HOLLYWOOD, CA - JUNE 15: Actor Zachary Levi arrives at the premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures' "Green Lantern" held at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on June 15, 2011 in Hollywood, California.
Jason Merritt/Getty ImagesChuck star Zachary Levi is getting into the game in a big way.
The video game enthusiast and fan favorite has been tapped to host Spike TV’s Video Game Awards, The Hollywood Reporter has learned exclusively.
Levi, who in addition to his duties on NBC’s Chuck also serves as a voice actor for games Fallout: New Vegas and Halo: Reach, will host the awards that will air live from Los Angeles on Spike TV, MTV2 and Spike.com on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 5 p.m.
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“Zac Levi is an avid gamer who is truly a part of gaming culture and understands the fans,” said Casey Patterson, executive producer and executive vp event production, talent and studio relations for Viacom Entertainment Group. “He has great ideas about this year’s show. Zac is all about honoring the year in gaming and ushering in the future by showcasing massive world premieres at this year’s event. We’re excited to be working with Zac. “
The awards show, which is being executive produced by Mark Burnett, will feature the Black Keys performing their video game hit “Lonely Boy,” with Grammy nominee deadmau5 transforming the show with a visual representation of sound into a real-life video game experience.
Presenters include Family Guy‘s Seth Green, who voices the Joker in the “Mass Effect” game series, LL Cool J, American Reunion stars Jason Biggs and Seann William Scott and former San Francisco 49ers and NFL Hall of Famers Joe Montana and Jerry Rice.
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The show will also honor the three founders of Blizzard Entertainment — Michael Morhaime, Allen Adham and Frank Pearce — with the Gamer God Award for their efforts in creating games including World of Warcraft, Starcraft and Diablo.
Valve’s “Portal 2” leads the pack for the 2011 VGAs with 12 nominations, with Rocksteady Studios’ Batman: Arkham City close behind with 10 noms.
Burnett, Casey Patterson and Carol Donovan will exec produce.
Currently in its final season, Chuck airs Fridays at 8 p.m. A special two-hour series finale is set for Jan. 27.
Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com; Twitter: @Snoodit
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