Renowned video game creator Hideo Kojima to receive BAFTA’s highest honor in April

Hideo Kojima (Image: AFP/Charly Triballeau via AFP Relaxnews)

Revered video game designer, producer, writer and director Hideo Kojima is set to be presented with the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Fellowship, the highest accolade the award-giving body can give an individual.

The fellowship is given “in recognition of an outstanding and exceptional contribution to film, games or television,” according to BAFTA. Kojima, best known for the mega-selling hit series “Metal Gear” and award-winning “Death Stranding,” will receive the award on April 2, as per BAFTA’s announcement on Feb. 27.

“I am delighted that we are recognizing Hideo Kojima’s remarkable career with a BAFTA Fellowship,” said  BAFTA chief executive Amanda Berry, OBE. “Kojima is the trailblazing creator behind multiple games and is revered around the world for his innovative work.”

With over 30 years in the gaming industry, Kojima has been regarded as an auteur of video games. He started his journey by working for Konami, where he wrote and designed “Metal Gear.” Recently, through his own studio Kojima Productions–which went independent in 2015–Kojima released “Death Stranding,” which turned out to be one of the biggest games of 2019.

Norman Reedus, digitized, for “Death Stranding” (Image: Kojima Productions / Sony Interactive Entertainment)

“Death Stranding” has bagged the Game Award for Best Studio/Game Direction, the Award for Best Score/Soundtrack and the Award for Best Performance for Mads Mikkelsen’s role in the game.

After knowing of the accolade, Kojima told BAFTA: “Thank you very much for this precious BAFTA Fellowship award. I am very honored, and would like to take this moment to reflect on the many predecessors that came before me, as I deeply respect their contributions to entertainment, whether in movies, television or games.”

He then thanked all those who supported him in his journey, and promised that he will continue his “commitment to creating new and innovative ways that will push the world of ‘play’ entertainment forward.”

Esteemed BAFTA Fellowships were previously presented to Kathleen Kennedy, Thelma Shoonmaker, Tim Schafer, Joanna Lumley, John Carmack, David Braben – OBE, Helen Mirren, Rockstar Games, Julie Walters, Gabe Newell, Peter Molyneux, Vanessa Redgrave, Shigeru Miyamoto and Will Wright.

Other nominations for the coming game awards will be announced on March 3, according to BAFTA. The BAFTA Game Awards in April will be held at Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. The ceremony is part of the London Games Festival, which runs from March 26 to April 6.  /ra

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