Mark Burnett to Produce Spike’s Video Game Awards

NEW YORK: Spike TV’s 2011 Video Game Awards (VGA) are being executive produced by Mark Burnett, the producer of Survivor, The Voice and The Apprentice, among other productions.

The VGAs, which will premiere live on December 10, recognize the best games of the year. Viacom Media Networks will simultaneously air the show live on both Spike TV and MTV2, as well as on Spike.com. The VGAs will air in more than 100 countries and territories around the world. Casey Patterson and Carol Donovan will serve as executive producers along with Mark Burnett.

"We’re thrilled that Mark Burnett has signed on to lead the VGAs," said Casey Patterson, the executive producer of the VGAs and executive VP of event production for Viacom Media Networks Entertainment Group. "Mark’s bold producing style is a perfect fit for gamers, and his tremendous vision and unparalleled energy will take the show to a new level."

"I am so excited to be working with Spike on the VGAs," Burnett added. "I have teenage boys, so video games are already a part of my life. They kick my butt in Black Ops on a regular basis, but now are letting me win in hopes of seeing some of the world premieres before the show. We are going to have a lot of fun."