"I am particularly glad to salute today a veritable visionary, who shows for every creation of his own how video games have their place in this stateroom," commented France's minister of culture, Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres.

In spite of the prestigious award, Molyneux remained modest. "I would also like to say that I see this as a credit for everyone at Lionhead Studios, all our games are a team effort," he said. "I am just the figurehead. It is fantastic to see video games honoured in this way."

Molyneux represents the latest in a growing number of game designers to be recognized by France's Order of Arts and Letters. Last year, Mario and Zelda creator Shigeru Miyamoto, Rayman and Beyond Good & Evil creator Michel Ancel, and Alone in the Dark creator Frederick Raynal were honored with the same distinction.