Blitz Games Studios honours

21 November 2008

Blitz Games Studios founders Philip and Andrew Oliver received Honorary Doctorates from Coventry University on 20 November 2008

In recognition of their significant contribution to technology and business across the computer games industry, the Oliver Twins have been awarded with doctorates in separate disciplines in the graduation ceremony held at Coventry Cathedral.

Philip Oliver, founder and CEO of Blitz Games Studios received an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) in recognition of his leading contribution to the growth of the electronic games industry in the regional, national and international forum.

Philip co-founded Blitz, based in Leamington Spa, in 1990 along with his brother Andrew Oliver, following 10 years of designing and writing phenomenally successful games, including the iconic Dizzy series.

Responsible for the company’s overall management and direction, he and Andrew ensure Blitz maintains its ongoing reputation as an ethical developer focused on creating high quality games across many genres.

Philip said: “We both feel very honoured to have received these Doctorates. Both Andrew and I skipped university, instead electing to take a ‘year out’. To have finally ‘graduated’ at Coventry Cathedral in front of over 1,000 attendees was incredible and daunting at the same time.”

Andrew received an Honorary Doctorate of Technology (DTech) for his major contribution in technical aspects of the electronic games industry in the regional, national and international forum. Andrew is co-founder of Blitz and took on the role of CTO when he and Philip started the company 18 years ago.

Andrew said: “We’ve spent a great deal of time working with many universities and their students, particularly on these new game degree courses and it’s great that our local university is so in tune with the kind of work we’re doing.

“There is such potential in the future for games technology and we strive to be at the leading edge. Coventry University recognises this, particularly with the establishment of its Serious Games Institute, which shows that this innovation and technology can be used for more than just entertainment.”

Commented Vice Chancellor Professor Madeleine Atkins: “They have made a mark in a way which improves the quality of life for many people and we are proud to be associated with them.”

About Blitz Games Studios:

From humble beginnings in the bedrooms of 80s schoolboy coders Philip and Andrew Oliver, Blitz has grown into one of the most stable and respected developers in the world. Recently restructured and now boasting five distinct divisions, Blitz has come a long way from its roots as a well-known developer of family games. Today the different divisions are working on mature titles, serious games, downloadable games and games technology, with over 230 talented and passionate staff.

For more information, see www.BlitzGamesStudios.com

About the Oliver twins:

Philip and Andrew are 41 years old and went to Clarendon College in Trowbridge, where the Oliver Building has been named after them in recognition of the close contact they still have with the school. The twins started writing computer games when they were 14 years old and by 1986 were responsible for seven per cent of all computer games sold in the UK.

Encouraged by their A-level physics teacher Terry Hall to take a year out and give their business a go, the twins never looked back. Terry comments: “To have taught two people who have made such an impact in their local community and across the games industry is fantastic.”

For more information on Blitz Games Studios or the Oliver twins contact:

Debbie Henderson, Assistant PR Manager

Email: dhenderson@blitzgamesstudios.com

Web: www.blitzgamesstudios.com

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