In the year that he celebrates his 20th anniversary, Sonic The Hedgehog will pick up the first ever Outstanding Contribution Award at this year's GamesMaster Golden Joystick Awards.
It can't be denied that Sonic The Hedgehog has made an outstanding contribution to videogaming with over 70 million copies of his games being sold worldwide.
He kicked off his career in 1991's Mega Drive hit Sonic The Hedgehog and will return next month with Sonic Generations on 3DS. He will also star alongside old rival Mario in Mario And Sonic At The London 2012 Olympic Games.
David Corless, Sonic Brand Director, is delighted with the award.
"We are so excited that Sonic has been awarded the first-ever Outstanding Contribution Award at the Golden Joysticks.
"In today's ever changing market it's rare for a character to last for 5 years - let alone 20. And that's testament to the popularity and longevity of our blue blurred mascot.
"This award couldn't have come at a better time as we celebrate Sonic's 20th Anniversary and with the amazing Sonic Generations just around the corner. Here's to the next 20!"
Do you think Sonic deserves this award?
YAY! I've loved Sonic game my whole life, good to see him getting recognition.
Now it leaves it open for Zelda, Mario, Metroid and Resi to get the award in the future
Very good choice there.
I think he does deserve the Award, just looking at that Green Hill Zone image puts pleasent feelings in my mind.
A great game character that deserves the award.
About time Sonic got some recognition!! Hooray for Sonic! Well deserved because Generations looks amazing!
Sonic was my first video game. Ever since then, I have been obsessed, watching all the cartoons, the movie, and playing all the games I could. I still have all of my Sonic toys and stuffed animals too. I've stuck by Sonic even when his games admittedly at their lowest point. Sonic means a lot to me and I'm glad to know he will be receiving this award.
Definetly!
OK maybe Sonic and the Black Knight wasn't the best game ever but you can't ignore the amazing games of Sonic Rush, Sonic Unleashed and Sonic Colours.
Well done Sonic, can't wait to get Generations!
Sonic deserves this award, the original trilogy are still some of my favourite games. The music has been fantastic no matter what the game was. While the series has had it's ups and downs. Most recent games have been fantastic (Unleashed and Colours especially) and Generations is shaping up to be one amazing game and is definitely the game I want most this winter. Long live Sonic, and may his future years be as memorable as his past ones were.
I too was introduced to video games via Sonic the Hedgehog, and as such I'm really happy for his creators that the Blue Blur has been given this recognition.
I liken it to when Mickey Rourke won the Bafta. Sure he had great and promising beginnings but went a little off the rails for a few years, finally going on to do great things. Mickey Rourke's had a rough ride too.
well done sonic, well deserved mate!
I imagine this is partly thanks to the 20th anniversairy of sonic.
i simply cannot understand how zelda's 25th anniversairy isn't being reconised in the same way when that is the clearly the more popular and more influential series.
still, it is nice to see sonic get some recognition.