Jade Raymond Will Be Honored With The Andrew Yoon Legend Award
The New York Game Awards is an awards ceremony that honors those who are not only popular in the video game industry, but those who elevate it to the level of art. The world of games is full of such visionaries, as is proven time and again by the consistently marvelous titles we see each year. This time around at the eighth annual gala the renowned Jade Raymond will be taking the stage to receive the Andrew Yoon Legend Award.
Jade Raymond Has Accomplished Much During Her Time As An Industry Pioneer
Raymond is most well known for her founding of Ubisoft Montreal a decade ago, as well as her work on several series including Assassin’s Creed, Splinter Cell, and Watch Dogs during her time with the company. Leading the team that created the first Assassin’s Creed title, she went on to executive produce the second game, cementing her crucial role in the industry as a whole. She went on after her time with the company to form Motive Studios under EA, from which she made her departure last year. The move was encouraging for many fans of her work, as skepticism of EA’s practices has risen among fans in recent years.
With no word on what her next plans are it’s certain that Raymond will go on to do plenty more to change and improve the world of video games. This belief is widely held across the ever-growing industry, as is clearly evidenced by the host of accolades she has recently received. She was awarded Develop’s Vanguard Award this past July, and the Fun & Serious Game Festival graced her with the Pioneer Award, stating, “Her work at the head of some of the most important companies and franchises in the sector speaks for her commitment to diversity, inclusiveness, and creativity.” Raymond was also ranked on the Variety 500, an annual list which recognizes the most influential figures in the entertainment industry.
The Canadian born developer will join an elite group of individuals as the winner of the Legend Award. Past recipients have included Bethesda’s Todd Howard and the entirety of Rockstar Games. The New York Game Awards are hosted by The New York Game Critics Circle, a non-profit organization dedicating itself to making the benefits of games and technology accessible to those who are less fortunate. Initially beginning their journey as advocates for game journalists, the group of writers and critics continue that work by advocating for and supporting their community. Raymond will be the first woman honored by the Critics Circle with the Legend Award on January 22, yet again making history.