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Archive - 1997 Spotlight Awards

The recipients for the 1997 Spotlight Awards were revealed during a ceremony at the Game Developers Conference. Here were the recipients:

1997 Award Recipients

  • Best Prerendered Art - Zork Nemesis
  • Best Animation - Tomb Raider
  • Best Adaptation of Linear Media - I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream
  • Best Script, Story or Interactive Writing - You Don't Know Jack XL
  • Best Use of Video - Wing Commander IV
  • Best Sound Effects - Quake
  • Best Use of Innovative Technology - Super Mario 64, for the N64
  • Best Console Game - Super Mario 64
  • Best Simulation Game - Mechwarrior II: Mercenaries
  • Best Music or Soundtrack - Quake
  • Best Strategy/War Game - C&C Red Alert
  • Best PC/Mac Game - Civilization II
  • Best Arcade Game - Virtua Fighter 3
  • Best Educational Game - Freddi Fish II
  • Best Action Game - Duke Nukem 3D
  • Best Sports Game - NHL Hockey '97
  • Best Adventure Game/RPG - Elder Scrolls: Daggerfall
  • Best New Technology - N64 from Nintendo
  • Best Trivia or Puzzle Game - You Don't Know Jack XL
  • Best On-Line/Internet Game - Quake
  • Best Game of 1996 - Super Mario 64

Press Release

SPOTLIGHT AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR BEST COMPUTER GAMES OF 1996

SANTA CLARA, CA (April 28, 1997) The Computer Game Developers Conference (CGDC) and Computer Game Developers Association (CGDA) today jointly announced winners of the prestigious Spotlight Awards of 1997, which recognize outstanding creative or technical contributions to the field of interactive entertainment. The Spotlight Awards ceremony was held during the Computer Game Developers Conference at the Santa Clara Convention Center on Monday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m.

"The Spotlight Awards reflect our organization's long tradition of honoring the best game developers in the world," said KoAnn Vikoren, CGDC Director. "Our goal with the awards is to continue to develop new ways to distinguish and promote the artistic expertise and the technical advances that go into today's interactive entertainment."

Producers at CGDC and the CGDA have increased the scope of the event to include 21 categories which recognize individual developers and development teams for excellence in game creation. A nominating committee consisting of Alex Dunne, editor of Game Developer Magazine; Johnny Wilson, editor-in-chief of Computer Gaming World; Neil West, editor-in-chief of Next Generation; Trent Ward, editor-in-chief of Video GameSpot; Donna Coco, senior associate editor of Computer Graphics World; Noah Falstein, board chairman of the Computer Game Developers Association; Judy Salpeter, editor of Technology & Learning; Greg Reeves, columnist for Replay Magazine and Mark Miller, co-chair of IA-SIG of the MIDI Manufacturers Association have chosen the nominees within each category.

Winners were selected by a voting body made up of Computer Game Developers Association members and registrants of the Computer Game Developers Conference.

Best Games, Technologies, and Craft Implementation of 1997

  • Best Prerendered Art - Zork Nemesis
  • Best Animation - Tomb Raider
  • Best Adaptation of Linear Media - I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream
  • Best Script, Story or Interactive Writing - You Don't Know Jack XL
  • Best Use of Video - Wing Commander IV
  • Best Sound Effects - Quake
  • Best Use of Innovative Technology - Super Mario 64, for the N64
  • Best Console Game - Super Mario 64
  • Best Simulation Game - Mechwarrior II: Mercenaries
  • Best Music or Soundtrack - Quake
  • Best Strategy/War Game - C&C Red Alert
  • Best PC/Mac Game - Civilization II
  • Best Arcade Game - Virtua Fighter 3
  • Best Educational Game - Freddi Fish II
  • Best Action Game - Duke Nukem 3D
  • Best Sports Game - NHL Hockey '97
  • Best Adventure Game/RPG - Elder Scrolls: Daggerfall
  • Best New Technology - N64 from Nintendo
  • Best Trivia or Puzzle Game - You Don't Know Jack XL
  • Best On-Line/Internet Game - Quake
  • Best Game of 1996 - Super Mario 64

The Spotlight Awards are the most prestigious of the games awards because they are not influenced by marketing," said Noah Falstein, chairman of the CGDA. "In addition, they signify recognition from the game developers peers unlike other game awards from game publishers and distributors that are used primarily to promote the publishers' products."

Games running on PC/Mac, console, or on-line/Internet and arcade games, released in 1996 were eligible for consideration for the Spotlight Awards. Complete information about the awards is available online at www.cgdc.com.

The Computer Game Developers Association is the preeminent society for the interactive entertainment, educational software and multimedia industries. Founded in 1994, it has over 1800 members from around the world. Representing technical as well as creative and management professionals, the CGDA was founded on the philosophy of raising standards within the industry, recognizing individuals and products that are exceptional, and establishing levels of craftsmanship.

The CGDA also produces career advancement and networking events throughout the country and abroad. At an annual ceremony, the CGDA, together with Miller Freeman, Inc. bestows the coveted "Spotlight" award to an elite group of winners. For additional information on member activities, and membership benefits phone 415-948-2432 or visit the Web site at: www.cgda.org.