Minecraft creator Persson to receive BAFTA Special Award

Minecraft creator Markus "Notch" Persson will be presented with the Special Award at this month's British Academy Video Games Awards, BAFTA announced today. Persson will be presented with the award for his work in the video games industry, with Minecraft the "standout accomplishment" of his career. The game was finally fully released at the end of last year, having amassed millions of beta players during its two-year development. The Swedish developer will be presented with the award during the full BAFTA award ceremony, which is due to take place later this month, and will feature awards such as best game of 2011. In past years, the BAFTA Special Award has been given to the likes of music industry mogul Simon Cowell, documentary film maker Paul Watson and comedy duo the Chuckle Brothers. Of the award, Persson said, "I've always considered the BAFTA Awards to be one of the most prestigious awards one can receive, and I was very happy when it expanded to cover video games in 1998." "When I first heard that I would receive a BAFTA Special Award, I was blown away and deeply humbled. Going to London to accept this award is going to be a very positive and interesting experience that I'm very much looking forward to."