Press release: 1997-06-19: SEGA OF AMERICA APPLAUDS, AWARDS THIRD PARTY VIDEOGAME DEVELOPERS

This is an unaltered copy of a press release, for use as a primary source on Sega Retro. Please do not edit the contents below. Language: English Original source: Sega.com (archived)

SEGA OF AMERICA APPLAUDS, AWARDS THIRD PARTY VIDEOGAME DEVELOPERS
Kudos to the 1996 Third Party "Game of the Year" Award Winners

ATLANTA -- (June 19, 1997) --
Sega® of America announced today the videogame companies which demonstrated innovative design and outstanding programming in the creation of Sega SaturnTM videogames in 1996.

In selecting the "Game of the Year" award winners, Sega reviewed more than 120 games based on seven different categories. Categories included: Best Game of the Year, Best Sports Game, Best Action/Adventure Game, Best RPG/Strategy Game, Most Innovative Game, Best Fighting Game and Best Driving Sim Game.

"Sega is recognizing the videogame developers who continually produce ground-breaking games for Sega Saturn," said Gretchen Eichinger, group director for third party licensing, Sega of America. "Our annual awards allow us to say 'thank you' to third party companies who support our Sega Saturn with the best games available."

The 1996 winners are listed below:
SEGA OF AMERICA BEST GAME OF THE YEAR AWARDS

    BEST GAME OF THE YEAR
    "Tomb RaiderTM" -- Eidos

    BEST SPORTS GAME
    "Madden NFL '97TM" -- Electronic Arts

    BEST ACTION/ADVENTURE GAME
    "Soviet StrikeTM" -- Electronic Arts

    BEST RPG/STRATEGY GAME
    "Dragon ForceTM" -- Working Designs

    BEST DRIVING SIM GAME
    "Andretti RacingTM" -- Electronic Arts

    BEST FIGHTING GAME
    "Ultimate Mortal KombatTM 3" -- Midway Home Entertainment

    MOST INNOVATIVE GAME
    "Blast ChamberTM" -- Activision 

Sega of America is the arm of Tokyo, Japan-based Sega Enterprises, Ltd. responsible for the development, marketing and distribution of Sega videogame systems and videogames in the Americas. Sega Enterprises, Ltd. is a nearly $3.6 billion company recognized as the industry leader in interactive digital entertainment media, and is the only company that offers interactive entertainment experiences both inside and outside the home. Sega of America’s World Wide Web site is located at (http://www.sega.com).