Gabe Newell to receive BAFTA fellowship

Valve founder Gabe Newell is to receive a BAFTA fellowship at its British Academy Games Awards ceremony on March 5th.

In a release sent to VG247 this morning, BAFTA confirmed Newell's fellowship, and championed his industry career. After starting at Microsoft in 1983 he went on to found Valve in 1996, which would later go on to create the Half-Life series and establish Steam as the world's leading digital game marketplace.

After being informed of his fellowship, Newell said, "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."

Harvey Elliott, chair of BAFTA's games committee, added, "Gabe's contribution to the industry is unique, and he is very different to many others that BAFTA could recognise.

"As well as enjoying great critical and commercial success with phenomenally popular franchises such as Portal and Half-Life, his work in giving back to the games industry through developing and showcasing other games makers has been outstanding. He is an inspirational developer and truly deserving of our Fellow recognition."

Well played that man. What do you make of Newell's fellowship?