Computer games champion awarded the prestigious Guildford Roll of Honour

Tuesday 15 May 2012

Peter will receive this exclusive accolade at a special celebratory dinner at Guildford’s historic Guildhall in front of representatives from business, education and public service on Wednesday 11 July 2012.

The Guildford Roll of Honour is an annual award which recognises and celebrates people who have made a real difference to Guildford and the surrounding area, either economically, socially or artistically, and who are outstanding in their field of work.  The initiative is a joint venture between the University of Surrey and Guildford Borough Council.   

Peter receives the award in recognition of his outstanding business success and contribution to the UK computer games design and programming industry which has a strong base in Guildford.   As a child, he grew up in a ‘games environment’, courtesy of his parent’s toy shop.  His 25-year career in the computer games industry began in 1987.  He has created, grown and sold two major companies – Bullfrog (which was sold to Electronic Arts in 1995) and Lionhead Studios (acquired by Microsoft in 2006).  Always keen to innovate and pioneer new ventures, Peter recently left Microsoft Game Studios Europe, where he was Creative Director, to help grow a new entrepreneurial venture, Guildford-based 22Cans.

While at Bullfrog, Peter developed what is considered to be the first ‘god game’, Populus, which went on to sell over 4 million copies.  Other internationally successful games in his portfolio include: Theme Park, Magic Carpet, Dungeon Keeper, Black & White and the Fable series.   

Peter’s inclusion in the Guildford Roll of Honour is the latest in a long line of accolades which include an OBE in the New Year’s Honours list 2004.  Professional and industry awards include: an induction into the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame (2004) for his revolutionary and innovative achievements in the computer and video game industry; Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (2004), four honorary doctorates; and a BAFTA Fellowship at the 2011 British Academy Video Games Awards.

Speaking about the award, Peter said: “Guildford is a fantastic place to start and grow a business.  It is home to a pool of amazingly talented people and the town has attracted some of the world’s finest computer games companies."

Keith Robson, Director of Research and Enterprise at the University of Surrey added:  “The University is proud to be supporting this exclusive and prestigious annual award, which honours a select group of individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the economy of Guildford and the surrounding region.  Peter is a fantastic role model for the new generation of Surrey student entrepreneurs.  Bullfrog, Lionhead, and his latest venture 22cans, have all been started in Guildford, creating significant local employment and wealth and helping to make Guildford a recognised centre for the gaming industry."

Cllr Tony Rooth, Guildford Borough Council Leader comments, “We are proud to support this award.  It recognises the contribution of exceptional individuals to the prosperity, wellbeing and culture of the area.  Those who receive the Roll of Honour are role models for young people.  They can also act as ambassadors to promote the successes of our thriving borough.  

“Guildford has long been recognised as a centre of trade, commerce and innovation.  Guildford Borough Council is committed to ensuring that our borough remains attractive to the leading  entrepreneurs and innovators of the future.  We are achieving this through investment and proactive work to encourage new development, a buoyant local economy and a dynamic culture and tourism scene.”

Editors' Notes

About the Guildford Roll of Honour

The Guildford Role of Honour was launched in 2011 to recognise exceptional local individuals who have made a substantial impact to the economic wealth, social well-being or artistic culture of Guildford and the surrounding area.  The Roll of Honour takes the form of a special custom-made plaque which is on permanent display at the Guildhall.

Nominees for the award are drawn widely from business, the public sector, arts or successful social enterprise and are judged against the following criteria:

•They have achieved outstanding recognition in their fields
•Inspirational figures
•Innovators and entrepreneurs, whether in business or in social enterprise.

The Roll of Honour, a collaboration between the University of Surrey and Guildford Borough Council,

Media Enquiries

Peter La, Press Office at the University of Surrey, Tel: +44 (0)1483 689191, or Email mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk