Gabe Newell is set to receive the Academy Fellowship from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) at this year’s British Academy Games Awards.
The Fellowship is awarded annually and is described in a press release as being “the highest accolade bestowed upon an individual in recognition of an outstanding and exceptional contribution to games.” Previous recipients of the Fellowship include Peter Molyneux, Shigeru Miyamoto and Will Wright.
Valve CEO Newell, whose career spans three decades, said the following in response to his upcoming Fellowship: “It is an honour for myself and everyone at Valve to be presented such an award by one of the world’s most respected and recognised organisations. 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’s contribution to the industry is unique,” added Harvey Elliott, Chair of BAFTA’s Games Committee, who went on to describe Newell as “an inspirational developer and truly deserving of our Fellow recognition.”
The British Academy Games Awards are scheduled to take place on 5th March at the London Hilton, and will be hosted by comedian and gamer, Dara Ó Briain.