The Hall of Fame Award is decided by the Academy of Arts and Sciences board of directors and embodies the highest standards for consideration including: pioneering a new genre or redefining an existing genre with significant advance; influencing other designers and products; demonstrating the highest level of creativity and innovation which results in ongoing cultural significance and influence; and consistent product success of a scale that expands the scope of the industry.

"Yu Suzuki's video games have helped to enhance awareness and appreciation for this interactive art form and we are pleased to honor him for his leadership and innovation with this year's Hall of Fame Award," said Paul Provenzano, President of AIAS.

Widely recognized as one of the forefathers of console video gaming, Yu Suzuki has made significant contributions to the interactive entertainment industry. Suzuki is best known for his many industry firsts and genre breaking games including "Outrun(TM)," "Space Harrier(TM)," "Shenmue(TM)," and the "Virtua Fighter(TM)" series. The "Virtua Fighter" series is recognized for its contributions in the fields of Art & Entertainment and is the only video game on permanent display in the Smithsonian Institution's Permanent Research Collection on Information Technology Innovation, at the Smithsonian's Natural Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.