13th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards

The 13th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards was the 13th edition of the Interactive Achievement Awards, an annual awards event that honored the best games in the video game industry during 2009. The awards were arranged by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS), and were held at the Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 18, 2010 (2010-02-18). It was also held as part of the Academy's 2010 D.I.C.E. Summit, and was hosted by stand-up comedian Jay Mohr.^[1]

This was the first year that "Console Game of the Year" and "Computer Game of the Year" were not offered. "Handheld Game of the Year" and "Cellular Game of the Year" were merged into the "Portable Game of the Year" award category. Additionally, an award for "Outstanding Achievement in Portable Game Design" was offered. "Role-Playing Game of the Year" and "Massively Multiplayer Game of the Year" were merged into one category. "Social Network Game of the Year" was also offered.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves received the most nominations and won the most awards, including "Game of the Year". Sony Computer Entertainment received the most nominations and won the most awards as a publisher, with Naughty Dog as the most nominated and award-winning developer. Electronic Arts had the most nominated and award-winning games.

Mark Cerny, known for Crash Bandicoot and Spyro, was inducted into the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame. Doug Lowenstein, founder of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), received the "Lifetime Achievement Award". David Crane, co-founder of Activision, was the recipient of the "Pioneer Award".^[2]