Sony Computer Entertainment America president and CEO Kaz Hirai will be on hand to accept the award at the 57 th Annual Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards today in Princeton, New Jersey hosted by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS). Breaking the 100-million unit sales milestone in June, the original PlayStation is the best-selling in-home game console worldwide, and is primarily regarded for transforming videogaming into a mass-market proposition.
"When the concept for PlayStation was in its infancy in the early 1990s, we had a dream to elevate the quality of computer graphics from a 2D-based environment to a rich, realistic 3D experience. At the same time, we intended to bring in a new form of entertainment through the living room in a manner that would allow people all over the world to enjoy the pleasures of interactive entertainment," said Ken Kutaragi, president and group CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. "Even with this lofty goal in mind, the achievement and market acceptance for PlayStation have exceeded my wildest expectations. In its tenth year on the market, we are honored to be awarded a prestigious Emmy to commemorate the significant role PlayStation played in creating a new computer entertainment world."
Founded in 1955, NATAS presents Emmy awards, among others, in the area of Technology & Engineering for groundbreaking work in television broadcast and production systems, interactive television and other new media technologies.
"Emerging technologies in digital media play an important role in the way in which people consume in-home entertainment, and gaming in particular has been a consistent source of innovation in recent years," said Seth Haberman, Chair of Video Gaming and Technology Awards panel for NATAS. "We felt that the advent of PlayStation exemplified a significant shift in the direction of the gaming and are pleased to recognize Sony Computer Entertainment for its contribution."