6th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards

The 6th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards was the 6th edition of the Interactive Achievement Awards, an annual awards event that honored the best games in the video game industry during 2002. The awards were arranged by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) and were held at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on February 27, 2003 as part of the Academy's 2003 D.I.C.E. Summit. It was hosted by Dave Foley with presenters including Cliff Bleszinski, Xander Berkeley, Don James, Shigeru Miyamoto, Julie Benz, Blue Man Group, Tony Hawk, Ed Fries, Kelly Hu, David Jones, Nina Kaczorowski, Doug Lowenstein, Syd Mead, Mike Metzger, Vince Neil, Tommy Tallarico, Amy Weber and Victor Webster. It had musical performances by Unwritten Law and The Players Band.^[1][2]

The Academy introduced the genre awards for "First-Person Action Game of the Year" for both console and computer. "Console Platform Action/Adventure Game of the Year" was also introduced. Originally separate console and computer awards for "Children's Title of the Year" were offered, but a single "Family Game of the Year" would be presented that featured finalists for both console and PC releases. The computer award for "Educational Title of the Year" was originally part of the category listings, but was not featured on the nomination form.^[3][4][5]

Battlefield 1942 won the most awards, including "Game of the Year". Metroid Prime received the most nominations. Electronic Arts received the most nominations, published the most nominated games, published the most award-winning games, and won the most awards. Four franchises had two award-winning titles at this awards ceremony:

• Grand Theft Auto: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City for "Console Action/Adventure Game of the Year", and Grand Theft Auto III for "Computer Action/Adventure Game of the Year".
• Medal of Honor: Medal of Honor: Frontline for outstanding achievement in "Original Music Composition" and "Sound Design", and Medal of Honor: Allied Assault for "Computer First-Person Action Game of the Year".
• Metroid: Metroid Prime for "Console First-Person Action Game of the Year", and Metroid Fusion for "Handheld Game of the Year".
• The Sims: The Sims: Unleashed expansion for "Computer Simulation Game of the Year", and The Sims Online for "Massive Multiplayer/Persistent World Game of the Year".

Yu Suzuki, creator of Virtua Fighter, Shenmue, and other Sega franchises, was inducted into the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame.