Sir Peter Molyneux?

KBV writes "It seems that for the first time in history a games developer has been granted an OBE (Order Of the British Empire) by the Queen of England. When Peter Molyneux - the creator of Black & White, Fable, Populous and many other games - was asked by BBC News about the honor he simply said "It's come completely out of the blue, I never would have guessed that I'd have that kind of honour." For the games industry as a whole, this is very much a good thing. It's great that developers are being recognized for their hard work and cultural impact on the world."

Comments

a small point...

[doofusclam]

... but the award is actually decided firstly by a 'relevent' government committee, and the prime minister comes in later on. At no point does the Queen decide who receives the awards - she simply hands them over.

not sir

[raindrop#1]

It's Peter Molyneux OBE, rather than Sir Peter. He wasn't awarded a knighthood. Well done him though.

And it might be worth mentioning that Her Majesty is Queen of an awful lot of other places as well as England.

Re:not sir

[PhatAir]

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V. The Order includes five classes in civil and military divisions, in order of seniority:

* Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GBE)
* Knight or Dame Commander (KBE or DBE)
* Commander (CBE)
* Officer (OBE)
* Member (MBE)

Only the two highest ranks are knightly (at which point you can call yourself sir).

See the full wikipedia entry here

Jez San might object to the "first" bit

[antime]

Jez San of the late Argonaut Software received the title in 2002. Good research!

*cough* wrong expansion of OBE

[Anonymous Cowpat]

although the letters obe mean order of the british empire, they refer to several actual 'titles'
If you get an OBE it stands for Officer of the British Empire, a specific title. Above MBE (member) and below CBE (commander).

Free pedant points please