Infamous videogame over-promiser Peter Molyneux wants to apologize for making game features up on the spot to stop game journalists from falling asleep.
Lionhead’s Peter Molyneux is an interesting fellow. He can say that (the then-upcoming) Fable III has the “greatest cast” ever in a game, and then turn around and call himself a “talentless bastard” who has “never made a great game.” Gamers probably know him best for his grand visions and promises that never quite make it into the final shipped versions of his games – such as being able to plant an acorn in Fable and see it grow into a tree.
Molyneux was awarded a British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Fellowship tonight, following on the heels of legendary gaming guru Shigeru Miyamoto. According to Eurogamer, the Fable creator took the opportunity to apologize for failing to deliver on some of his promises for games past.
“I’d like to thank the press, by the way, for listening to my stuff,” said Molyneux in his acceptance speech. “Sorry – I’ve slightly over-promised on things on occasion,” he understated. “I could name at least 10 features in games that I’ve made up to stop journalists going to sleep and I really apologize to the team for that.”
I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting “made up a feature to stop a drowsy games journalist from falling asleep in an interview” to ever be a reason for anything – especially when bro-hugs work so much better. To be honest, I’m fairly sure that he’s probably joking there (though with Mr. Molyneux, it’s hard to tell), even if his apology for over-promising is itself sincere.
“Every day I wake up and thank the stars that I’m still here now,” said Molyneux to conclude his speech. “I love my job so much and I really feel like going home and working harder than I’ve ever done to prove that I deserve this award.”
Peter Molyneux is the fourth game developer to receive a BAFTA Fellowship. Other recipients include the aforementioned Miyamoto, SimEverything creator Will Wright, and Pong creator Nolan Bushnell.
Don’t worry, Peter. We still love you. Without you, the industry would be marginally less wacky, and that would be a shame.
(Via Eurogamer)
