The UK Games Industry Hall of Fame celebrates the pioneers whose creative achievements have shaped the sector. From developers and designers to publishers and advocates, this prestigious accolade recognises their lasting impact on the UK games industry, both at home and globally.
Peter Molyneux is a legendary British video game designer and developer, renowned for creating games that pushed the boundaries of interactive storytelling. As the founder of Bullfrog Productions and Lionhead Studios, he was behind iconic titles such as Populous, Theme Park, Dungeon Keeper, and Fable. Molyneux revolutionised the god game and simulation genres, introducing complex player-driven moral choices and open-world mechanics.
Jonathan Smith is the founder of TT Games Publishing and a key figure behind the success of the LEGO video game franchise. Under his leadership, TT Games transformed LEGO into a powerhouse gaming IP, creating beloved titles such as LEGO Star Wars, LEGO Harry Potter, and LEGO Marvel Super Heroes. Smith’s vision turned LEGO games into a global phenomenon, combining humour, accessibility, and creativity.
Charles Cecil is a pioneering game designer and co-founder of Revolution Software, best known for the critically acclaimed Broken Sword series. His work has earned him recognition as one of the key figures in the adventure game genre, with a focus on narrative-driven experiences. Cecil’s emphasis on storytelling and cinematic presentation brought a new level of sophistication to adventure games.
Noirin Carmody is the co-founder and COO of Revolution Software, where she has played a vital role in the success of narrative-rich adventure games, including Broken Sword and Beneath a Steel Sky. Her advocacy for representation and her business acumen have also been instrumental in promoting the value of storytelling in games and driving industry-wide conversations about diversity.
Sir Ian Livingstone is a gaming industry titan, co-founder of Games Workshop, and co-creator of the Fighting Fantasy gamebook series. He played a key role in bringing Dungeons & Dragons to the UK and later became an influential figure at Eidos Interactive, helping launch franchises like Tomb Raider. His advocacy for games as a cultural and economic force, has made him a central figure in the growth and success of the UK games sector.
Carolin Krenzer is the co-founder and CEO of Trailmix, the studio behind the hit mobile game Love & Pies. She held senior roles at King, where she helped grow Farm Heroes Saga into a major success. Krenzer has been a driving force in creating emotionally engaging and player-first experiences. Her commitment to creating games with depth and emotional resonance has set a new standard for mobile titles, making them more inclusive and narrative-driven.
David Braben is a legendary British game developer, best known as the co-creator of the groundbreaking space exploration game Elite. He is the founder of Frontier Developments, the studio behind Planet Coaster, Jurassic World Evolution, and Elite Dangerous. Braben’s work on Elite introduced open-world gameplay and procedural generation, laying the foundation for the modern sandbox and space simulation genres.
David Jones is a Scottish video game designer and entrepreneur, best known for creating Lemmings, Grand Theft Auto (GTA), and Crackdown. As the founder of DMA Design (now Rockstar North), his work helped shape some of the most influential and successful game franchises of all time. His creative vision laid the groundwork for the modern sandbox genre, making GTA a cultural and commercial phenomenon that continues to influence the industry.
Sir Demis Hassabis is the co-founder and CEO of DeepMind, a world-leading artificial intelligence company acquired by Google. Hassabis began his career in games, developing Theme Park at Bullfrog Productions and co-founding Elixir Studios. Hassabis’ work on AI has had a profound impact on gaming, with DeepMind’s AI technology contributing to advancements in game design, such as more realistic NPC behaviour and adaptive gameplay.
Meghna Jayanth is an acclaimed writer and narrative designer, best known for her work on 80 Days and Horizon Zero Dawn. She is celebrated for her richly detailed world-building, diverse character portrayals, and inclusive storytelling. . Her writing has elevated the standard for character depth and branching storytelling, inspiring greater representation and authenticity in games.