rganizers of the CMP 2008 Game Developers Choice Awards have announced the recipients of two of its annual honors, which will be presented at this year’s Game Developers Conference on Feb. 20. Ralph Baer, the so-called “Father of video games” is receiving the Pioneer
 Award for his work in inventing the first commercially available game system, the Magnavox Odyssey. This is the first year that the Pioneer Award is being awarded, and is designed to recognize industry leaders who have introduced breatkthrough technology, game concepts or design features at key points in gaming history.

“Ralph Baer invented video games. In the inaugural year of the Pioneer Award at the Game Developers Choice Awards, it felt natural to bestow that award on the man who established our entire industry,” said Jamil Moledina, executive director of the Game Developers Conference. “Ralph is an inspiration to all who attend our conference, and we are proud to host this opportunity for our attendees to recognize and thank the creator of their vocation and art form.”

In addition to the Pioneer Award, Jason Della Rocca will be receiving the Ambassador Award, which highlights people who have worked as advocates for the gaming industry or helped further its art. Della Rocca is executive director of the International Game Developers Association.