Well deserved as most would say, the Fellowship award from BAFTA won’t go to just one person, but will instead be presented to Rockstar Games. This honor is aimed by the organization towards recognizing ‘outstanding and exceptional contribution to film, television or games,’ and has in the past also been conferred to gaming greats like Gabe Newell, Shigeru Miyamoto, Peter Molyneux and Will Wright.
The Fellowship honor will be presented by BAFTA at this year’s British Academy Games Awards on March 12 to Leslie Benzies, Aaron Garbut and of course, the founding brothers, Sam Houser and Dan Houser, perhaps allowing fans to finally get to hear something from the elusive duo. Among all games developed by Rockstar, titles from the Grand Theft Auto series have been described as the most influential in the studio getting this award.
According to BAFTA, GTA 3’s shift into 3D gaming with highly detailed, open world environments which allowed gamers to explore gritty urban locations and follow the game’s narrative at their own pace was something that triggered a change in the gaming landscape. BAFTA has also recognized the series’ resounding commercial success which was further amplified a great deal with last year’s GTA V.
And moreover, games like L.A. Noire, Manhunt, Bully and Red Dead Redemption which created ‘intricately layered interactive worlds’ have also been acknowledged by the organization. Calling the honor a ‘humbling’ one, Sam Houser has mentioned that it ‘reflects the creative vision and dedication of a huge number of people over many years.’
Rockstar Games will be conferred with the Fellowship award at the British Academy Games Awards on March 12 at the Tobacco Dock, where GTA V is competing for Game of the Year among other honors.