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.
[1][2] The Academy introduced the genre awards for "First-Person Action Game of the Year" for both console and computer.
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.
Four franchises had two award-winning titles at this awards ceremony: Yu Suzuki, creator of Virtua Fighter, Shenmue, and other Sega franchises, was inducted into the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame.