Mastertronic's Payne given OBE in New Year Honours

Mastertronic managing director Andy Payne has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen's New Year Honours list, its been confirmed this morning.

One of the most well-known faces in the UK games industry, Payne's received the title for "services to the UK Computer Games Industry," as read in the full Honours List.

The exec, who's also worked with UKIE, GamesAid, BAFTA and others, told MCV he was " truly surprised, honoured and very proud" to be given the award.

"I would like to thank all my workmates at Mastertronic, Just Flight, The Producers, BAFTA, Just Trains, Get Games, UKIE, GamesAid and AppyNation who I work with. I am truly thankful to have worked with so many fabulous people down the years and am proud of our great industry.

"We have all had plenty of challenges to overcome, especially in recent years, but these are great times and I would not swap my job with anyone," he said.

OBEs have been handed out to other folk in the UK games industry in recent year, including Lionhead's Peter Molyneux, Codemasters boss Rod Cousens and Eidos life president Ian Livingstone.

Last year, Sports Interactive boss Miles Jacobson received the award.

Big, big congratulations, Andy. Truly deserved.