Together, Media Molecule and its
LittleBigPlanet have swept the Develop Industry Excellence Awards in Brighton, taking home wins in the Best New IP, Visual Arts, Technical Innovation, Best New Studio and Best Independent Developer categories.
Event organizers say over 500 attendees turned out for the honors, hosted by English comedian Jason Manford. It's the seventh year for the event, which aims to honor the best of the European development industry -- although some Technology & Services subcategories accept non-European winners.
Among the honorees: Former Sony Worldwide Studios boss Phil Harrison, who recently moved to a non-executive board role at Atari, was celebrated with the Development Legend award, and agent Jacqui Lyons received the Lifetime Achievement honor.
In addition, Codemasters received the Grand Prix award for its achievements over its 25-year lifespan. The full list of winners in each category is as follows:
Creativity
Best New IP
LittleBigPlanet (Media Molecule)
Best Use of a License
Lego Batman (Traveller's Tales)
Visual Arts
LittleBigPlanet (Media Molecule)
Audio Accomplishment
Fable II (Lionhead)
Publishing Hero
Apple
Technology & Services
Technical Innovation
LittleBigPlanet (Media Molecule)
Best Tools Provider
Autodesk
Best Engine
Unreal Engine 3 (Epic Games)
Recruitment Company
Amiqus
Services
Audiomotion
Creative Outsourcing
Side & Sidelines
Studios
Best New Studio
Media Molecule
Best Handheld Games Studio
Rockstar Leeds
Business Development
Playfish
Best Independent Developer
Media Molecule
Best In-House Team
Rockstar North
Special Recognition
Development Legend
Phil Harrison
Lifetime Achievement Award
Jacqui Lyons
Grand Prix
Codemasters
"When the industry is often wrongly criticized for its reliance on licensed titles, Media Molecule has shown the value in a wholly original approach," said Develop Magazine editor-in-chief Michael French of the awards' biggest winner.
"We salute the winners, and pat the shoulders of those nominated -- but everyone in the business should be rightly congratulated for another stellar year."
