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Sir Peter Molyneux?

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the thats-quite-a-promotion dept.

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."

9 of 298 comments (clear)

  1. a small point... by doofusclam · · Score: 5, Informative

    ... 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.

    1. Re:a small point... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

      Only knighted British subjects get the title Sir. Certainly not Americans, that's what you get for tossing the tea.

    2. Re:a small point... by dr.badass · · Score: 5, Funny

      ...that's what you get for tossing the tea.

      That is the coolest expression I have heard all year.

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  2. not sir by raindrop#1 · · Score: 5, Informative

    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.

    1. Re:not sir by PhatAir · · Score: 5, Informative

      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

  3. I preferred the Ultima series, myself... by Ykant · · Score: 5, Funny

    But how would that work - Sir Lord British? That's like, redundant in so many different ways...

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  4. Jez San might object to the "first" bit by antime · · Score: 5, Informative

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

  5. In other news.. by 1019 · · Score: 5, Funny

    The entire staff of Rockstar Games was knighted today for their contributions towards "Thefting Autos Grandly."

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  6. Re:What exactly is knighthood? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny
    First off, this isn't a knighthood but no matter, all awards of this manner are worthless.

    "For us non-Brits, what exactly does being knighted confer on you? What are the benefits if any?"


    You get a little badge that says you don't have to pay taxes.

    "How selective is it?"


    It's only awarded to men and only to those who have ingratiated themselves sufficiently to the self appointed elite.


    "How many people are knighted,


    It depends on how many sandwiches the caterers have made for the buffet. In a nutshell, if you turn up and the Queen spots you with a cucumber sandich, you get a knighthood. OBE's and MBE's are given to the poor sod's with the vol-au-vents. More excitingly, if you have a pretzel, you get to be president of a minor colony.


    and how often?"


    You only get knighted once, no matter how many sandiches.


    "And are women knighted these days?"


    No, they get to be "Dames". As in, Dame Edna Everage.