GameTrailers, a division of MTV Networks and a premier online destination for broadcast quality video game media, announced today the first annual “GameTrailers Best of E3 Awards,” as part of its in-depth coverage of the 2006 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). The world’s largest video game tradeshow, E3 takes place at the Los Angeles Convention Center May 10-12.

“GameTrailers is committed to providing broadcast quality, up-to-the-minute information and analysis of this year’s E3,” said Jon Slusser, Vice President, GameTrailers. “We will be bringing the best from the show directly to our viewers.”

GameTrailers teams up with MTV Networks to offer viewers across different mediums a comprehensive look inside this year’s E3, working around the clock to produce extensive coverage of the show. With a state-of-the-art production stage specially designed by GameTrailers and MTV Networks, along with five GT camera crews roving the E3 show floor, GameTrailers will be creating news and entertainment direct from E3, including coverage of the hottest next generation titles and game systems, exclusive game demos, interviews with top industry players and celebrity appearances.

This year also marks the first annual “GameTrailers Best of E3 Awards.” Nominees for the awards will be announced Tuesday, May 16, when viewers can visit GameTrailers.com to view videos of the five nominees in each category. Winners will be announced Monday, May 22 in the GameTrailers “Best of E3 ’06” video special.

With the exception of the “Best Trailer Award,” all games must be playable at the show to be eligible for nomination consideration. Nominees and winners will be chosen by the expert staff at GameTrailers, made up of veteran industry reporters. The team is led by Editor-in-Chief Shane Satterfield, former Editorial Director at G4 and co-creator of the most watched video game television show, “X-Play.”

“GameTrailers is debuting its E3 awards program to recognize the hard, often thankless work that game developers put into the creation of their games,” said Satterfield. “It’s important that we acknowledge the achievements of the many people involved who go above and beyond in an industry where that often means working 80-hour weeks.”

Categories for the “GameTrailers Best of E3 Awards” are as follows:

General Awards:
Best of Show
Best Trailer
Most Innovative
Best Graphics
Best Hardware
Best User Submitted E3 Video

Genre Awards:
Best Shooter
Best Action/Adventure
Best Puzzle
Best Strategy
Best Role-Playing
Best Sports
Best Online
Best Racing
Best Fighting
Best Simulation

Platform Awards:
Best Xbox 360
Best PlayStation 3
Best Revolution
Best Nintendo DS
Best Sony PSP
Best PC