There might not be an Oscar for game development, but Gabe Newell is still getting recognized this year. He'll be the recipient of this year's BAFTA Fellowship, the highest accolade the organization awards games industry contributors.
Newell is definitely a deserving figure, having headed one of the most influential gaming companies in the history of the medium. He got his start at Microsoft in 1983, but left to form his own company, Valve, 13 years later. Among Valve's releases include Half-Life, Counter-Strike, Left 4 Dead, Team Fortress 2, and Portal, every one of them considered a major hit.
Additionally, Newell pioneered digital distribution platforms with Steam, which has since claimed a 50-70% market share in digitally released games, and over 54 million active user accounts. Throughout the company's lifetime, it has grown a reputation for its bold steps in innovation and quality design.
Of the award, Newell responded that it is, "an honor for myself and everyone at Valve to be presented such an award by one of the world's most respected and recognised organisations,"
Newell also thanked Valve fans in the UK, while also personally reaching out to Garry Newman, the creator of the infamous sandbox "game," Garry's Mod.
Valve owes a tremendous thanks to many in the UK--to those who have played our games, to the great support of the UK press, and to UK-based creative contributors such as Garry Newman. I look forward to accepting this prestigious honor on behalf of everyone in our community.
Gabe Newell is the latest in a line of illustrious game developers who have received the award including Peter Molyneux, Shigeru Miyamoto, Nolan Bushnell, and Will Wright.
An annual award, the Fellowship is, "the highest accolade bestowed upon an individual in recognition of an outstanding and exceptional contribution to games," according to BAFTA.