Spike. “‘The Legend of Zelda’ is a franchise that inspired many of us to see the potential of games when it debuted 25 years ago, one that has successfully transitioned from one game console generation to the next and has continually shown the narrative and artistic potential of the medium.”
“All of us at Nintendo are truly honored to have ‘The Legend of Zelda’ as the first inductee into Spike’s Video Game Hall of Fame,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of sales & marketing. “As we mark the 25th anniversary of the ‘Zelda’ series, we look forward to the December 10th ‘VGA’ event as a very special way to celebrate with fans and SPIKE viewers around the globe.”
Also, for those of you who are interested, don’t forget to buy your copy of “The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword” when it hits retail stores everywhere on November 20th. Be sure to keep reading ShockYa.com for the latest on Spike TV’s 2011 Video Game Awards, including our exclusive coverage on the event that takes place on December 10th at 8 PM/5 PM PST.