The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award for significant contribution to the development of the game industry goes to Mr. Yuji Horii. One of the leading titles from Japan, the Dragon Quest series, has taught many users the fun of enjoying a story through a game, expanded the possibilities of games, and has been a motive force in the Japanese game industry, in recognition of which the award was granted.
　
In addition, in the latest release "Dragon Quest IX Sentinels of the Starry Skies," a new way of playing called passing communication is presented. More than 100 million people are participating in passing communication, which allows data to be passed between people and is communicating the attractiveness of games to people of all ages from adults to children and has thus contributed to the growth of the game industry. This was also recognized as one of the reasons for granting the award.

<Objective of introducing the METI Award>
Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association (CESA) understands computer entertainment software as a cultural form and is holding this event since 1996 to celebrate the 14th anniversary this year for the purposes to vitalize and contribute to development of the computer entertainment software industry.
　
The Japan Game Awards have been selecting and awarding excellent videogame software in three categories of "Game of the Year Division", "Future Division" and "Amateur Division".
While the awards were formerly given only to videogame software, the "METI Award" was introduced last year which is to be awarded both to videogame software and persons/group of persons which and who are supporting the videogame industry to make the system "more open and meaningful award system".
　
<Selection Criteria for the METI Award>
The prize is awarded to those who have contributed to the development of the videogame industry through creation of excellent products or expanded the scope of the videogame industry using a new expression, technology, etc.
Persons and group of persons are eligible to receive the award.