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Will Wright gets BAFTA Fellowship

The Sims creator becomes the first person from the video games industry to be honoured with the accolade.

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Over the last 59 years, famous names from film and TV have been inducted into the British Academy of Film and Television Arts' Fellowship. These names have included greats such as Charlie Chaplin, Richard Attenborough, Stanley Kubrick, Michael Caine, Steven Spielberg, and Alfred Hitchcock. This year, for the first time, someone from the video games industry will be honoured.

That person will be Will Wright, the creator of such games as the SimCity franchise and the megasuccessful Sims franchise. Wright is currently working on the ambitious Spore.

The BAFTA Fellowship is the highest honour that the Academy can give, and is offered to those who have made exceptional achievements and work throughout their careers. Academy chairwoman Hilary Bevan Jones commented, "Will's immense, creative body of work and his continued contribution to the industry make him a most worthy recipient of the Fellowship and being such a pioneer, we are thrilled that he will be the first person to receive this honour."

Wright will receive his award at this year's ceremony, which takes place at London's Battersea Evolution on October 23. Funnyman Vic Reeves will be hosting the event.

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Avatar image for latchol1Sim
latchol1Sim

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It's great that he got it, so long as he doesn't get a big head from it...but he's already got like a zillion awards, so it shouldn't make too much of a difference, if at all. Video game have been losing their 'pimply 13-year-old nerd' image for the past couple of years, and this award just strengthens the idea of really mainstream games.

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dj_b02us

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he should spend less time getting awards and more time FINISHING SPORE!

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deactivated-5ce72effd6960

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Congrats Will, You definitley have balls...

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Avatar image for grognard
grognard

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It's great to see gaming finally getting the respect it deserves and I can't think of someone more deserving than Mr. Wright.

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1357900

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Many Congratulations to you Mr. Will Wright, You more than deserved it. Nicely done, indeed. ;)

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Ground_Zero

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congrats will

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Ahp12

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well deserved, congratulations will wright

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Avatar image for Lev_Arris
Lev_Arris

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/bow to Will Wright

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P-MaT000

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[This message was deleted at the request of the original poster]

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saskue327

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will wright you deserve it

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Lewos1

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the beginning of the next step for the games industry - real mainstream recognition...

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Avatar image for CyberKillerZ
CyberKillerZ

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Congratulations Will Wright!

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nintendorocks

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That's amazing! Congratulations Will Wright!

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koopatroopa1015

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pretty cool

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ryanstoy91

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He definitely deserves it.

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tycoonmike

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Good to see that someone from the VG industry, far from being complained to for setting a bad example for the children (and yes, sarcasm loses its affect over the internet) is actually receiving a highly honored award for his work.

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MasterChief725

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I just wish he wasnt developing for EA!

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Pete5506

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cool

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Lindsay123456

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cool, love the game,just can´t wait. ;D

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Avatar image for t3h_sauce
t3h_sauce

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Will Wright for president.

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Avatar image for Mooshu92887
Mooshu92887

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Well deserved, if you ask me.

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Avatar image for redfox66
redfox66

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This is alot like being in the fellowship of the ring....except you don't have to walk as far.

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Avatar image for RaiKageRyu
RaiKageRyu

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Will Wright FTW!

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the_monkey_god

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You go Will. Finnaly a main stream award that doesnt go to some dumb @#%!

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PTK7

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congrats Will! for making amazing games

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Poshkidney

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they are much more creddited than an oscar since the oscars have allways bee hosted by morons so he should take it has an honor.

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soroush7

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The Sims series is one of the best franchises out there. Good work Will.

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karuba

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Congrats Mr. Wright :)

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LordN3on

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Go Will and congrats!

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deactivated-606747629a9ee

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SPORE!!!!!!!!

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tclvis

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An honor well deserved. Congratulations, Mr. Wright, and thank you.

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Neo1O1

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I'm a mild fan of the Sims, so to me what matters most is the fact that a game maker received the honor.

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CapinKirk

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I am glad to see the gaming industry finally recognized for the great work they do. And although Will received the award, it's a win for all game developers.

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0678

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WAY TO GO WILL! :)

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kalkhaja

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Agreed, he has done so much for the gaming industry. Well done.

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BigDaddy973

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He deserves it!

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gaggle64

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Fantastic stuff. I would imagine one for Miyamoto can't be far off either.

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Avatar image for robbie_basic
robbie_basic

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Will definitely deserves this. Grats!

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dbruce01

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Well done Will u deserve it for a great body of work and kudos for BAFTA for recognizing the talent , intelligence and hardwork it takes to make great games . Hollywood better step up and recognise .

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froidnite

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Finally game industry getting the recognition that it very rightly deserves. And Congrats Will....

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Gamer_152

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Will Wright is one of my absolute video game idols, I could go on forever about all the stuff he does. This is a step forward for the industry and a very well deserved award.

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pandaramaster

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Will this create scandal in the entertainment industry, specifically between film, television and indeed games? The snobs at film and television will scoff at this, saying games are mere mediocrity compared to "Eastenders".:roll: But eh, well done to the video game industry for getting this accolade. And to Will Wright who is a well respected game designer throughout the industry:D

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Avatar image for zalanth
zalanth

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Awesome, he deserves it.

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N8A

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come on and release spore already!!

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slapme7times

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spore is going to be incredible... omg i can't wait.

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deshields538

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Congrats Will :). Never liked The Sims though :(.

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Avatar image for Expo_Smacko
Expo_Smacko

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Awesome! Congrats Will! :)

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Avatar image for NA3D
NA3D

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Donut, what are you talking about?

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DonutTrooper

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Ok, who's up for lobbying him into letting Manhunt get released? I am.

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darthzew

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Congrats, Will!

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