ESA to hail King Kuturagi

SCE honorary chairman Ken Kuturagi will be awarded further recognition by being presented with the 2008 Champion Honoree title at the Nite to Unite for Kids charity event in October.

The bash, hosted by the ESA Foundation, has raised over USD 7.8 million in the past eight years, and while previous events have noted contributions by George Lucas and Bing Gordon among others, Kuturagi's influence through the PlayStation brand has changed the industry significantly.

The event is chaired this year by representatives from all three hardware manufacturers, including Jack Tretton, president and CEO of SCEA, Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo president and COO, and Robbie Bach, president of entertainment and devices for Microsoft.

ESA president Michael D Gallagher noted that "Ken's contributions to our community and the entertainment lives of ordinary consumers are extraordinary. His insight and vision revolutionized in-home entertainment, enabling advancements in creativity, technology, and innovation."

The bash will take place at the Westin St Francis Hotel in San Francisco on October 17.