Top Honors

Codemasters Co-Founders Get Queenly Honors

Codemasters co-founders David and Richard Darling were recognized by the Queen of England, Elizabeth II during her annual birthday honors. Both brothers were named Commanders of the Order of the British Empire, a British order of chivalry established back in 1917 by King George V, recognized for their contribution to the video game industry.

"For over 20 years David and Richard led Codemasters as it became one of the video game industry's great British success stories," said Rod Cousens, present head of Codemasters.

"Their drive and passion for creating the best in interactive entertainment will always be part of the industry's heritage and this recognition is well deserved."

Good show, Darlings. The British video game industry wouldn't have been the same without you two. Enjoy those badges!

'Darlings' of UK games honoured [BBC via CVG]

OK, I think I get the gist of this piece. TeamTeaBag takes a look at gaming achievements on the 360, and it's hard for me to assess the tone: Either SmellyGeekyBoy (the writer)

• resents the hell out of all achievements and is parodying achievement whores OR

• knows that cynical motives on behalf of Microsoft and the developers are the reason for game achievements. But he can't help himself from collecting all of them or

• agrees completely with and loves the concept of achievements.

I think it's between 1 and 2. And for myself, I'm between 2 and 3. I look on it this way, when you get a game that you really, really enjoy, the achievements show that you got your money's worth. Hokey, I know, but for those titles that don't have a 100 percent-completion model (and for some that do) the achievements can add another reason to keep on enjoying it.

Why Achievements are Awesome {TeamTeaBag]

Also, you can get that bumper sticker via CafePress

top honors

Morhaime Enters AIAS Hall Of Fame

Morhaime FTW! The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences adds another name to its list of game industry luminaries today as it announces the induction of Blizzard co-founder, president, and CEO Mike Morhaime into its Hall of Fame. Morhaime is being honored for his contributions to the MMO space with World of Warcraft, as well as the success of the Diablo, Warcraft, and Starcraft franchises. Where's the Lost Vikings love, AIAS?

"This is a great honor, and I'm proud to receive it," said Morhaime. "The success that Blizzard Entertainment has had over the years would not have been possible without the enthusiasm and support of players around the world, and the passion and dedication of our employees, so I thank all of them for contributing to this achievement."

Morhaime is in excellent company, as previous inductees include Will Wright, John Carmack, Sega's Yu Suzuki, Shigeru Miyamoto, and Danielle Bunten Berry. BioWare CEO Dr. Ray Muzka will present the honor at the 11th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards on February 7th. More »