Video Game Makers Honoured by Queen

Although the elected government might not feel that the UK video games industry is worth a second look, it appears that Her Majesty the Queen does, having handed out honours to four mainstays of gaming.

Actually, her Maj' probably doesn't have any real role in the awarding of these gongs in the New Years Honours List. - as recipients are nominated by friends, families, anybody in fact. We just like to imagine that while playing with her golden Wii, she thought, "That Rod Cousens from Codemasters, he totally deserves to be a Commander of the British Empire (CBE)!"

Also up for honours are ex-ELSPA head, Paul Jackson (Member of the British Empire), and brotherly co-founders of Sports Interactive, Oliver and Paul Collyer (Order of the British Empire), who Develop quotes as stating, "We feel really lucky to be receiving this honour because we've been lucky enough to spend our lives doing something we enjoy, and indulging one's passion is easy - therefore we dedicate the awards to everyone who has helped us along the way - thank you to all of you."

So, how can you get your favourite UK developer or publisher into the next Honours List? Easy, just contact the Honours and Appointments Secretariat using these details, and nominate them.

Cabinet Office
35 Great Smith Street
London SW1P 3BQ
Tel: 020 72762777
e-mail: ceremonial@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk

See also: Develop, The Guardian.