BioWare founders to receive GDC Lifetime Achievement awards

Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk, the now-retired "BioWare doctors", will be honoured at the 13th Annual Game Developers Choice Awards next month.

The pair will receive the award for their "contributions to the art and science of games", which include founding BioWare with funds acquired from their medical practices, keeping it strong during acquisition by EA, and producing some of gaming's best-loved franchises, of which Mass Effect, Dragon Age and Star wars: the Old Republic are only the latest.

"The BioWare Doctors are truly a unique breed. Not only have they created some of the most emotionally-engaging and beloved games ever made, they are two of the most passionate, engaging, just all-around nice guys anyone could be fortunate enough to meet. Anyone, be they a longtime colleague or a fan who’s met them only once at an event like GDC can tell you they treat everyone like a friend, and I am so pleased we can show them our deep appreciation this year with this award,” GDC events manager Meggan Scavio said.

“There’s no denying the deep footprint Ray and Greg have made, and how much their dedication and leadership will be missed in our industry. We’re proud to honor them with the Lifetime Achievement Award as they parlay into their next careers.”

Muzyka and Zeschuk announced their retirement from the games industry in September. Lifetime Achievement recipients are chosen by the Game Developers Choice Awards Advisory Committee, including Valve's Doug Lombardi, Arkane Studios' Harvey Smith, Microsoft's Chris Charla and PopCap's John Vechey.

The main GDC Awards will be hosted by Double Fine’s Tim Schafer, while the IGF's event will be handled by Pocketwatch Games’ Andy Schatz. Both ceremonies take place on March 27 and will be streamed live via Gamespot.