League of Legends’ Riot Games wins a BAFTA

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) honored League of Legends’ co-creators Brandon “Ryze” Beck and Marc “Tryndamere” Merrill with a special award at a Los Angeles event on June 12. This special award is in recognition of Riot Games’ “creative contribution to the games industry.”

In response to this honor, Beck and Merrill are quoted as saying: “Thank you to BAFTA. This is so meaningful to us. We graciously accept this on behalf of our full team and on behalf of the Rioters at home. And of course, a special thanks to all of our players.”

“At BAFTA we aim to champion innovation and creativity,” said Nick Button-Brown, BAFTA Games Committee Chair. We are therefore delighted to recognize Riot Games with this BAFTA Special Award.”

BAFTA recognizes games with game of the year awards every year. This award is most likely BAFTA awarding Riot Games for their post-launch support and growth, not entirely dissimilar from a lifetime achievement award.