Epic Games to receive BAFTA Special Award for contribution to game development

BAFTA will honor Epic Games with the esteemed Special Award at this year's awards ceremony in London on June 12. 

Epic CEO and founder Tim Sweeney will accept the award on behalf of the company, which is recognized throughout the games industry for creating the Unreal Engine, the Epic Games Store, and video games like Fortnite, Bulletstorm, and Shadow Complex.

The Unreal Engine in particular has been used to develop a smorgasbord of acclaimed games, including BAFTA-winning titles like Rocket League, BioShock, Mass Effect, What Remains of Edith Finch, and Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice. 

"We are delighted to present this year’s Special Award to Epic Games. Having powered the creativity and imaginations of development teams of all sizes over the years" said Dr. Jo Twist OBE, chair of the BAFTA Games Committee.

"It's right to mark their huge contribution with this Special Award as part of BAFTA's commitment to celebrating and promoting the very best in games. Epic is at the forefront of the evolution of the global games industry and the impact of their innovation is undeniable."

Previous winners of the Special Award include voice actor Nolan North, Riot Games co-founders and Brandon Beck, and veteran game devs Brenda Romero and Amy Hennig.