BAFTA Games Awards to award Fellowship to legendary composer Yoko Shimomura

The 21st BAFTA Games Awards are around the corner on 8 April and this year, it’s been unveiled that distinguished composer Yoko Shimomura will be the recipient of the BAFTA Fellowship, the organisation's highest honour.

Japanese composer and pianist Shimomura is being recognised for her incredible contribution to the games industry.

The prestigious BAFTA Fellowship is awarded to those who have “made an outstanding and exceptional contribution to film, games or television”.

You’ll certainly have heard one of Shimomura’s unforgettable soundtracks, even if you’re not aware of the fact.

The Kingdom Hearts series, Final Fantasy XV, the Mario & Luigi series, Xenoblade Chronicles, Streets of Rage, the Mana series, Super Mario RPG, Live A Live, Radiant Historia, Parasite Eve, Breather of Fire and Street Fighter II are just some of the iconic soundtracks Shimomura has composed.

Shimomura is currently working on the soundtrack for the upcoming Kingdom Hearts IV, with recent work including Reynatis and Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope.

Kingdom Hearts IV remains deep in development with no announced release window just yet.

"I am absolutely delighted to receive such an amazing and prestigious award as this, although, honestly speaking, I still cannot quite believe it. I am who I am today thanks to all the people who have supported me, allowing me to continue being involved with the music that I love and discovering the medium of games where that music can flourish,” Shimomura said in a press release.

“I am deeply grateful to everyone in the games industry, to those who ask me to write my music and to all those who listen to it. I would like for them, and for everyone who has been a part of my life, to join with me in celebrating this award. Thank you so much."

Jane Millichip, CEO of BAFTA, added, “It is a real privilege to honour Yoko Shimomura with the BAFTA Fellowship this year. A pioneer of video game music, pianist and composer, Yoko has created unforgettable soundtracks for so many beloved games and paved the way for women in the industry at a time when it was overwhelmingly male-dominated.”

“Her groundbreaking work has already inspired countless artists and will continue to resonate for generations. We look forward to honouring her at the 21st BAFTA Games Awards,” she continued.

The award will be presented to Shimomura at the 21st annual BAFTA Games Awards on Tuesday 8 April at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London and will be streamed live on BAFTA’s YouTube and Twitch channels.