The Hall of Fame award is reserved for individuals who have been instrumental in the development of highly influential games. These individuals are usually associated with having moved a particular genre forward. Candidates are typically designers or creative directors, but can also be technologists, producers or production executives. These individuals demonstrate the highest level of creativity and innovation which results in significant product influence on a scale that expands the scope of the industry. The candidates and inductee are chosen by the Academy Board and announced at the IAAs.